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Dramatically Speaking: Working together

Jamie Ulmer • October 15, 2024

Collaboration and community on display

Creating theatre is all about collaboration, and that has been especially evident at TL over the past few weeks.


First, the cast of “Young Frankenstein” demonstrated incredible teamwork. When illness kept some actors and crew from performing, everyone pulled together to cover roles and keep backstage operations running smoothly. Bravo to everyone involved for showing that the show truly must go on!


Next, we partnered with the enthusiastic artists from the newly formed Bicycle Face Productions. Their presentation of new 10-minute works by local playwrights—graduates of TL’s playwrighting workshop over the past year—was a fantastic showcase of the creative energy alive in our community.


Finally, we want to extend a heartfelt thanks to all who contributed to our recent fundraising concert featuring Yesterday and Today: The Beatles Interactive Experience. With a new format and date, this event was a departure from our traditional fundraiser (Dueling), but thanks to everyone in the audience and behind the scenes, we raised funds to support the theatre, particularly The Penguin Project.


All of this success is a result of extraordinary collaboration—on stage, behind the scenes, and in the audience. Together, we continue to prove just how much the community is at the heart of everything we do.


See you at the theatre,

Jamie Ulmer

Executive Director

Dramatically speaking is a monthly blog by TL's executive director. This column also appears in our weekly e-newsletter.

Theatre Lawrence News & Announcements

A man with the words dramatically speaking behind him

Finding the positive

By Jamie Ulmer • February 18, 2025
How do you stay positive and find inspiration during difficult times? That’s definitely something on a lot of minds right now. While it might seem cliché I know I’ve seen the positive impact of the arts radiating from activities at TL. “Native Gardens” used humor to spark timely conversations about belonging and perceptions of our neighbors. “Sunday in the Park with George” brought tears to many patron’s eyes as we reflected on the sacrifices we make for our passions and our lasting legacies. We saw joy and excitement on the faces of kids in the audience at our free Suitcase Stories performance and from the stage during the middle school musical “Tut Tut”. That impact is continuing, as our upcoming “Chicken and Biscuits” hilariously explores family and our common bonds. Nothing highlights inspiration like the Penguin Project which has started work for this summer’s show. We’re connecting with the broader community as we are a beneficiary of this year’s St. Patrick’s Day parade festivities (support of those upcoming events helps our education programs). Make no mistake, the challenges are many, and continue to compound. One thing that has always provided inspiration, creative shelter, and community connection is the arts. Let’s work together to keep making sure that stays true.

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