Theatre Presents “Dancing at Lughnasa” 

Butler Community College theatre students will present “Dancing at Lughnasa” by Brian Friel on April 10-12. The poignant and reflective play is set in rural 1936 Ireland and explores the struggles, dreams, regrets and desires of the five Mundy sisters living together in a small home. 

Audience members can expect themes of love, loss, family and the changing social and political landscape of Ireland. Both student performers and crew members have dedicated time and talent to the production since mid-February to bring an on-stage adventure set in the time. 

The title refers to the ancient Celtic festival of Lughnasa, symbolizing both the passage of time and the fleeting nature of joy, as the sisters’ lives are marked by both moments of celebration and deep sorrow. 

Two outside professionals spent time working with Butler theatre performers to advance their skills. J. Clayton Winters, a professional actor, offered choreographer guidance and Rena Cook, a professional vocal authority coach, provided students with a dialect workshop to capture the true speech patterns necessary to give authenticity to audience members. 

“I intended to provide a challenge of language, and we were met with one,” Leslie Coates, theatre faculty and department chair, expressed. “I could not be prouder with how our students rose to the challenge and how hard they worked to put this show together. Alongside difficult language and technical lessons for the stage, we also learned a little about straining against spiritual conflict, seeking reprieve from loneliness and trusting each of us are on our own distinctive spiritual search. These lessons are never fully learned, but always worth considering.” 

Seating is expected to be limited, so early reservations are encouraged through the Box Office or by calling 316-322-3262. 

 

Quick details 

What: “Dancing at Lughnasa” Theatre Performance 

Where: Butler College Theatre, 700 building, El Dorado campus  

When: Thursday, April 10 through Saturday, April 12th at 7 pm; Saturday at 2 pm. 

Cost: Free for staff, faculty and students with college ID; $10 for adults; $5 for seniors. Limited seating. Early reservations strongly encouraged. 

Learn about theatre, art, instrumental/vocal music and mass communication scholarship opportunities available to all majors. 

 

Student performers and crew are listed below by hometowns: 

Abilene 

Troy Turnbull – Chapman High School (Crew) 
 

Augusta 

Corbyn Mosley – Derby High School (Crew) 

Zander Weber – Andover High School (Crew) 
 

Bel Aire 

Rhye Porter – Auburn Academy (Homeschool) (Crew) 

 

Clearwater 

El Berntsen – Clearwater High School (Front of House) 

Kalea Gooch - Clearwater High School (Cast) 

 

Colwich 

Clara Hall – Andale High School (Crew) 

Jayden Osborne – Andale High School (Crew) 

 

El Dorado 

Eve Bryant – El Dorado High School (Crew) 

Jaydyn Drake – Bluestem High School (Cast) 

Emeline Spradlin – Homeschool (Crew) 

Elijah Wonsetler – El Dorado High School (Crew) 

 

Howard 

Grace Moore - Epic Charter High School (OKC) (Front of House) 

 

Hutchinson 

Michaela Willard – Buhler High School (Crew) 

 

Maize 

Caleb Manuel – Maize South High School (Cast) 

 

Newton 

Jacob Antle – Newton High School (Cast) 

Ronni Horn – Newton High School (Cast) 

Kinsley Peterson – Newton High School (Cast) 

Sabrina Zimmerman – Newton High School (Front of House) 
 

Valley Center 

Finn Galliart – Valley Center High School (Crew) 

Savannah Wolff – Valley Center High School (Crew) 

 

Wichita 

Roo Baney – Wichita Southeast High School (Crew) 

Bronwen Burch – GED (Cast) 

Ethan Kaspar – Hemet High School (Crew) 

Sarah Mckay – Maize High School (Crew) 

Cyrus Morris – Wichita East High School (Crew) 

Jaden Murdock – Maize High School (Crew) 

Katie Newman – Maize High School (Front of House) 

Kit O'Grady – Wichita Northwest High School (Crew) 

Theo Scribner – Eisenhower High School (Crew) 

Collin Sears – Valley Center High School (Crew) 

Erin Urick (Front of House) 

Candice Weilert - Legacy Academy (Homeschool) (Cast)