David Cota: Welcome back to The Vault, where we unlock stories that matter here at FNBO. I'm your host, David Cota, and today, we're going to talk about the arts and leadership around arts organizations. We're also going to highlight an amazing new facility that just recently opened.

I'm honored to have Joan Squires here with us. Joan is the President of Omaha Performing Arts. You'll probably hear us say OPA.

Joan Squires: Great.

David Cota: Yes - throughout the conversation. Joan has been President of Omaha Performing Arts for over 20 years, came to Omaha with an extensive background through the arts. I'm sure you'll help tell that story to us. But also, is a very influential and respected member of the national arts community.

I thought it was pretty cool to see that you're still a voting member for the Tony Award. That's fantastic. Co-chair the National Advisory Committee for the Jimmy Awards, which I know a little bit about. Our son was actually nominated when he played Donkey in Shrek, the musical at Westside. So, kind of a fun connection there. And then in 2024, you were inducted as a member of the Business Hall of Fame from the Greater Omaha Chamber.

So, Joan, thanks for being here with us today.

Joan Squires: Thanks so much, David.

David Cota: Yeah, yeah. You know, it's uncanny, the number of ways our paths cross. So, obviously, OPA and FNBO, proud downtown corporate citizens. Our companies do a lot of work together. You and I serve on a couple of community boards together. Meg Lauritzen Dodge is also a longtime member of your board. But for those that haven't had an opportunity to get to know you and some of your story and what brought you to Omaha over 20 years ago. Would you mind starting there and share a bit about your background?

Joan Squires: Sure, and again, I'm so delighted to be here because it's not just we have a history, First National Bank of Omaha has been here, FNBO has been here with us since we started the organization. So, this was one of the first stops when I came to town. And actually, in Meg Dodge is a founding member of the OPA board. So, she's been with us for a long time. So I so appreciate the support.

It's been great. I've been here over 20 years, as you mentioned. And my background really, I started out as a music teacher, if you can believe it which maybe um, underscores my passion for arts education.

David Cota: What age?

Joan Squires: Uh, Kindergarten through sixth grade and ten through twelve. So, I went from the youngest to high school musicals and show choirs and things at the high school level. So, I had a little bit of both.

Love the students, but wanted to do more. So, I decided to go back to the University of Michigan and earn both a Master of Music and an MBA, sort of with left brain, right brain, and to be able to run the business.

And then started my career managing orchestras around the country. So, I've moved several places over the years, and my last stop was Phoenix, Arizona, before I came to convinced to come to Omaha.

David Cota: Yeah, you bet. So you came to Omaha in 2002, and at that time, there really was no Omaha Performing Arts. The facilities, the Dick and Mary Holland campus was probably just a figment of your imagination. So, what drew you to the city and how did you begin to kind of create a picture or a vision of what could become?

Joan Squires: Sure. Really, when I got here, I got a desk, a computer and a stagehand, and they say, go. And at the time, the organization was being formed, assuming responsibility for the Orpheum Theater from the city of Omaha. And the Holland was in the design phase. And fortunately, we had the wonderful Heritage Services that were spearheading the construction and fundraising for the Holland, but I was tasked with putting the organization together. And I thought, when I looked at Omaha, I had to, first they wouldn't tell me where the job was for about three phone calls, the puzzle pieces were here, because there was no other organization similar. Very deep philanthropy, and people who care about this community, just like FNBO invest back in the downtown. And I thought, we could make something special, given the leadership and all the parts I thought were here with an order, with a really a community that invests and believes in arts education.

David Cota: Right. So how do you describe Omaha performing arts today? What would you want the listeners or those that are watching to know about the organization you lead?

Joan Squires: Omaha Performing Arts today is now the largest arts institution in state of Nebraska. We bring in the very best touring artists to all of our venues, which now comprise the Orpheum, the Holland Forming Arts Center, Steelhouse Omaha, and the recently opened Tenaska Center for Arts Engagement.

We have world-class venues. So, it reflects what's on our stages, and our buildings, and an extensive education and engagement program. We serve students not just in the Omaha region, but across the entire state of Nebraska. And we, you know, reach well over 600,00 people a year and growing. So, we've come a long way in those 20 plus years.

David Cota: Absolutely. So, before we get into the Tenaska Center for Arts Engagement, I'm just interested in your leadership style, how you went about building a team, what do you look for?

Joan Squires: I set a high bar. Um, and I think everyone who works with us knows that and we go pretty quickly. Um, you've got to be comfortable with change because we're always looking to innovate to make sure we're reaching the community in new ways and to find people to bring them to our shows. It's a fast pace with high expectations. But, um, we really have a couple rules, you know, fess up and fix it. People are going to make mistakes and they just have to be able to account for that and no surprises. So, things will happen and we will adjust.

But the reason I think we've made such great progress is the amazing team that Omaha Performing Arts has on staff. It's extraordinary. Our board leadership is top-notch, but I have to tell you, the engine behind all of that is the really great administrative team.

David Cota: And how big have you grown the team to today? How big is the organization?

