It is with mixed emotions that we announce the departure of Elizabeth Sullivan, our esteemed Director of Performing Arts, at the end of June. Elizabeth will be heading to Bishop Seabury Academy to take on the roles of Director of Theatre and Theatre Educator.
Elizabeth has been an integral part of the Lawrence Arts Center since 2007, when she was hired to perform in The Seem-To-Be Players national tour. Over the years, she has collaborated with Performing Arts Emeritus Ric Averill on numerous productions and classes. In 2014, Elizabeth graduated from Arizona State University with an M.F.A. in Theatre for Youth and K-12 teaching certification. She then returned to the Arts Center as Associate Director of Performing Arts & Education from 2014-2017, and took over as Director of Performing Arts in 2017.
Elizabeth’s passion for the arts and her dedication to nurturing young talent have made an incredible impact on our community. Elizabeth will continue to be part of the Lawrence Arts Center as a teaching artist and director well into the future. While we will miss her daily presence, we are excited for her as she embarks on this new chapter.
Please join us in celebrating Elizabeth’s remarkable contributions and in wishing her the very best at Bishop Seabury Academy.
Justin Harbaugh, has been with the Lawrence Arts Center since 2017. He has danced professionally onboard Holland America Cruise Line, with Music Theatre of Wichita, at the Sands Casino in Atlantic City, and the Tanzsommer Festival in Austria.
Justin was hired by Elizabeth to dance as “Older Billy” in Billy Elliot. Since then he has directed and choreographed numerous SYT productions, and musicals for us. Justin has taught tap, jazz, ballet and social dance, has worked at the front desk, and has been the Adult Visual Arts Coordinator and a School of Dance Coordinator. On June 30th he finishes his current role as the Associate Director of Performing Arts & Education, and will be stepping into the role of Director of Performing Arts on July 1st.
Justin Harbaugh holds a doctorate in clarinet performance degree from the University of Kansas. He owns and operates a private clarinet studio (justinharbaugh.com) and has taught clarinet as a faculty member at Emporia State University, the University of Kansas, and Missouri Western State University. This past year he was also a Lecturer of Dance at the University of Kansas.
Welcome, Justin, to your new role!