Celebrating our extraordinary volunteers

Jamie Ulmer • August 25, 2025

Last week we celebrated nearly 400 rock stars who played leading roles in the success of Theatre Lawrence’s 2024–2025 season.


Our theme last season was extraordinary theatre created by extraordinary people. And extraordinary they were—these individuals donated more than 30,530 hours across every corner of the organization. From building sets and sewing costumes, to running lights and sound, shifting scenery like backstage ninjas, ushering, serving at the bar, performing with the Vintage Players, supporting special events, and bringing shows to life—our volunteers made it all possible.


Looking back at the calendar, there were only 10 days all year without a class, rehearsal, performance, or public event happening at Theatre Lawrence (and that includes holidays!).


A special shout-out to the winners of our Charley Awards, given to volunteers who contributed 350 hours or more last season (full list of winners below). An extra round of applause for Rob Claassen, our Volunteer of the Year—for the second year in a row!


Here’s to even more extraordinary achievements in the 2025–2026 season. Thank you, and bravo!


Jamie Ulmer

Executive Director

2024-2025 Charley Award Winners

Jeffery Mueller

Andrea Beyer

Ian Beyer

Isabel Warden

Beth Dearinger

Jaryl Perkins

Lily Davis

Karen Bayouth

Paula Nigh

Malachi Swwedberg

Shirly Unekis

Secily Rees

Shelby Easum

John Mitchell

Patrick Kelly

Kimberly O’Brien

Mario Bonilla

Ron Chin

Pam Gieseke-Becker

Rob Claassen

Marilyn Brobst

Bob Newton

Theatre Lawrence News & Announcements

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Seeking Lawrence-area classrooms for Suitcase Stories program

August 14, 2025
Suitcase Stories is an exciting new initiative from Theatre Lawrence designed to ignite imagination, inspire creativity, and empower upper elementary students through storytelling and performance. Led by Education Director Emily Giles, along with a team of local playwrights, actors, and educators, this project brings the magic of theatre directly into classrooms. The Suitcase Stories crew will partner with five classrooms in the Lawrence area, focusing on schools and students who may not typically engage with Theatre Lawrence programs. Over the course of four hour-long sessions, students will explore storytelling, creative writing, and self-expression. The first three sessions guide students through the process of creating original stories, while the final session culminates in a live performance of the students’ work by the Suitcase Stories troupe. By blending education and the arts, Suitcase Stories offers a powerful platform for young voices to be heard and celebrated. Did we mention this program is offered for FREE to each classroom. If you are interested, please reach out to Emily Giles at youth@theatrelawrence.com . Hopefully the 5 spots we have will fill up quickly!

Beatles tribute group, Yesterday & Today headlines Theatre Lawrence's 2025 Benefit Concert

August 12, 2025
Experience Beatles magic in Lawrence, KS! Yesterday & Today live at Theatre Lawrence, Oct. 10, 2025. Supports The Penguin Project.

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By Dani DeGarmo • July 31, 2025
CAST LIST Diana.............................Amanda McCoy Gabe..............................Zachary Bricken Dan.................................Adam Groves* Natalie..........................Lilia Potter* Henry.............................Hunter Sullivan* Doctor Madden......Andy Huff* *denotes TL debut
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