GPTC Through the Years

The Great Plains Theatre Commons began in 2006 as the Great Plains Theatre Conference at Metropolitan Community College (MCC) under the leadership of Dr. Jo Ann C. McDowell, MCC President Emeriti. At the time, the concept of a national playwriting conference was uncharted territory for both the College and the Omaha community.

Over the years, the Conference evolved as a resource both locally and nationally. Since its founding, the annual event has helped develop hundreds of new American plays. In 2020, the Conference was redefined as independent theatre nonprofit organization and renamed as the Great Plains Theatre Commons. This has facilitated significant expansion of year-round community programming and professional development opportunities for local playwrights and theatre artists.

The GPTC continues to honor the past and future of the American theatre community while increasing the scope of programs that serve the Omaha community year-round. In 2024/25, GPTC formally renamed the New Play Conference as the GPTC New Play Festival to more clearly define the event as an annual celebration of new theatre.

Below are a few of the many theatre artists who have joined us over the years:

History

GPTC Through the Years

Honored Playwrights

GPTC MainStage and PlayLab Playwrights