By Samira Zarazua
OMAHA, Neb. — The Director of Social Impact, DeAnna Williams, was removed from her position at the Omaha Community Playhouse, prompting a strong reaction from the community.
The Omaha Community Playhouse has been a large part of the theatre community in Omaha, recently celebrating their 100th anniversary last year (2025). Theatre communities have strong ties to DEIA initiatives, making the latest news of the removal of the Social Impact director to spark concern from thespians in the Omaha Metropolitan area.
The Director of Social Impact oversaw DEIA initiatives, making sure that they would be enforced in the playhouse.
Even more concern was had when there was no official statement from the playhouse, most hearing from the word of mouth from those who worked closely with Williams. This then led to the use of social media spreading the news on a much larger scale.
With social media becoming a key way for the news to spread, this prompted some community members to speak out, some creating viral videos in Omaha. In a recent production of Hair in OCP, cast members spoke-out to the Board of Directors during the end of one of the show’s performances, garnering much more attention to the news. Instagram user “ms_bester,” who posted the video of this exchange, has now reached over 4000 views on their latest reel.
After the initial spark of the news on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook, the Omaha Community Playhouse released a statement.
“We are continuing our DEIA initiatives and community outreach,” said the official post from OCP. They also state how the decision to remove the position was prompted for financial purposes. The responsibilities of the position will now be spread amongst the rest of the staff; leaders being held accountable by the Board of Directors. “We are actively searching for our next reader,” (omahaplayhouse, 2026).
The Artistic Director, Vincent “VJ” Orduna, made it clear in an interview with the Omaha News that the responsibilities of the previous role will be carried out by the current staff. Orduna plans to ensure that all casting in his shows represent the diverse community of Omaha in theatre spaces. During the interview, Orduna expressed the importance of the community feedback OCP was receiving.
Some community members still feel concerned about the timing and method of communication between OCP, especially with the official statement having been released after the social media impact of the news.
Adrian Ossenkop, a UNO student and lighting designer for local theatre productions, mentioned how important it is for a long-standing organization to have specific roles that enforce DEIA initiatives.
“What I would like to see from OCP is open public board meetings and more accountability, and communication about the DEIA initiatives happening at OCP, passed this role being dissolved.” (Ossenkop in an interview).
Thespians in the community anticipate what the Omaha Community Playhouse will do next to ensure that their surrounding community in Omaha continues to have an inclusive space for theatre.
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