The History of Leawood Stage Company
The History of Leawood Stage Company
Over 20 years of quality community theater in Leawood
Since 1998 the Leawood Stage Company has worked in partnership with the City of Leawood and Leawood Parks & Recreation Department to provide high quality entertainment, while educating and enriching lives in the local community. LSC presents theatrical productions, educational programming, and events throughout the year.
But what has happened since we began, and how did we get started?
A question
Elizabeth Hoyt and Kathy Roberts attended a Shakespeare reading sponsored by the Leawood Arts Council. The question “Are there plans for a community theatre in Leawood?” was posed to Arts Council Chair. Several weeks later, the Chair contacted Liz and Kathy to ask if they would be interested in proposing the concept to the Arts Council.
An investigation
After considerable research, proposals were presented to the Arts Council and the City Council. Both Councils gave unanimous approval with a commitment for half the funds to mount a musical production.
The creation of Leawood Stage Company
Leawood Stage Company was created as a 501c-3 nonprofit organzation and sub-committee of the Leawood Arts Council. Mark Edelman, of the Theatre League, was instrumental in helping identify our limitations and goals. Colleen Thom, of the American Heartland Theatre, became our consultant and brought us the idea for our first show, as well as our director, C. Richard Pond.
Our first production
In July of 1999, we presented our first production, “Some Enchanted Evening…the Songs of Rodgers and Hammerstein” in the outdoor amphitheater at City Hall. It was a smashing success!
An expanding program
Programming expanded to include the Youth Performance Players (2000-2005), The Stage Company Singers Annual Showcases, and partnerships such as the Friends of the Heart of America Shakespeare Festival, Tea with Shakespeare, camps and Gala fundraisers and others. We have also participated in “Spotlight on Leawood”, sponsored by the Leawood Chamber of Commerce.
A summer tradition
The summer production was made a part of the Leawood Parks and Recreation Department, becoming fully funded by the City.
A continuing source of performing arts
Leawood Stage Company continues to work in partnership with the Leawood Parks & Recreation Department to provide high quality entertainment, while educating and enriching lives in the local community. LSC presents theatrical productions, educational programming, and events throughout the year.