By Marisa Dawson
Bennington Community Theatre has just earned an incredible 10 nominations in this year’s Omaha Entertainment & Arts Awards (OEAA), a stunning recognition for a theater company that’s only a few years old! From the heartfelt drama of Steel Magnolias to the magical spectacle of The Wizard of Oz, BCT shows, cast and crew are being celebrated across the board for Outstanding Drama, acting, youth performances and nearly every technical category.
When asked how it feels to reach this milestone, BCT President Blake Thompson reflected on the theater’s unexpected journey: “We had a vision for this, but we didn’t know what it would become… It takes on its own personality based on the people that you have involved.” He credits the organic growth to community support, great performers and a passionate board that shaped something bigger than anyone imagined. “To see it all evolve is so powerful… and to see people care and understand that art is important, performing arts are important… That’s the meaningful part, is seeing them be recognized because they deserve that.”
Board member Chentel Wanek echoed the excitement about what stood out in the nominated shows: “Our nominated shows truly represent the heart of BCT—storytelling that brings people together. The performers stood out not only because of their talent, but because of the heart, generosity and collaboration they brought to the stage. Every cast member poured themselves into their roles, and audiences felt that connection.”
These nominations feel especially sweet for a growing theater. Wanek adds, “For BCT, these nominations feel like a huge ‘we see you’ from the community and the theatre world around us. We’re still growing, still learning and still building, so to be recognized at this level means a lot… If we’re awarded in any of these categories, it won’t just be a win for the performers or the production teams—it’ll be a win for everyone who has supported us, volunteered, taken a chance on us or walked through our doors.”
To every parent who brought a munchkin to auditions, every grandparent who filled a seat, every volunteer who painted a flat or ran a spotlight— Wanek has a message straight from the heart: “I can’t say this enough: thank you. Truly. The success BCT has had so far exists because this community has wrapped its arms around us from the very beginning… These nominations are just as much yours as they are ours.”
The Omaha Entertainment & Arts Awards (OEAA) is a volunteer-run nonprofit that has celebrated excellence in Omaha’s performing, visual and live music arts since 2006. Through public nominations and peer voting, the OEAA recognizes outstanding artists and productions, helping to elevate and unite the local arts community. Winners for this season will be revealed at the annual awards banquet on February 15, 2026, at The Admiral in Omaha.
Congratulations to all of our nominees, cast, crew, and the entire Bennington family! Let’s keep showing up, keep telling stories, and keep proving that great theater belongs right here at home. 
Full list of nominations & voting info: www.oea-awards.org
