Seeking Lawrence-area classrooms for Suitcase Stories program

August 14, 2025
People on stage, pulling a prop. The prop appears to be a long, black, rectangular shape. Colorful backdrop.

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!


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
A professional graphic with a person smiling, titled

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.
More Posts