Dear Friends of Theatre Lawrence,
As we raise the curtain on another thrilling season, I am honored to welcome you on behalf of the Board of Directors. Theatre Lawrence has long been a cornerstone of creativity, community, commitment, and transformation in Lawrence, Kansas—and this year we are embracing a bold theme: Growth.
Growth in our programming. Growth in our reach. Growth in the stories we tell. Growth in the lives we touch.
Our 2025-2026 season is a testament to that ambition. From the Pulitzer Prize-winning Next to Normal to the timeless charm of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, and the powerful reflection of The Mountaintop, our lineup is both daring and diverse. We are also thrilled to bring back to the Theatre Lawrence stage The Rocky Horror Show and close our season with the delightfully macabre The Addams Family. Each production is a celebration of artistry, collaboration, and the transformative power of live theatre.
The transformative power is deeply personal. At age 17, I stepped onto the Theatre Lawrence stage and discovered a world of creativity and connection. Those early, nurturing experiences through the vision and mentorship of Theatre Lawrence staff laid a solid foundation that fueled not only my personal but professional evolution. I am a testament that Theatre Lawrence transforms lives. However, I am far from the only one. Today, our programming continues to grow and flourish. Whether it is a child finding their voice in School’s Out Theatre’s In, a seasoned performer rediscovering joy with the Vintage Players, a student in our Suitcase Stories program learning to tell their truth, showcasing the talent and resilience of youth artists with diverse developmental abilities through the Penguin Project, or hosting community events—this theatre is a place where individuals grow and transform. Confidence blooms, Friendships form. Stories shared. And lives forever changed.
As we embrace this season, thank you for being a part of our growth story. I am inspired daily by the passion of our volunteers, the vision of our staff, and the unwavering support of our patrons. Whether you are joining us for a show, enrolling in a class, or volunteering behind the scenes, you are a permanent part of the tapestry of Theatre Lawrence. I invite you to continue to be a part of our journey. Volunteer. Donate. Advocate. Your support fuels our mission and ensures that Theatre Lawrence remains a beacon of creativity, inclusion, and transformation.
Let us make this season unforgettable as we continue our journey of growth—together.
Warmly,
Genée Figuieras
Board President, Theatre Lawrence
