Truly impressive volunteers

Jamie Ulmer • August 25, 2026

Last Friday, we celebrated the amazing commitment of the volunteers who truly make everything happen at Theatre Lawrence.


Here are a few numbers to think about. There were 444 active volunteers last season, contributing more than 33,426 hours of their free time. That commitment has a value of more than $1,077,000, based on the IRS valuation of volunteer time - but we say the value is priceless.


Everything we do, from regular season shows to community outreach to youth engagement, is possible thanks to our volunteers. These are people who choose to make a difference and share their talents to make Lawrence and Northeast Kansas a better place for all of us to live.


At our volunteer celebration, we recognized our most active volunteers, who worked more than 350 hours, with the coveted Charley Awards and Volunteer of the Year Award. We continued celebrating our dedicated front-of-house teams with the Front Runner Awards - honoring those who worked every regular season production. We also debuted the Triple Threat Award, celebrating those who acted, volunteered more than 10 hours on a production crew, and volunteered front of house for three events.


All that recognition is just a small way for us to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who makes Theatre Lawrence possible. Click here to see the complete list of honorees, and while you’re there, maybe sign up to get involved yourself.


See you at the theatre,

Jamie Ulmer

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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