Theatre Lawrence’s Striving Artist Project will honor the legacy of Louise ImMasche — a local performer who was killed in a car crash in October — by funding an original play or musical from an area artist.
ImMasche, 41, was a star on Theatre Lawrence stages. They were killed in a car crash on their way home from a performance of “The Rocky Horror Show,” and the theatre honored their legacy with a cabaret show in November to seed the Striving Artist fund.
“The Striving Artist Project is designed for small artists with big shows — artists who, like Louise, are unyielding in their dreams, driven to tell their stories, and ready to make the most of a meaningful opportunity,” per Theatre Lawrence’s project announcement.
Zak Grant, ImMasche’s husband, previously spoke to ImMasche’s drive to stage their own production.
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“One of Louise’s greatest challenges was funding their own shows to production, and this is a way to help others like my husband have one more avenue to accomplish their dreams,” he had said.
Using a blind review process, a panel will evaluate applications from artists wanting to debut an original play or musical, but preferences will be given to musicals.
“The selected production will receive a small production budget, technical support from Theatre Lawrence, and limited access to scenic, prop, and costume resources,” according to the announcement. “The artist will also be partnered with a paid director who will help guide and support the production process.”
The production will also be filmed and have an audio recording, which the artist can use as demo material for other opportunities.
People can submit original projects that haven’t been previously produced or published, although self-published work is allowed. Applicants must be from Lawrence, Topeka or the Kansas City area.
Applications are due Sunday, May 31, and the selected artist will find out on Monday, June 29 before a public announcement Monday, July 6.
Rehearsals will start in late August and Theatre Lawrence will provide rehearsal space for about five weeks. Tech week begins Sunday, Sept. 27 before performances on Friday, Oct. 2 and Saturday, Oct. 3.
Learn more about the project here and apply online at this link. Theatre Lawrence will not accept physical applications.
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Jacob Rice / Lawrence Times
Jacob Rice / Lawrence Times
