Events to honor Louise ImMasche, Lawrence theatre community member who died in crash

Two events have been planned to honor the life of Louise ImMasche, a sparkling member of the local arts community who died last week.

ImMasche, 41, reprised one of their favorite roles as Dr. Frank-N-Furter last week in a stage production of “The Rocky Horror Show” at Theatre Lawrence. After two sold-out performances, they were killed in a car crash on their way home Friday night.

There has been an immense outpouring of love for ImMasche on social media, with tributes to their powerful legacy within the Lawrence arts community.

“Though most at home on the stage, Louise brought their magical light into every room they entered,” their obituary reads. “Whether they were decked in sequins and rhinestones, or sneakers and workout clothes, those in Louise’s orbit never had any doubt they were in the presence of a star … Generous with praise, and always encouraging of new artists, they were nearly as well known for their open and welcoming disposition as for their triumphs as an artist.”

ImMasche was a familiar face on Theatre Lawrence’s stage in particular, starring or appearing in shows like “Little Shop of Horrors,” “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert,” “Lend Me a Tenor” and “The Little Mermaid.” Their role as Hedwig in “Hedwig and the Angry Inch” was their shining pride, according to their obituary.

“They were kind, generous, and caring — making anyone they shared the stage with feel welcomed and accepted for who they are,” Theatre Lawrence wrote in a statement. “… In addition to performing on stage, they appeared in several fundraisers and volunteered at the theatre, including ushering.”

During the day, the artist worked as a caregiver for adults with disabilities at GoodLife Innovations in Lawrence.

“Louise literally was the greatest friend to everyone they knew,” their friend Liz Chapa said via message. “The kindest soul, bursting (with) creativity but also love. At GoodLife too, the consumers meant the world to them.”

Events to celebrate and remember ImMasche

A celebration of life is set for 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 31, in Theatre Lawrence’s building at 4660 Bauer Farm Drive. People unable to attend in person can register via Zoom to join a livestream.

“All in attendance are invited to wear something colorful and sparkly,” according to their obituary.

Then, a Louise ImMasche Celebration Tour Cabaret is set for 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, also at Theatre Lawrence.

The event is free, but “pay-what-you-can” donations are encouraged to supplement Louise’s Starving Artist Fund. Prints and recordings of ImMasche’s work will also be for sale to benefit the fund.

Find more details about both events on ImMasche’s memorial page and a Facebook post from their husband, Zak Grant.

Grant announced on ImMasche’s Facebook page Tuesday that ImMasche had “transcended to Proxima Centauri B.”

“One of the great blessings Lou has given me is their prolific documentation of themselves and their life,” Grant wrote, providing links to ImMasche’s YouTube, Instagram and TikTok pages. “At this time I welcome you to watch the videos they made if you feel it would bring you comfort or even (saying this Lou’s sultry purr-tone) intrigue.”

Folks can also contribute photos and memories on ImMasche’s memorial page.

Grant said ImMasche valued transforming pain into art, and the community could honor them by doing just that.

“If across these next few weeks, you feel moved to make something on their behalf to display on their memorial stage, please bring it with you on the 22nd,” Grant wrote. “I don’t care what you think of it, if it’s sincere and it means something to you that you want to share, we would love to see all of the art that Louise inspires others to make.”

Wulfe Wulfemeyer (they/them), reporter and news editor, has worked with The Lawrence Times since May 2025. They can be reached at wulfe@lawrencekstimes.com.

Read their complete bio here. Read their work for the Times here.

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