Local Thespian Performs in Nebraska Theatre Academy Showcase

  • Kaylee Olsen of Gothenburg, pictured front center, was selected to perform with the Nebraska Theatre Academy in May in Omaha. (Photos courtesy Lori Long)
    Kaylee Olsen of Gothenburg, pictured front center, was selected to perform with the Nebraska Theatre Academy in May in Omaha. (Photos courtesy Lori Long)
  • Kaylee Olsen, far left, shares a moment at Omaha’s Orpheum Theatre with her musical theatre coaches Erin Feather, Makayla Franzen, and Lori Long.
    Kaylee Olsen, far left, shares a moment at Omaha’s Orpheum Theatre with her musical theatre coaches Erin Feather, Makayla Franzen, and Lori Long.

    A 2026 Gothenburg graduate recently got a taste of Broadway, spending a week completely immersed in rehearsals, choreography, and mentorship with nationally recognized coaches and performers, all culminating in a grand performance with more than 500 fellow actors at Omaha’s Orpheum Theatre on Sunday, May 31.

    Kaylee Olsen was nominated by her one act play director, Lori Long, along with fellow thespians Mavrix Butterfield and Jack Aden to participate in the Nebraska Theatre Academy (NTA) Showcase held from May 27-31. Ultimately, Olsen made the trek alone, as Butterfield and Aden had conflicts with the dates.

    Upon arriving at the Tenaska Center for Arts Engagement in Omaha on May 27, Olsen immediately dove into rehearsals as part of the Showcase Ensemble, a group of students that perform both …