Theater provides unique opportuni-
Lata, who has been with the theater for 15 years, said that he got a lot out of his participation. Not only does he get a sense of creativity and a chance to develop talents, but he also establishes new friendships. It's given him the opportunity to act
"It was really wonderful. For the first time in a long time I acted with actors the ages they are supposed to be," Bitters said. "It felt professional. It was a great cast and a great time, and there is a huge amount of support from the community."
Bitters, who is new to the theater, has just completed her first performance in "The Sisters Rosenweig."
After finishing the University of Kansas fall production of "Variations on a Theme," Blair Bitters, Kansas City, Kan., senior, wanted to find a place to do some extra theater work. Just as KU chemistry professor Al Lata had discovered years before, Bitters found that there was a little-known theater outside of the university. Both Lata, who sang and danced in high school and wanted a place to renew his talents, and Bitters, a theater major looking for new projects, found that the Lawrence Community Theatre, 1501 New Hampshire St., provided the creative outlet which they had been looking for.
Mindy Dorf
in front of an audience and to become someone else, he said.
Productions like those that Bitters and Lata have participated in did not always have a home. The Community Theatre grew out of the Lawrence Arts Center, 200 W.9th St., in the mid-1970s. During what some members refer to as the gypsy years, theater productions were staged wherever room could be found — the Arts Center and even South Park, at 11th and Massachusetts Streets, were two such places. In 1984, a vacated building on New Hampshire Street became the permanent home for the theatre. By January of 1985, the Lawrence Community Theatre opened with a production of John Clifford's play, "I Was Right Here A Moment Ago."
Mary Doveton, managing artistic director, has been with the theater since the beginning."We try to move positively on the fact that we have an intimate space,"she said. "We create a friendly
The theater is small and closed in. Red velvet seats obtained from the Granada Theatre, 1020 Massachusetts St., surround the stage on three sides. The actors often use the area around the seats during the play so that the audience will participate directly in the shows.
atmosphere by providing desserts during intermission and an art show, which is another outlet for the community's creativity."
The theater's art gallery, located below the stage in the Gladys Six Green Room, displays art from members of the Lawrence Art Guild. The theater formed a partnership with the Art Guild in 1994 to provide a place to display the artists' works.
The theater does not just involve community members who can act, however. To make a successful production, other roles, such as costume creators, make-up artists,and lighting and sound technicians, must be filled. About 500 community volunteers have donated 24,000 hours to the theater this season alone, Doveton said.
She said that anyone could participate in the theater. "About 50 percent of the actors we have in productions have never been on our stage before," Doveton said. "We are constantly on the lookout for new people, and always open to people trying out theater."
Arts Calendar
For ticket, volunteer or tryout information, call 843-7469.
Lied Center Events
Rock Chalk Revue, 7:30 p.m., Feb. 22, 23, 24.
Vocal Jazz Night, 7:30 p.m. Feb.29
Combo Jazz Night, 7:30 p.m. March 1
Big Band Jazz Night, 7:30 p.m. March 2
Julliard String Quartet, 3:30 p.m. March 3
La Traviata, 8 p.m. March 7 and 8
Donald Byrd/The Group, 8 p.m. March 13
Student Union Activities
Jane Eliot, 3 p.m. Feb. 25, in the Lied Center
Dick Vitale, noon, Feb. 26, in the Ballroom.
"The State," 8 p.m., March 13 in the Ballroom
Gil White, 8 p.m., March 7 in the Ballroom
The University Theatre
"Rashoman," 8 p.m. March 8, 9, 14, 15, and 16; 2:30 p.m. March 10.
Inge Theatre Series
"The Women of Troy," 8 p.m. April 5, 6 8,9,10,11,12.
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