Connecting through Storytelling
The Center Stage Project was born from an understanding that art illuminates the world one story at a time. We believe that art and performance are the emotional home for our community—a brave space dedicated to expanding the theatrical horizon, staging diverse works that resonate with the human spirit.
The Neighbor Impact
We are dedicated to a mission of collaborative impact.
We recognize that our arts community is stronger when we work together. The Center Stage Project exists to produce our series alongside our fellow performing arts organizations, ensuring that our collective efforts better our community as a whole. We are committed to actively showcasing, supporting, and raising awareness for our partners throughout Kearney, building a shared platform that elevates every local stage and helps sustain the entire ecosystem of creative, transformative expression in our city.
OUR PROJECTS
CUE THE UPDATES
What's next for us?
Get ready for some holiday showtime! A Merry Musical Mix brings the magic of musical theater straight to the Christmas season. Join us for a fast-paced, high-energy revue featuring showstopping theatrical arrangements of your favorite Christmas classics, dramatic seasonal storytelling, and contemporary holiday stage hits.
As we lift the curtain on our very first project, we are proud to tip our hats to our incredible fellow performing arts neighbors who keep our local culture thriving. But above all, this is a celebration of home: don't miss the chance to see familiar local faces take to the stage, featuring a brilliant, multi-generational cast ranging from talented youth to seasoned adults!
We’ve packed all the joy, talent, and sparkle of a massive holiday production into a swift, spectacular 70-minute showcase. Admission is completely free!
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Behind the Project
This is where we pull back the curtain. Stay tuned as we share the stories, projects, and community impact that bring The Center Stage Project to life.
Follow our journey on socials—coming soon!
Auditions
Future auditions for our 2027 projects are in the works—keep those headshots ready!
In the meantime, keep those dancing shoes moving by auditioning for our friends at Kearney Community Theatre, Crane River, and UNK. The stage is waiting!
Neighbors in Art & Creativity
Kearney just got a lot more spontaneous! We are so excited to welcome Fake Friends to the neighborhood—a brand-new improv troupe dedicated to making it up as they go.
Wait, what’s Improv? Think of it as theater without a safety net! No scripts, no rehearsals, and zero "spoilers." It’s a high-energy tightrope walk where the performers create characters, stories, and laughs on the spot, usually fueled by hilarious suggestions from you in the audience.
We are big believers that there’s room for every kind of performer on the stage, and these guys are bringing a whole new level of "yes, and" to our community. Go give them a follow, catch a rehearsal, and let’s show some love to the funniest "fakes" in town!
LOCAL VENUE HIGHLIGHT
The World Theatre
Located in the heart of downtown Kearney, The World Theatre is more than just a cinema—it is a community landmark dedicated to the magic of shared experiences. Originally opened in 1927 and beautifully restored to its vaudeville-era glory, The World serves as a non-profit hub for film, live performance, and local connection.
We believe that a rising tide lifts all boats, so head downtown and show some love to this local treasure! Whether you're catching a classic film or a live show, your support keeps the magic of our local arts scene alive and thriving.
CONTACT Center stage
infocenterstageproject@gmail.com
Kearney Area Foundation Address for Mail/Donations:
2908 W 39th St STE A
Kearney, NE 68845
Meet The Project's Board
Every great production needs a dedicated crew behind the scenes." Our board is a mix of lifelong performers, community leaders, and "unlikely" arts advocates who believe every neighbor has a story worth telling. We’re the daydreamers, the organizers, and the cheerleaders behind the curtain.