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

August 14, 2026
"CHASING NIRVANA"  CAST LIST: Presley..........Vivi Riffel Sam...............James Green Tommy........Brodie Breckenridge Jettie.............Melia Stockham June..............Courtney Chacon Kat..................Kerry Hagner Charlie.........Brenden Oliver Jacob...........Havok Kiser Frank.............Ryan Hamlin-Canady Opie...............Stephanie Ellis Ann.................Gladys Demby Jasmine......LaShea Johnson
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”
July 17, 2026
View the cast list for 'Pirates! The Penzance Musical.' Tickets go on sale August 3. Check it out!
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