TL suitcase stories visits area schools

November 15, 2024

New program brings student stories to life

Theatre Lawrence has been packing our suitcase and heading out. No, we’re not running away to join the circus. We have been visiting area schools with our new outreach program, Suitcase Stories.


What is Suitcase Stories?


It all started with a simple suitcase. Theatre Lawrence’s Educator Director Emily Giles and local playwright Debra A. Cole filled the suitcases with interesting items to inspire young writers. During three class periods, the students created characters, locations, and plots for the perfect stories, and then…they wrote. Next, Emily and Deb read the stories and picked a few to adapt into original shorts plays. Add a talented group of local actors, and Suitcase Stories comes to life. Young students can see what their creative writing efforts can produce.


The Theatre Lawrence Suitcase Stories Project spurs students’ imagination, sparks creativity, and empowers students with tools for artistic self-expression and communication.


While all of the children’s stories cannot be performed, all can be compiled into a booklet for the young authors to treasure. We are quite proud of the work of our young students! We also want to extend a hug thank you to our actors who are bringing these stories to life!


Sponsored by


It is due to generous donations to the DCCF "Giving for Good" campaign that we are able to offer this program to five classrooms this fall free of charge. We appreciate their support of our work to go into the community and share our love of storytelling and live theatre with Lawrence area children.


Look for the 2024 "Giving for Good" campaign beginning Dec. 1.

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Theatre Lawrence News & Announcements

April 29, 2026
Project honoring legacy of Louise ImMasche
April 27, 2026
Theatre Lawrence is currently accepting applications for select creative positions in the 2026-2027 season. To apply please send an email to julmer@theatrelawrence.com stating what show and position you are interested in being considered for, along with a resume. For consideration please apply by May 8. Open positions are: PIRATES! THE PENZANCE MUSICAL (Sept. 11-13, 17-20, 2026): Director, Music Director, Choreographer LIZZIE (Oct. 22-24, 2026): Director, Music Director December Musical (Dec. 4-6, 10-13, 17-20, 2026): Director, Music Director, Choreographer. Show will be announced May 25, contact us for more information. ON GOLDEN POND (Jan. 29-31, Feb. 4-7, 2027): Director Learn more about our entire 50th Anniversary Season at: https://www.theatrelawrence.com/26-27-season
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 Demelash* 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…..............……Samuel Person* Ancestor/US Morticia…..........…….Rachel Craft* Ancestor/US Wednesday.....…..Essy Siegel* Ancestor/US Fester……….............…Josh Nemechek Ancestor/US Lucas………..............…Timmy Adams Ancestor/US Alice………...............….Katie Hastings Lewis* Ancestor/US Pugsley…............……Nikki Hammond
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