Pear Tree Performing Arts to Reopen Fully Renovated Facility
Pear Tree Performing Arts (www.peartreeomaha.org) recently reopened its doors after a four-year, multi-million-dollar historic renovation project. Facility updates include a 900 square foot stage, Hitchcock Ballet Studio, funded by the Gilbert M. and Martha H. Hitchcock Foundation, a multimedia area, and additional classroom space.
“The project, which began in 2017, was slated to be less than a year, but after funding fell through, red tape and a lot of no’s, we finally were blessed to get the ball rolling again last year,” says Founder and Artistic Director Natasha Partridge-Butler.
The nonprofit organization, founded in 2010, provides dance, theatre, fitness, and wellness classes to the community. The building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2017 for being one of the original Hinky Dinky grocery stores and the best representation of the chain’s growth in the Midwest. The store was open from 1926-1963 at this location. Now, the space will serve the community as an artistic hub and full-service performing arts facility.
“Our mission hasn’t changed. We never stopped dancing, even through a pandemic. We are still serving young people and making sure they have access to dance and dramatic arts and all the creative outlets they need,” said Partridge-Butler.
Pear Tree Performing Arts is a 501(c)3 and accepts tax-deductible donations. Visit www.peartreeomaha.org for more information about the organization.