Joan Squires: We're, uh, now full-time is somewhere between 85 and 90 and well over 200 part-time, plus we have 500 or 600 volunteers. So, a lot of folks behind the scenes making everything work.

David Cota: Absolutely. Well, let's get into the exciting opening of the Tenaska Center for Arts Engagement, a new facility that you and partners have been able to bring to the community. I know it's one of the final pieces of a broader master plan around the Dick and Mary Holland campus. Maybe begin by explaining the purpose of the facility and how the community will see the programming begin to set up within the facility.

Joan Squires: Sure. The Tenaska Center for Arts Engagement really was born out of the need, because we were out of space for education and engagement classes. We had students in stairwells and, you know, in the lobbies and in the restaurant, and it just, we had no more space to serve, serve the community. We knew we needed that.

But as we look to master plan the whole campus around the Holland Center, Steelhouse Omaha came first because we also knew we needed to attract and retain a younger workforce and to attract those bands. It also generates some revenues that helps us with the education programs. So Steelhouse Omaha came first, but we knew all along that we needed this facility and now it's spectacular, David. I can't wait for more people to experience it.

David Cota: What type of classes and programs will be offered through the center?

Joan Squires: Right now, we're focused on many things that we do uniquely. A lot of it's with Broadway, so we have Broadway masterclasses with the performers. We have hip hop. We've got jazz classes. We have dance workshops. We have things for all ages. We have an arts play for preschool and for actually babies, all the way that we were doing things with veterans. So really there's classes for all ages and abilities.

David Cota: So, as opposed to the Orpheum and the Holland Center and Steelhouse, which are performance venues, this really will be an education center and activated with classes and with children in and out of it all day, I would imagine.

Joan Squires: Yeah, there'll be a lot of things during the day. We also host corporate meetings as well. And we have an event center, 500 persons, so we can have corporate retreats or weddings and nonprofit events. So, there's a lot going on. And so during the summer, you can sign your children up for camps and classes, if you're looking for things to do, and we'll do a lot during the year. So, it's already starting to be active and just to feel it come alive has been amazing.

David Cota: Yeah. Tenaska as a partner. So, another strong corporate partner and I know they are very particular about when and where they place their name on something. In fact, I believe this is one of the first big naming facilities that they've put in place. How important has that partnership been with Tenaska as you have brought this facility to life?

Joan Squires: The partnership with Tenaska has really been key. We had a lot of conversations, um, and I'm sorry he's no longer with us with Howard Hawkes and Rhonda, but, um, they, we were looking for a company of integrity, that cares about community, and it just has been a perfect partnership. We love working with the team there. And to be able to have their name on this facility, I think, was really wonderful.

I would add to that though, the other partner in all of this has been the Holland Foundation. Their lead gift also joined Tenaska, and we were able to recognize Dick and Mary Holland with the entire campus naming. So those two entities really came together, along with such other generous people. This community is amazing. I go around the country and people can't believe what we have here in Omaha.

David Cota: I know and probably one of those elements when you were considering the job 20 plus years ago, that was talked about, but you really have to be here to experience it. The community is so generous.

Joan Squires: People are jealous.

David Cota: Yeah, absolutely appreciate that, yeah that's exactly right.

So as a former music teacher, both youngsters and high schoolers, what does it mean personally to you to see this facility be able to open and make itself available for youngsters that are intrigued by the arts?

Joan Squires: It's the best part of my job is to watch those young people experience the arts. You know, I think today, we need the arts more than ever. It brings people together. It lets young people express themselves in ways they may not be able to. There's nothing better. I love my job and to get up every day and I get to go see this. And these buildings are magnificent, but what really makes them come alive are these activities within.

David Cota: Yeah. I heard you speak one time, and you talked about the value of shared experiences and how one of the elements of the work that you do, um, is to bring shared experiences into the community. Can you talk a bit about that across all of the work that you do with OPA?

Joan Squires: Really, it is about bringing people together, so they can come to a Broadway show, and for two a half hours they are off their devices. They are not connected. It's a live performance, so anything can happen. And we really get to express feel our emotions. So, because we'll have shows that maybe are happy and sometimes they're not. They may be tough subjects, but it helps people process that. And whether it's you're standing, having a beverage at Steelhouse and listening to a band I probably haven't heard of. Or, or, you know, having a chance to take a class with your um child and because some of these will be for parents and children together. These are the things that I think make a better community. It adds to our quality of life, and it helps us attract and retain a workforce.

David Cota: Yeah, that's exactly right. You know, when I think about, um, those that are just learning about how to interact with the arts and that possibly happening through the Tenaska Center, it just is a real extension of lighting that excitement or flame for people that may not have otherwise had an experience with the performing arts.

Joan Squires: It is and I, you know, as people look to communities too, and we talk about this with the chamber, what is there to do? We can get people to look at it at our community, but then it's like, okay, now what? We drive $61,000,000 plus economic impact, but we're the ones that add to what makes Omaha special. And people come here and they can't believe the quality of what we have. And that part's incredibly rewarding.

