Musical Brings Together Performers and Shelter Residents

Innovative theater collaboration at PACE demonstrates the power of community storytelling.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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A new musical production called "Ways to Win in the Woods" is bringing together professional performers and residents of the Micah House shelter in Council Bluffs, Iowa. The play, a retelling of the Hansel and Gretel story set in the local metro area, features both experienced actors and those experiencing homelessness sharing the stage to tell a story about the realities of living without a home.

Why it matters

The collaboration between the Great Plains Theatre Commons, Anastasis Theatre Company, Omaha Symphony, PACE, and Micah House demonstrates the power of community-driven storytelling to inspire conversation and change around important social issues like homelessness. By giving a voice to those directly impacted, the production aims to humanize the experience of living without stable housing.

The details

The final dress rehearsal for "Ways to Win in the Woods" was held on Wednesday night at PACE in Council Bluffs. The production features a mix of professional performers and residents of the Micah House shelter, who worked together with playwright Ellen Struve to craft a narrative that reflects their own experiences with homelessness. Shelter resident Shannon Lowe, who jumped at the opportunity to participate, said she was "floored" to be on stage with members of the Omaha Symphony. Another Micah House resident, Savonni Yestanti, is serving as the play's narrator and says the "wonderful thing about theater is I can bring the truth to it and show that you can survive this."

  • The final dress rehearsal for "Ways to Win in the Woods" was held on Wednesday, February 12, 2026.
  • The production will have its public performances starting this weekend.

The players

Ellen Struve

The playwright who collaborated with Micah House residents to craft the narrative for "Ways to Win in the Woods".

Shannon Lowe

A resident of the Micah House shelter who is participating in the production and says she was "floored" to be on stage with professional performers.

Savonni Yestanti

A Micah House resident who is serving as the narrator for "Ways to Win in the Woods" and says the "wonderful thing about theater is I can bring the truth to it and show that you can survive this."

The Great Plains Theatre Commons

One of the collaborating organizations behind the production of "Ways to Win in the Woods".

Anastasis Theatre Company

One of the collaborating organizations behind the production of "Ways to Win in the Woods".

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What they’re saying

“I am floored by being on the same stage as members of the Omaha Symphony.”

— Shannon Lowe (3newsnow.com)

“It was a lot of asking people, what do you want people to know about this?”

— Ellen Struve, Playwright (3newsnow.com)

“And the wonderful thing about theater is I can bring the truth to it and show that you can survive this.”

— Savonni Yestanti (3newsnow.com)

What’s next

Tickets to the show are free and can be reserved through the Great Plains Theatre Commons or Anastasis Theatre Company. The production will have its public performances starting this weekend.

The takeaway

This innovative theater collaboration demonstrates the power of community-driven storytelling to humanize important social issues like homelessness. By giving a voice to those directly impacted, the production aims to inspire conversation and change around providing stable housing and support for those in need.