Theatre Lawrence thanks Lawrence St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee for awarding us $20,000 as a beneficiary of this year's "parade season." This funding will be used to support youth education programming at the theatre, including continuing our suitcase story program, youth productions, scholarship opportunities, and the Penguin Project. Throughout the early part of the year there were many fundraising events sponsored by the committee to raise funds for children's charities in our community. Theatre Lawrence was one of three local non-profits selected as beneficiaries this year. The other two are 100 Good Women and Ecumenical Campus Ministry. Theatre Lawrence expresses our deepest thanks to everyone involved in the St Patrick's Day organization for supporting us this year and everything they do for the community. Pictured above are TL executive director, Jamie Ulmer, Harper Anderson who represented us as our queen candidate, and education director Emily Giles. The Lawrence St. Patrick’s Day Parade began in 1988 and is more than a one-day event. The committee runs more than 10 events throughout the year to raise money to support Douglas County area organizations that support children. Since 1998 the organization has donated more than $1.2 million. Learn more about the organization at https://lawrencestpatricksdayparade.com/

One phrase that gets thrown around when working with young people on theatrical projects is “theatre magic!” When we enter production week and it looks like we are miles away from where we want to be, I have been known to say, “Let’s just hope ‘theatre magic’ kicks in!” Or when parents ask, “how do you get all those kids to do what they are supposed to do on stage with just five days of rehearsal?” I half jokingly respond “theatre magic.” When I say “theatre magic” am I really thinking the theatre gods will look down on us at that moment and shower us with magic dust to pull all the various pieces together? No, I do not. So what do I mean when I say “theatre magic?” I define “theatre magic” as three parts the overwhelming human need to be a part of something bigger than oneself, two parts the human need to be involved with something creative, one part desire to do a good job, and/or show off A pinch panic that the clock is ticking! Throughout my 20 plus years of working with youth in theatre, “theatre magic” has never let me down, but sometimes it does try my patience by waiting until the last minute to show up! I think giving youth the opportunity to be involved in a theatrical production is magical, and something every child should have the chance to be a part of during childhood!

Theatre Lawrence hosted the Kansas Community Theatre Festival on March 22. It was the first time Kansas has held a state community theatre festival in a number of years. Three theatres brought productions. This was the state-level festival as part of the American Association of Community Theatre festival cycle. Congratulations to Theatre Salina and their production of THE REVOLUNTIONISTS for being selected to advance to the regional festival April 4-5 in Newton, Iowa. Learn more about AACT and the national festival, this June in Des Moines, Iowa here . Festival Awards: Outstanding Production: THE REVOLUTIONISTS (Theatre Salina) 1st Runner-up: NATURAL SHOCKS (Manhattan Arts Center) 3rd Place: PETER/WENDY (Theatre Atchison) Outstanding Ensemble: THE REVOLUNTIONISTS (Theatre Salina) Outstanding Performance in a Leading Role Elizabeth-Ali Schade – THE REVOLUTIONISTS (Theatre Salina) Gin Hoffman – THE REVOLUNTIONISTS (Theatre Salina) Andrea Price – NATURAL SHOCKS (Manhattan Arts Center) Outstanding Performance in a Supporting Role Breanna Danielle – PETER/WENDY (Theatre Atchison) Jessica Gigstad – PETER/WENDY (Theatre Atchison) Joshua Delfs – PETER/WENDY (Theatre Atchison) Outstanding Direction – Michael Spicer THE REVOLUNTIONISTS (Theatre Salina) Outstanding Costumes – April Flasschoen PETER/WENDY (Theatre Atchison) Outstanding Costumes & Wigs – Jenn Morris THE REVOLUNTIONISTS (Theatre Salina) Outstanding Lighting and Sound Design – J.R. Lidgett THE REVOLUNTIONISTS (Theatre Salina) Outstanding Fight Choreography – Chick Pulliam PETER/WENDY (Theatre Atchison)