Central Missouri Repertory Receives Missouri Arts Council Grant

University of Central Missouri students Jace Nielsen, left, and Katie Marshall entertain a local audience during the presentation of Lewis Carroll's "Alice in Wonderland," the summer touring children's play presented by Central Missouri Repertory Theatre. (Photo by Jack McClain Circle M Films, LLC)

WARRENSBURG, MO – Central Missouri Repertory Theatre received a Missouri Arts Council Express Grant for its recent production of “Alice in Wonderland” by Lewis Carroll and adapted by Kathryn Schultz Miller. The annual children’s tour recently wrapped up its season after performing free public performances at several sites in Central Missouri.

“Alice in Wonderland” was directed by Mary Trotter, assistant professor of theatre in the Division of Theatre and Dance at the University of Central Missouri.  In late may and early June, the production was presented at the Farris Theatre in Richmond; James L. Highlander Theatre on the UCM campus in Warrensburg; Camp Wonderland at Rocky Mount; Legacy Park Amphitheater in Lee’s Summit; Carrollton Elementary School in Carrollton; Lexington Middle School in Lexington; and Henry Elementary School in Clinton.  An estimated 1,000 children and adults got to see the play  throughout its seven-performance run.

Central Missouri Repertory Theatre’s mission is to provide applicable professional experiences for university students while serving area communities by creating accessible and inclusive theatrical productions for all. By enabling youth to experience the joys of theatre early in their lives, it is the hope that children will establish a lifelong relationship with theatre and creative arts as they discover the power of both to transform, entertain, inspire, and create positive change in the world.

The recent Central Missouri Repertory production included: Katie Marshall as Alice and Jace Nielsen as Lewis Carroll/The White Rabbit/Caterpillar/Pigeon/Cheshire Cat/Mad Hatter/Gardener/Queen of Hearts. Ashley Miller-Scully served as the production manager/producer; Ansley Walker, stage manager; Seth Holt, scenic/props designer/technical director; Hollie Neumann, costume/hair/makeup designer; and Mallory Griffin, public relations/social media manager. 

“Alice in Wonderland” was made possible through financial support from the Missouri Arts Council; the Gus and Susie Wetzel Family Foundation; Patricia Burton; Jerry W. Franklin, CCIM;, Carroll County Arts Council; and various community school districts. Central Missouri Repertory Theatre wishes to thank these sponsors for their support in providing the opportunity to continue its 38th year of bringing children’s theatre productions to the youth of West-Central Missouri.