Jane Hill, Interim Executive Director
Kim Simon, Interim Resident Administrator
Garnett Bruce, Artistic Adviser
Contact: Brad Watkins
Communications Director
bwatkins@operaomaha.org
402-346-4398 x204
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 18, 2010
Opera Omaha Names Betsye Paragas as Director of Development and Marketing.
Omaha, NE – On Thursday, November 18, Jane Hill, Interim Executive Director of Opera Omaha, announced the hiring of Betsye Paragas as Director of Development and Marketing. This new position within the company will be responsible for building and cultivating relationships with donors, patrons, key businesses, and community partners. Ms. Paragas will be working alongside Ms. Hill as Opera Omaha re?examines
its mission and strategies and continues to confirm its role as one of the Midwest’s cultural treasures.
Ms. Paragas was born in Creston, Iowa but has called Omaha her home for almost 50 years. Prior to joining the Opera, Paragas worked as the Director of Marketing and Public Relations at the Omaha Community Playhouse from 1994 to 2010. She served as
the Manager of Marketing and Public Relations at the Omaha Children’s Museum from 1989 to 1994.
“I look forward to working with Jane Hill and Opera Omaha.” Paragas said, “I love the opera, as everyone knows, and I am excited about guiding the future of this company in the community.”
Jane Hill stated, “I have known and admired Betsye Paragas for many years. Her knowledge of the community, skill as a strategist and long?standing commitment to the sustainability of regional cultural organizations are terrific assets to Opera Omaha. To acquire her services at this time of transition for the company is particularly valuable. ”
Ms. Paragas has been involved in area non?profit organizations for many years and has served on the Board of Directors of organizations such as the Cathedral Arts Project, the Children’s Memorial Hospital Friends, the Nebraska State P.T.A, Friends of Art, and the Stephen Center Life Restructuring Center. She has been named the KVNO Feuilleton Arts Publicist of the Year and has worked with the Omaha Idea Co?op, and Downtown Omaha Incorporated. Her employment with Opera Omaha begins December 2, 2010.
About Opera Omaha Opera Omaha will present Don Giovanni on Friday, February 25 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, February 27 at 2 p.m. at the Orpheum Theater. Madama Butterfly will be presented Friday, April 15 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 17 at 2:00 p.m. All performances are held at the Orpheum Theater in downtown Omaha. Tickets start at
$19. Tickets sale dates will be announced on www.operaomaha.org.
Opera Omaha, the only professional opera company in Nebraska, began in 1958 as the Omaha Civic Opera Society, a volunteer association, and with tremendous community support became fully professional by 1970. Opera Omaha produces a season of
original mainstage productions, presented at the historic Orpheum Theater, and smaller productions and musical events throughout the community. Opera Omaha is internationally known for its productions of eight world premieres and four American premieres of classical masterpieces, and is highly regarded regionally for an extensive
education and outreach program that annually reaches as many as 15,000 people from elementary school through adulthood.
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