New Horizons PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID OMAHA NE PERMIT NO. 389
A publication of the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging
August 2024 | Vol. 49 | No. 8
Entrepreneur found culmination of her creative, community advocacy in theatre W
By Leo Adam Biga hen Omaha native Amy Ryan suddenly went from mental health counselor to Pizza Shoppe owner in 1995, she applied her natural bent for others to make the lagging business a Benson success story. A decade later she opened the adjoining PS Collective arts space as an extension of her social entrepreneurship and community advocacy. Already known by then for supporting down on their luck and emerging creatives, she took things to the next level with that new space. Besides, she always identified as a creative herself as a singersongwriter, poet, aspiring author and self-described dreamer. Under her leadership the restaurant and PS Collective became anchors in the revitalized Benson Business District (BBD) as places to feed body, mind and soul. As BBD’s main attractions increasingly became establishments with liquor licenses she noted the need for a public gathering spot that catered to nonprofits, artists,
families, older adults and other underserved audiences. Rather than let the former Benson vaudeville and movie theatre a few doors to the east became another bar or adult venue she set her sights on acquiring it to serve a greater good purpose. Long out of use as a theater, she made rescuing the building a personal cause – sharing her vision for turning it into a community hub,
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social-cultural sanctuary and artsentertainment space with anyone who would listen. She eventually formed a nonprofit that purchased the site. She then raised millions for refurbishing it to its former glory as well as adding state of the art tech and accessibility features. The work of bringing the old theater back to life proceeded during the pandemic. The new Benson
Theatre opened the end of 2021. Programming started in early 2022 with a mission to uplift, inform and entertain as big as its founder’s oversized heart and imagination. Ryan oversaw it all as executive director, a role she admittedly had to grow into. As opening the theater meant more to her than running it, she looked to step down as ED from nearly the start. The theater announced her departure on May 31. A July 14 farewell party saw many turnout to celebrate the work of Ryan, whose involvement continues as a BT Advisory Committee member. “My time at Benson Theatre has been a remarkable chapter filled with meaningful connections and transformative moments,” Ryan said.
FINDING HER PURPOSE Even though Ryan no longer oversees daily affairs nothing’s changed regarding her vision for the theater being a welcoming, positive --Ryan continued on page 9.
Every Tuesday is #GivingEveryTuesday
Each Tuesday, SHARE Omaha features a unique cause theme for the #GivingEveryTuesday campaign, and encourages giving and support for nonprofits related to the theme. #GivingEveryTuesday is a series of weekly opportunities to come together to give, volunteer, and show kindness in shared moments with communities, causes, and countries around the world. The theme for August 6: Seniors.
Bridge: One of the most underrated games ever?
Bridge is the perfect balance of fun and logic. There’s a misconception that bridge is very difficult to learn, but it really just requires practice to become familiar with it. Learn about how and where to play local bridge games on Page 16.