“Layers. Onions have layers. Ogres have layers. Onions have layers. You get it? We both have layers.” This is one of many lines from Shrek the Musical which Theatre Lawrence will be performing this winter. Today, I will help you get to know the organization Theatre Lawrence. We will peel back the layersof this local nonprofit in order to examine when it started, what it has accomplished, and its plans for thefuture.I. Initially, Theatre Lawrence had quite the chaotic start.A. According to the Theatre Lawrence homepage, the organization was originally known as Lawrence Community Theatre and started performances in the 1970s.1. For several years, they did not own any of their own buildings and had to use Lawrence Arts Center for their performances.2. Rehearsals would be held in any available space around town.3. Also, any set pieces, props, and costumes had to be stored in the basements andgarages of volunteers.B. Eventually, Lawrence Community Theatre found an abandoned church to purchase and renovate in 1984.1. Unfortunately, in 2003, the old church caught fire.a. The 2003 Lawrence Journal-World article titled ‘Vintage costumes ruined in fire’ and written by gov’t and crime reporter Mike Belt says the“fire destroyed thousands of costumes” and “Many of those costumes were vintage 1940s and 1950s clothing”.b. Through days of hard work put in by volunteers and a private company hired to fix smoke damage, the theatre was eventually restored.2. In 2010, Lawrence Community Theatre officially switched their name and logo toTheatre Lawrence.II. After finding a permanent residence in the former church and a stable schedule, TheatreLawrence expanded their presence in the community.A. They design a schedule that can be enjoyed by all.1. For instance, this season, the theatre will put on such classics as Footloose and Shrek the Musical which will be great fun for kids.2. And then, they will perform Great Gatsby and the King and I- beautiful, dramaticpieces for the adults to enjoy.B. The theatre also formed programs to increase local involvement in the arts community.1. In the lobby of the theatre, they showcase pieces made by members of the Lawrence Art Guild and other artists.a. A 2013 Lawrence online article entitled “Mask Collection Brings Personality to New Theatre’s Lobby”, written by features reporter Sara Shepherd, reveals that Theatre Lawrence adorned their lobby walls with a collection of over 180 masks from around the world.b. The masks were donated by longtime volunteer Eleanor Woodyard after her husband, another Theatre Lawrence volunteer, died.2. In 2006, Theatre Lawrence teamed up with Emu Theatre for the Citywide Festival of Playwrights, in order to showcase original scripts by local writers.3. Additionally, the theatre tries to get people interested in the arts early by holding regular children’s programs.III. Finally, with so many great programs already established, Theatre Lawrence plans for an even greater future.A. Recently, the theatre completed the construction of a new building.a. This has given the theatre more space to perform and a more professional look.b. In a 2013 Examiner article entitled ‘Theatre Lawrence hits grand slam with ‘Ragtime the Musical’ & new location’, theatre enthusiast Bob Evans raves about everything from the cast to the crew work, especially costumes.B. Theatre Lawrence will continue to put on shows not only to provide great art for the community to enjoy, but so that anyone in Lawrence with a passion for the arts can be a part of creating great, theatrical work.In conclusion, we have explored the layers of this local nonprofit through its beginning, its accomplishments, and its plans for the future. Theatre Lawrence encourages the involvement of anyone and everyone in the arts and for people to, as Shrek the Musical says, “Let your freak flag