Announcing the Striving Artist Project

April 29, 2026

Project honoring legacy of Louise ImMasche

Theatre Lawrence is proud to announce the launch of the Striving Artist Project, a new program created to honor the legacy of Louise ImMasche and the art they created by opening doors for emerging artists with bold theatrical visions.


The Striving Artist Project is designed for small artists with big shows — artists who, like Louise, are unyielding in their dreams, driven to tell their stories, and ready to make the most of a meaningful opportunity. Through this project, Theatre Lawrence will provide support, space, resources, and encouragement to help an original theatrical work take its next step from page to stage. Funding for this project is possible thanks to contributions made in Louise's memory.


The program will give one selected artist the opportunity to debut an original play or musical, with preference given to musicals. The selected production will receive a small production budget, technical support from Theatre Lawrence, and limited access to scenic, prop, and costume resources. The artist will also be partnered with a paid director who will help guide and support the production process.


Rehearsals will begin in late August 2026, with approximately five weeks of rehearsal space provided by Theatre Lawrence. The production will then be presented on the Theatre Lawrence main stage on October 2 and 3, 2026. As an additional resource for the artist, the production will be filmed and a separate audio recording will be created. These recordings will be shared with the artist for use as demo materials to help showcase and further develop their work.


Applications will be reviewed through a blind review process by a panel, allowing the work itself to be considered first. Finalists will then be invited to interview with the panel and speak more directly about their project.


Eligible projects must be original theatrical works that have not been previously produced. Applicants should be artists who have not previously had their work published, though self-published work is allowed. Artists should reside in the Lawrence, Topeka, or Kansas City area.


Application timeline:

Applications are due May 31. Finalists will be invited for interviews during the second week of June, and the selected applicant will be notified by June 29. The selected show will be publicly announced on July 6. Rehearsals will begin in late August, tech week will begin September 27, and performances will take place October 2 and 3.


Theatre Lawrence is excited to help foster new theatrical voices through the Striving Artist Project and to provide a platform for artists who are ready to share their stories in a big way.


Theatre Lawrence News & Announcements

A summer filled with JOY

By Jamie Ulmer • July 20, 2026
Joy. That's the only word I can think of to describe the feeling that has been radiating from the TL stage over the past several weeks. First came the joy of our annual Penguin Project production. Seeing youth with special needs take the stage and experience the audience's warm appreciation each night is nothing short of magical. This year's production of Alice in Wonderland Jr. proved it with time-obsessed rabbits, murderous Queen of Hearts, and ever-growing and shrinking young Alices. That was followed last weekend by our sold-out run of Guys and Dolls SR ., our very first Vintage Players senior musical. The joy was written on the face of every cast member, some of whom were appearing in their very first show (one made her acting debut at 83!). That joy carried over after each performance as friends, children, and grandchildren eagerly waited to congratulate the cast.  There's one more weekend of summer joy on tap as we present two youth productions, Willy Wonka KIDS and The Aristocats KIDS , playing in repertory this Friday and Saturday. Sharing joy like this makes all the schedule juggling, rehearsals, and investment of resources worthwhile. It reminds us why we support community-based, locally produced theatre. There is truly nothing like it, and we're thrilled to have been bringing that joy to our community for 50 years. Our exciting 50th Anniversary Season is about to begin, and we can't wait to share that joy with you! Jamie Ulmer TL Executive Director
Purple poster with a skull-and-crossbones and the title “PIRATES! Penzance the Musical”

CAST LIST: Pirates! The Penzance Musical

July 17, 2026
View the cast list for 'Pirates! The Penzance Musical.' Tickets go on sale August 3. Check it out!

Announcing the first Striving Artists Project recipient

July 1, 2026
Theatre Lawrence is pleased to announce the first recipient of the Louise ImMasche Striving Artists Project is Anj Marie Riffel and her musical Chasing Nirvana . The show will receive a production at Theatre Lawrence Oct. 2 and 3, 2026. Information about auditions and participating in the first staging of this original musical will be available in the coming weeks. Anj Marie Riffel wears a stack of hats professionally and passionately — including writer, editor, designer, and songwriter — with an enduring love of artistic expression. Her short plays have been featured on stage at Theatre Lawrence for New Works Night. When she’s not searching for her missing iPhone or the meaning of life, Anj can be found wading heart-deep in creative pursuits and loving her people. The Striving Artists Project honors the legacy of Louise ImMasche and the art they created by fostering a space and providing resources to small artists with big shows. This project aims to provide an opportunity to kinder those like Louise – unyielding in their dreams, a need to tell their stories, and looking to go big with the chances they are provided. About the show: Travel back to the heyday of Gen X, when twentysomethings were trying to figure out who they were beyond the walls of Shermer High School—and discovering that reality does indeed bite. Presley Martin is an endearingly awkward, hot mess of a musician who’s hoping her band might be the next Nirvana. While reaching on tiptoe for the stars, she loses her balance and winds up flirting with rock bottom instead. With the resurgence of 1990s culture, CHASING NIRVANA feels simultaneously nostalgic and current. Driven by catchy 90’s alt-rock music, the story appeals to a multi-generational audience, as it examines life’s big questions: Who will love me? Why am I here? What really matters? Packed with heart, humor, and a healthy dose of pop-culture wisdom, we follow Presley’s journey as she navigates a Bermuda love triangle and risks losing herself in the void between two very different dreams. Will she find her own sense of nirvana?
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