Announcing the Striving Artist Project

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.