A new theater project by Volland, Emmett Spaw, and You!
Phase 1: Writing Submissions | February - March
Phase 2: Script Development & Actor Auditions | March - June
Phase 3: Performance Week | June 21 - June 26
Performances | June 27 & 28
Following the success of Heart/Roots: Wabaunsee County in 2022 and Writing Wabaunsee County in 2024, Volland is excited to announce a new local theatre project for the summer of 2026. In keeping with the national celebration of America 250, Kansas Abridged will honor the rich history of our state by staging a series of original short stories. And we want YOU to help!
The hope for this project is to present a series of original plays written and performed by Wabaunsee Countians. All residents, of all ages and experience levels, are invited to submit writing samples and audition for acting spots!
Phase 1: Collecting Writing Samples
Over the course of the spring, local writers will be invited to create/workshop an original short play to be performed in the summer. No experience necessary!
If you are interested in being a playwright for this new theatre production, please submit a writing sample to Emmett Spaw (spaw@ksu.edu) by February 28th, 2026.
Interested in submitting? If so, please send the following to spaw@ksu.edu:
1. A Cover Letter (1 page) that introduces you, your experience(s) as a writer, and provides a brief explanation of your writing sample.
2. An original writing sample (Max 3 pages). It can be a short story, a script, an essay, an excerpt of a larger work- We just want to hear your creative voice!
3. Two time periods or events in Kansas history which you could be excited to write about. This can be anything from the Cretaceous Period to Westward Expansion to the Great Recession.
Phase 2: Actor Auditions, Writing and Acting Sessions
Writers will be notified on March 1st. On March 20th, Volland will host a writer’s dinner gathering and Emmett will announce everyone’s assigned writing.
Around that time expect a call for actor auditions. They will take place at Volland on Saturday, March 21st and Sunday, March 22nd with Emmett and Switchgrass Theatre Company. Actors will be notified on March 28th of casting decisions.
Throughout the rest of March and through June, Emmett will host writing sessions and Switchgrass Theatre will host acting sessions.
Phase 3: The Final Script, Rehearsals, and Performances
June 21 - 26 will be a fast-paced group effort to prepare for the performances, and writing and rehearsal sessions will accommodate participants’ schedules. Throughout the week, writers and actors will meet with Emmett at Volland, bringing the words to life.
The writers and actors will work in tandem towards the finished work. Two performances of the play are set, one on June 27 and another on June 28. Information on tickets will come later!
