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

CAST LIST: The Addams Family

April 2, 2026
CAST LIST Gomez Addams…………....................Juan Deras Juarez Morticia Addams…….................…....Shelby Easum Uncle Fester………..….....................…....Brian Williams Grandma……………….......................…….Beth Dearinger Wednesday Addams……..........….Gwentessa Alfie Pugsley Addams….............…...………Kouri Demlash* Lurch……………………….............................…Dan Heinz Mal Beineke………………......................…Spencer Greenwood Alice Beineke………………......................Courtney Ellis* Lucas Beineke………………....................Zachary Bricken Ancestor (Conquistador)..........Mario Bonilla Ancestor (Solider)...........................Malachi Swedberg Ancestor (Pilgrim)...........................Susan Rieger Ancestor (Gambler)......................Parker Bennett* Ancestor (Hippie)............................Mary Ramirez Ancestor (Bride)...............................Liv Brack Ancestor (Flapper).........................Kenzie Alexander* Ancestor (Witch).............................Robin Michael Ancestor (Flight Attendant).....Madison Torrez* Ancestor/US Gomez…..............……Sam Person* Ancestor/US Morticia…..........…….Rachel Craft* Ancestor/US Wednesday.....…..Essy Siegel* Ancestor/US Fester……….............…Josh Nemecheck Ancestor/US Lucas………..............…Timmy Adams Ancestor/US Alice………...............….Katie Hastings Lewis* Ancestor/US Pugsley…............……Nikki Hammond
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Announcing the 26-27 Season

By Jamie Ulmer • March 31, 2026
Celebrate Theatre Lawrence’s 50th Anniversary Season with a lineup of classics and fresh favorites, plus bonus shows and a holiday title still to come.

Guys & Dolls Sr info meetings

March 30, 2026
BIG NEWS! Guys & Dolls Sr. is coming to town! Bruce Douglas, Vintage Players Director, is hosting three informational meetings about this regional premiere program that will give you all the details you’re curious about for this 55+ show. We will share the same information at each meeting so no need to attend more than one. There’s no obligation to attend the informational meetings in order to participate in the production. Feel free to bring your questions and anything you’d like to add to our discussion! INFORMATIONAL MEETINGS Tuesday, April 7th | 3:30-4:30 PM Tuesday, April 14th | 6:30-7:30 PM Tuesday, April 21st | 3:30-4:30 PM  All informational meetings will take place in the Theatre Lawrence conference room.
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