David Cota: Yeah, world-class venues with world-class performers and yet within a community that is connected and so special in so many ways.

Joan Squires: Well, you've been a big part of that. FNBO has been behind the scenes, have been wonderful, not just sponsors, but philanthropists with all of it. And that's what makes a difference. You invested in downtown with the Tower. It led all of this effort, and now look what we have downtown with the new Leahy Mall, and now our four venues.

David Cota: Yeah, it's really special. So if, um, a listener is watching this and is intrigued, but has never, um, had their child take a performing arts class or they simply want to learn more about what the Tenaska Center for Arts Engagement is all about, what would your advice to them be?

Joan Squires: Oh go online at o-pa.org/Tenaska, and they can link right to all of the camps and classes. They can sign up right there. They can get more information, but we've got all of it online. We're happy to help. And if they have questions, they can certainly always call Ticket Omaha, and they can direct them.

David Cota: Excellent. And I know there's a community day coming up, April 11th, I believe.

Joan Squires: It's going to be great. We expect to see you there.

David Cota: I'm happy to be there. What all is going to be on tap for that day?

Joan Squires: Sure, from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm, it's a bit of an open house, but we'll have sample classes. So, if people are like, oh, I'm not sure what's in the building. It's free. You can come watch classes or participate in them. We'll have some activities outside in the FNBO garden on the side of Tenaska. And we will have a lot of opportunity all day long for hip hop, music, jazz, dance. There's all kinds of activities. Then we're going to take a little break and then in the evening we're going to have a hip hop block party.

David Cota: Oh, fantastic.

Joan Squires: And that starts at seven. So, it's going to be a full day of places where people, if they missed our open house with the opening, they can come on down for community day.

David Cota: Yeah, that's excellent. When you look forward, so three years from now, five years from now, and the Tenaska Center, is vibrant and programming is continuing to expand, what does success look like to you, Joan?

Joan Squires: Success for us is, first of all, the venues are filled, and people are really experiencing the arts. We have a chance to broaden that base and even attract more people to that. And our activities aren't always just on our campus. We also go into the community. So, we play at Miller Park. We're down at Global Sounds in South Omaha. Jazz on the Green. So, it's people coming together, experiencing the arts, and I think really making a better community. So, we're always looking for new art forms, new immersive types of programs, so people should always pay attention because we're always bringing in new types of activity.

David Cota: Absolutely. Well, and now you've got a campus with facilities that give you a ton of flexibility. So you really get, has your programming evolved and changed over the years as the facilities have evolved and changed?

Joan Squires: We have changed. We used to do some series in some of the more traditional art forms, more, it's now, depending on what the events are. But we're now having Clue, which is going to be sort of an interactive thing where you can come with groups all the way through the buildings, the Tenaska Center campus, which will be fun. We do some immersive things over at Steelhouse. There's different kinds of experiences we can do in our buildings. And we want to stay current. We want people to know that every time they come down, it'll be quality experience, but they might find something new for them.

David Cota: Yeah. So you've opened a new building, you've announced a new Broadway season. Your team has been working super hard.

Joan Squires: Yeah.

David Cota: But I know you enough to know that your eye is also on the horizon. What's your wish for the next five or 10 years for Omaha and for Opa?

Joan Squires: Well, the short term is I look forward to everything being completed downtown and having everything really functioning and operating, but we're always looking ahead. I can't share too much yet, but we uh, we always have to keep, it's sort of, I call it long ball. We always look long ball. We're keeping focused right now making sure things are successful and building on that success, but we're always looking for new projects.

David Cota: Yeah, excellent. So there's a lot that's going to be happening on the 11th. Do you need to sign up or can you just show up?

Joan Squires: People should just show up. It starts at 9.30. There's activities all day till 5:00, and then, again, they can come back for the block party in the evening. So, I hope I will see you there, but you need to have one accessory on. So, this is brand new. But we, uh, like to..

David Cota: Tenaska Center for Arts.

Joan Squires: I know, it doesn't match your green.

David Cota: Is this for me?

Joan Squires: That's for you. That's for you.

David Cota: I like it. I like it. How does it look?

Joan Squires: It looks perfect so you can come down on April 11th, David.

David Cota: I'll be wearing the hat. Everyone will be jealous.

Joan Squires: That's great. Exactly.

David Cota: How about that?

Joan, I really appreciate you being here with us today. It's been a fantastic conversation. Congratulations to you and your team on the opening of the Tenaska Center for Arts Engagement.

And thank you for everything you've brought to the community over the past 20 years. Omaha is a richer, more vibrant place because of the work that you and your team do. So, thank you very, very much.

Joan Squires: Thank you.

David Cota: Yeah, excellent.

Thank you all for joining us today and for listening.

Joan, thank you again for the conversation.

If you do have interest in learning more about the Community Day or Omaha Performing Arts and all that they offer, as Joan said, please just go to their website. We'll provide a link to their website in our show summary.

Also, please subscribe, give us a review if you're so willing.

Again, we appreciate you being with us today.

My name is David Cota, and until next time, we'll see you on The Vault.