The ESU Theatre Guild is staging a revival! An Ice Cream Social will be held on Sept. 22 to celebrate the revitalization of the Theatre Guild and will feature performances from the cast of the 50th Anniversary Homecoming Musical “She Loves Me.”
Well-known to many Emporians, the organization was created to support the theatre program at Emporia State University, and it was very successful for decades. The Guild, however, went dormant following the Covid pandemic. For a time, its future was uncertain.
That has changed, and the future again looks bright. In June of this year, when Aubrey Wilson stepped into the position of director of theatre at ESU, she knew she wanted to find a way to rebuild the Theatre Guild, so she recruited someone to lead the effort.
In the spring of 2023, Jean-Ellen Kegler (formerly Jantzen) returned to Emporia after a 24-year absence. During her previous time in Emporia, she was actively involved in many aspects of the community including teaching at Sacred Heart School; owning a statewide small business (Windbreak Productions, selling the work of Kansas artists); acting as economic development coordinator and visitors bureau director. She was probably best known through her connection with ESU Theatre, where she was choreographer, director and occasionally lecturer. Upon her return she began to look for ways she could be helpful once again.
The Theatre Guild is the perfect home for Kegler’s skills and enthusiasm.
“My health hasn’t been too great,” she said, referencing bouts with breast cancer and other health challenges, “but my passion for ESU Theatre hasn’t waned in the least.”
She added that the Theatre Guild expects to offer some new extras for members, including ways to learn about theatre more deeply.
“Wouldn’t it be wonderful if members could tour the costume ‘combs’ or attend a rehearsal or listen to a director delve into the meaning of a particular play or involve children in an acting activity?”
To kick off the revival, the Theatre Guild will host an Ice Cream Social coinciding with the 50th Anniversary Homecoming Musical “She Loves Me.” Attendees will have the opportunity to socialize with members of the Guild and ESU Theatre, find out ways to directly support ESU Theatre students and even see special sneak-peek performances from the cast of the Homecoming Musical (Including the well-known and loved song “Vanilla Ice Cream”).
The Ice Cream Social will be at 4:30 p.m. Sept. 22 in the Sauder Alumni Center. To register, please contact Anna Ryan by email at annaryan@emporia.edu or by phone at 620-341-6445.
Come join us in staging a revival of the ESU Theatre Guild and celebrate the bright future of the ESU Theatre Program!