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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Theatre Lawrence News & Announcements

A man with a beard is smiling in a circle on a blue background.

Welcome new Vintage Players director

By Emily Giles • July 2, 2025

Escape to those summer vibes

By Jamie Ulmer • June 2, 2025
What better way to kick off those laid-back summer vibes than with our season-closing musical, Escape to Margaritaville ? The music of Jimmy Buffett invites us to relax and enjoy ourselves—and let’s be honest, we could all use a little “License to Chill.” But what is it about Buffett and his music that inspired devoted fans, restaurants, resorts, and of course, a Broadway musical? Now, I’m no Parrothead, but it doesn’t take much to see the appeal. Buffett’s music blends multiple genres and sounds—country, rock, and Caribbean influences—that celebrate escapism, a relaxed attitude, and that unmistakable “beach life” feeling. His songs are relatable. We all want to find joy, freedom, and sometimes a little redemption, preferably with a dash of humor. It all adds up to a timeless appeal. Buffett’s music is custom-made for summer BBQs, sipping drinks poolside, or just taking a mental vacation in the middle of a hectic workday. That music, of course, led to an entire culture around being a Parrothead - Hawaiian shirts, margaritas, and chill vibes became the trademarks of devoted fans who try not to take life too seriously. And then there’s the business empire, which may contribute most to the enduring celebration of the “Buffett lifestyle,” even after his passing. He turned his persona into a brand—complete with restaurants, resorts (including one opening just down the road in a few weeks), and more. So now, it’s time to sit back, grab a drink, and enjoy your official start to summer. Enjoy the show, Jamie Ulmer Executive Director

Margarita pre-show class June 20

May 30, 2025
Join us for a presentation by margarita expert, Phil Bradley, on Friday, June 20 from 6-7 PM. This special pre-show event will feature: Tips on how to spice up your Margarita Salt vs Sugar On the rock vs frozen  Fancy embellishments Includes 1 drink ticket for a margarita at the TL bar AND MORE! Limited Availability! When purchasing tickets for the June 20 performance you will be given the opportunity to add this experience for $10 per person. If you are not attending the performance, you can still boost your margarita skills and be part of this bonus event for $20. Click here to purchase EVENT ONLY TICKETS.
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