TL suitcase stories visits area schools

November 15, 2024

New program brings student stories to life

Theatre Lawrence has been packing our suitcase and heading out. No, we’re not running away to join the circus. We have been visiting area schools with our new outreach program, Suitcase Stories.


What is Suitcase Stories?


It all started with a simple suitcase. Theatre Lawrence’s Educator Director Emily Giles and local playwright Debra A. Cole filled the suitcases with interesting items to inspire young writers. During three class periods, the students created characters, locations, and plots for the perfect stories, and then…they wrote. Next, Emily and Deb read the stories and picked a few to adapt into original shorts plays. Add a talented group of local actors, and Suitcase Stories comes to life. Young students can see what their creative writing efforts can produce.


The Theatre Lawrence Suitcase Stories Project spurs students’ imagination, sparks creativity, and empowers students with tools for artistic self-expression and communication.


While all of the children’s stories cannot be performed, all can be compiled into a booklet for the young authors to treasure. We are quite proud of the work of our young students! We also want to extend a hug thank you to our actors who are bringing these stories to life!


Sponsored by


It is due to generous donations to the DCCF "Giving for Good" campaign that we are able to offer this program to five classrooms this fall free of charge. We appreciate their support of our work to go into the community and share our love of storytelling and live theatre with Lawrence area children.


Look for the 2024 "Giving for Good" campaign beginning Dec. 1.

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