OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – Students in Omaha Performing Arts’ Nebraska Theater Academy had the chance to learn from musical professionals this week while they’re in town performing in “Funny Girl.”

Nearly 100 students from nine high schools met inside the Holland Performing Arts Center to learn how to tap from someone who’s been dancing his whole life.

Izaiah Montaque Harris plays Eddie Ryan on the Broadway First National Tour of “Funny Girl.”

“We started in August 2023 so we’ve been doing it for a minute but it’s beautiful coming to new cities like this,” Harris said.

While he and his character are advanced tappers, many of the students were learning common moves, like flaps and shuffles, for the first time.

“I did a little bit of tapping a few years ago but not much,” Northwest High School Freshman Jack Plucknett said.

Some students traveled from as far as Tekamah to take part in the class.

When national tours stop at the Orpheum Theater, O-pa allows students to learn from professionals in masterclasses just like the one Harris taught.

O-pa organizers said students from schools in every Nebraska county are involved and invited.

It’s part of a push to provide more accessibility to Nebraskans who might not have an easy time getting to arts meccas like New York.

“We feel it’s really important to make sure that we provide this access throughout the entire state so that musical theater programs or students who are interested in this wonderful artform get a chance to be exposed to the best of the business,” O-pa Vice President of Programming & Education Andy Cassano said.

Cassano said the masterclasses have covered all areas of theatre in the past; showing it’s not just the performers on stage who have a hand in entertaining.

“We also have times where we’re working with the crews backstage, stage managers,” Cassano said.

Harris also took some time to share some wisdom with the students.

“I never really thought I was doing this, going to do this,” Harris said. “But at the same time, I’m here. I want them to know that they can do it too.”

“Funny Girl” is playing at the Orpheum Theater through November 17. You can learn more about the production and find out how to get tickets here.

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