The one thing that we know for sure is that the survival of theatre lies in building future audiences and training young people to carry on the torch as both caretakers and craftsman. Everything that we can do to help support and foster that creative outlet for kids, leads to the evolution and survival of the art form. 

The Plain Great Players in Abilene, Kansas is a group that strives to do just this. A subdivision of the professional theatre company The Great Plain Players, this not-for-profit organization offers regional youth an opportunity to explore acting, set design, stage management, playwriting, costuming, improvisation, you name it! The youth are an intrinsically active part of the theatre and are especially engaged in the youth programming. They are the driving force of the organization, full of boundless talent and creativity, which certainly supports a strong and vibrant future for theatre in America. 

In July of 2014, The Great Plains Theatre was destroyed by a devastating fire, completely wiping out the building and the materials therein. As the theatre stalwartly tries to rise from the ashes and continue its great work in Kansas, the youth programming has also continued, thanks mostly to a devoted bunch of kids who have passionately kept the wheels turning. 

Since everything is gone (and I mean everything), the bare essentials (tools, reusable scenery, props, costumes, etc), the youth of Abilene are trying to raise money to rebuild their portion of the programming. Please, if you have a few extra dollars, help them achieve (or surpass) their goal on this fundraiser. It’s a great investment in the future!