A little "theatre magic"
Emily Giles • March 25, 2025
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 News & Announcements
I recently spent a week attending the American Association of Community Theatre’s biennial national festival. The main focus of the festival is performances by 12 shows selected through a series of state and regional festivals held around the country. But there’s much more to gatherings like this than just seeing shows. With workshops and exhibits, there’s always something new to learn—or something important to be reminded of. And of course, there are meetings—lots of meetings. I just wrapped up serving eight years on the organization’s board of directors. Most importantly, though, are the connections. In fact, that was one of the themes of the festival: “Theatre connects us all.” The hundreds of people in attendance represented the full range of community theatres, from small, all-volunteer organizations to multi-million-dollar institutions. Everyone shared the same connection—a passion for telling stories that strengthen our communities. Regardless of size or scope, we all face many of the same basic challenges. Whether in a formal workshop or a spontaneous conversation in the lobby, we came together to share, learn, and help each other thrive. You don’t have to attend a national festival to find that connection. You’ll feel it in the audience at events like our upcoming Penguin Project production of The Little Mermaid JR. , or with our Vintage Players and their reimagined annual showcase. We invite you to explore how you can become more involved at TL—perhaps by attending one of our upcoming volunteer open houses (details coming soon). It’s truly amazing what happens when we gather as a community to watch, play, and grow together. Theatre truly connects us all—and helps us all thrive—something we can all agree we need now more than ever. See you at the theatre, Jamie Ulmer Executive Director
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