Summer Youth Theatre’s Mission

Summer Youth Theatre cultivates positive working relationships between young people, professionals, and the community to create high-quality, thought-provoking productions.

Credits

By L. Frank Baum

With Music and Lyrics

by Harlon Arlen and E.Y. Harburg

Background Music by Herbert Stothart

Dance and Vocal arrangements by Peter Howard

Orchestration by Larry Wilcox

Adapted by John Kane for the Royal Shakespeare Company

Based on the Classic Motion Picture owned by Turner Entertainment Co. and distributed in all media by Warner Bros.

Adaptation and support materials developed by iTheatrics under the supervision of of Timothy Allen McDonald

We’re off to the see the Wizard!

Welcome to The Wizard of Oz! A classic story that begins and ends in Kansas. While most Kansans might roll their eyes at the familiar “You’re not in Kansas anymore” joke, we have embraced it with open arms. Though we might not be physically leaving Kansas, we hope to transport your imaginations on a journey through the wonderful world of Oz!

Summer Youth Theatre is such a special experience, and I am thrilled to be directing my first SYT show. Throughout this process, our young actors have had the unique opportunity to collaborate with professional artists, learn an entire musical, and make life-long memories along the way.

The magic of The Wizard of Oz lies in its timeless themes of courage, friendship, and self-discovery. Our production aims to honor the classic elements of L. Frank Baum’s story while infusing it with fresh energy and creativity. Our talented cast has embraced the iconic roles of Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tinman, and Cowardly Lion with their unique interpretations, bringing new life to these beloved characters.

One of the most rewarding aspects of directing this youth theatre production has been witnessing the transformation of our cast, both on and off stage. The children have not only grown as performers but also as individuals, developing confidence, teamwork, and a strong sense of community. They have learned to support one another, overcome challenges, and celebrate each other’s successes, much like Dorothy and her friends on their journey to see the Wizard.

I am so incredibly proud of each member of our cast and crew. Their dedication, enthusiasm, and talent are truly inspiring. A heartfelt thank you goes out to all the parents, volunteers, and supporters who have contributed their time and resources to make this production possible. Your support has been invaluable.

As you sit back and enjoy the show, I hope you are transported to the marvelous Land of Oz and reminded of the powerful messages at its heart. Remember, like Dorothy, that sometimes the greatest adventures are found close to home, and the strength you need is already within you.

Thank you for joining us on this magical journey. We hope you enjoy the show!

Kayla Sandusky, Director

The Songs 🎶

Overture

Scene 1 – Kansas

Somewhere Over the Rainbow | Dorothy

Scene 2 – Professor Marvel’s Camp

Scene 3 – The Farm 

The Cyclone  

Scene 4 – Munchkinland  

Munchkinland | Munchkins, Glinda, Dorothy

Follow the Yellow Brick Road | Munchkins

Scene 5 – Cornfield

If I Only Had a Brain | Scarecrow, Dorothy, Crows

We’re Off to See the Wizard | Dorothy, Scarecrow, Crows, Munchkins

Scene 6 – Apple Orchard

If I Only Had a Heart | Tin Man, Dorothy, Scarecrow, Apple Trees

We’re Off to See the Wizard | Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man, Apple Trees, Munchkins

Scene 7 – Dark and Creepy Forest

If I Only Had the Nerve | Lion, Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man, Munchkins

Scene 8 – Haunted Forest

Jitterbug | Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man, Lion, Witch, Jitterbugs

Scene 9 – Emerald City

The Merry Old Land of Oz | Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man, Lion, Ozians

If I Were King of the Forest | Lion, Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man

Scene 10 – The Wizard’s Chamber

Scene 11 – Haunted Forest

Scene 12 – Witch’s Castle

Winkie’s March | Winkies

Over the Rainbow (Reprise) | Dorothy, Auntie Em

Ding Dong! The Witch is Dead! | Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man, Lion, Winkies, Monkeys

Scene 13 – Wizard’s Chamber

Scene 14 – The Farm

Bows | Full Company

June Tech Class

• Abigail Hagner
• Anya Roundy
• Cal Ricketts
• Oliver Brashler
• Celia O’Connor
• Charlie Stueve
• Cora Brownley
• Demoree Davis
• Ellie Seybold
• Eliza Tagliaferri
• Eve Slusky
• Finn Savoie
• Ginny Kammerer
• Holden Pike
• Laurel Hunsinger
• Liam Price
• Lucian Stewart
• Maceo Krueger
• Magnus Pollington
• Wren Herbert

June Costume Class

• Kadence Cunningham
• Lucy Needham
• Lucy Stueve
• Max Molla

2024 SYT Intern Group

• Alia Leon
• Arianna Waller
• Emmett Henry
• Finn Hyland Sidener
• Graham Hall
• Harper  Finck
• Ivy Bitters
• Katherine Walters
• Katie Parsons
• Keats Johnson
• Liz Wyle
• Lola Brown
• Lucas Hasiuk
• Maryann Barnhart
• Maryanne Ghilino
• Miles Perez 
• Nico Scales 
• Stevie Roman
• Wren Jay

Production Team

• Director Kayla Sandusky
• Assistant Director Coy Garrett
• Assistant Intern Director Liz Wyle*, Ari Waller*
• Choreographer Gabby McNabb
• Music Director Rachel Naughtin
• Rehearsal Pianist Jen Hosler
• Stage/Production Manager Liz Wyle*
• Assistant Choreographer/Assistant Director Arianna Walker*
• Assistant Intern Stage Manager Katie Parsons*
• Lighting Designer Samaria Fleig
• Sound Engineer Brayden Yoder-Mulkey, Josiah Moreno, Jonah Morgan
• Sound Technician Miles Perez*
• Costume Designer Knox McClendon
• Scenic Designer Lexey Jost
• House Manager Lisa Purdon
• Tech Crew June SYT Tech Class

*Member of the 2024 SYT Intern Program

Production Staff

• Director of Performing Arts Elizabeth Sullivan
• Associate Director of Performing Arts & Education Justin Harbaugh
• Technical Director/Production Manager Samaria Fleig
• Assistant Technical Director Lexey Jost
• Event Manager Lisa Purdon
• Box Office Manager Josiah Moreno

Special Thanks

• SYT parents, families, and caregivers
• The Lawrence Arts Center’s Staff
• Cottin’s Hardware & Rental
• Southwest Middle School

Sponsors

50 Years of Art for Everyone 🎉

This production wouldn’t be possible without YOUR support. Help the Lawrence Arts Center celebrate its 50th anniversary, and lay the foundation for 50 more years of community-based and educational theatre. Donate to the Lawrence Arts Center’s School of Theatre and Music today!

DONATE NOW

Free Admission to 200+ Kansas Attractions!

Lawrence Arts Center Galleries is a featured venue for Sunflower Summer! Presented by Kansas Tourism, this program offers free admission to over 200 museums, zoos, historical sites, attractions, and nature centers statewide for Kansas families with Pre-K through 12th-grade children.

But the galleries are already free…why should I check in?

Sunflower Summer provides a $5 grant per person for each check-in to help keep the galleries free and open to the public year-round! Download the app to get started.

🌻May 25-August 11

🌻Free admission to 200+ participating Kansas attractions

🌻For Kansas families with Pre-K through 12th grade students

🌻Your check-in = $5 to support the Arts Center’s galleries!

LEARN MORE