The Columbian Theatre in Wamego, KS is a historically rich music hall that was built in 1893 by J.C. Rogers, a Wamego banker. Rogers was so fascinated by the exhibits at the Chicago World's Fair that he couldn't help but buy up any art and decor he could. He brought home six massive murals that line the walls of the theatre and other amazing pieces that also remain in the building today.
The Theatre is still active with live performances and activities, thanks to the immensely supportive community of Wamego. Without them, the story of J.C. Rogers and the Theatre itself would crumble into a distant memory and be forgotten.
And without their support, I wouldn't have been granted the opportunity to help celebrate the Columbian Theatre's historical significance as their marketing specialist over the summer of 2018. Please peruse my projects, I think they're pretty cool.
Columbian Theatre
Columbian Theatre
2018-2019 Season Promo
Mini STA Highlights
Hoo Haw 2018 Highlights
Here is a slew of videos I created throughout the summer. At the end of each performance series, I would create a highlight of the show based on my own photos that I captured during the productions.
You'll see highlight reels of Mini Summer Theatre Academy, Summer Theatre Academy, and Hoo Haw, which are all part of the Columbian Theatre's performance season. You'll also find a season promo video, which we used to tease the new season that started with our fiscal calendar in July.
Hoo Haw
Excellent live music and performers. Mediocre comedy. Local veteran actor and director Troy Hemphill lead the annual favorite as a spinoff of the 1960's show Hee Haw with new skits, songs, and jokes. This familiar, fun-loving cast always packs the house and sure enough did that year!
Take a look at these photos, they're truly something else:
Can't let gold candid photos like these go unused.
Here's a Facebook post I boosted to ensure another soldout house for the 2nd weekend of the Hoo Haw performance.
Themed drink of the night?
Apple Moonshine.
I got to make this graphic to promote our fun specialty drink and print a handful to display for each show weekend.
I also wrote up this radio script that aired the weeks leading up to the first and second performance weekends.
We were really trying to push website traffic because the Columbian Theatre's website was recently transformed from an ancient relic to modern style that I wrote copy for & helped design.
Bottles & Brews
Like I said, without the community of Wamego, the Columbian Theatre wouldn't exist. It's their generosity that helps keep equipment current, the venue polished, and the performances active. Bottles & Brews is a benefit for the Columbian Theatre where the community is invited to stroll around downtown Wamego and sample a variety of wines, beers, and hors-d'oeuvres at several supporting locations.
I loved getting to document this event:
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Bye Bye Birdie
This musical, inspired by Elvis Presley and his draft notice into the Army, centers around Conrad Birdie. Conrad has just been drafted into the army. As a farewell, the rock and roll star is scheduled to sing Albert Peterson’s “One Last Kiss” and kiss a girl from Sweet Apple, Ohio live on the Ed Sullivan Show. However, Conrad’s hip-thrusting makes more than one man in town uncomfortable. Many of these men want to stop the show from occurring.
Here are a couple graphics, ads, and posts I made on Facebook to let the public know that [Conrad] BIRD[ie] is the word.
This old mic representing the days of Elvis paired with the Bye Bye Birdie logo made for a very 50s-inspired boosted Facebook post.
To go along with our 50s theme, we decided to team up with Kreem Kup, a local Wamego staple that perfectly embodied the idea. As an old diner that's been around longer than InDesign's lifespan, they didn't have a logo, per se.
Using the resources I had, I worked one up for them. You'll notice in a later photo that it resembles their signage in a simplified way - just perfect for our purposes, too.
Here's where we were going with that.
Basically something like, "Kreem Kup is 1950s approved, so head on over before the show to get in the mood for the performance at the Columbian Theatre."
Plus, the community loves when local businesses interact with other local businesses. It's small-town bliss.
After the first weekend, just to reiterate the relationship, I got a shot of their delicious ice cream before it melted.
What better way to persuade the public?
Yes, I had to eat the ice cream cone after I got my photos. Work is so hard.
Want to see all my ice cream shots?
Sure you do:
Mini Summer Theatre Academy
During the Mini Summer Theatre Academy, kindergarten through 2nd-grade students learn the basics of theatre etiquette and traditions. They learn a short 30-minute play that has speaking parts, songs, and dances that are tailored for their age. The two-week program is designed for students to showcase their talents and better prepare them for the full STA program and potentially main stage shows once they are older.
I got to design this front-and-back program for their performance:
We Are Monsters: Songs and Scenes Version is a musical about human kids, rock and roll werewolves, and vegetarian vampires that learn there is more to someone than what meets the eye. These monsters and kids discover the importance of friendship and celebrating in the attributes that make each of us different and unique.
Here is a press release I did for the Mini Summer Theatre Academy, too.
4th of July
Ever been to Wamego, Kansas? What about on the 4th of July? On Independence Day each year, Wamego turns into BOOMTOWN USA and attracts thousands of people from near and far for its spectacular fireworks show. It's not just the fireworks at night, though. Downtown Wamego is poppin' with activities throughout the day and the Columbian hosted a fun lineup to boot.
These are Facebook posts I made to generate excitement in the community and get 'em to come enjoy a cold one to take a break from the summer heat.
Get a better look at these pics.
Go ahead, give them a click:
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