About Us
Our Mission
Provide opportunities for any student to experience the world of theater in a fun, safe & professional environment.
Our Values
Safety| Education | Fun | Professionalism
Safety: Students are able to excel when they can play in a safe environment. We create that environment by encouraging experimentation on stage, being judgement free, and by being respectful to everyone.
Education: Every experience is an opportunity to learn. In theater we focus on educating students by introducing multiple elements of theater, inspiring students to stretch themselves and by nurturing their talents.
Fun: Theater is and should always be fun! To ensure this, we are always free to be ourselves, free to be playful and to be encouraging to others.
Professional: Even as a High School theater program, we can still ensure we are as professional as possible. To do this we will be organized, fully committed and strive to put on a production of the highest quality possible.
JESTER AWARDS
Since 2022, Smoky Valley Theater has participated in the Jester Award Program through Music Theater Wichita. This program consists of over 60 judges, and 50 participating schools showcasing the best musical theatre Kansas High Schools can offer. Judges adjudicate each show and regional nominations are given for the top 5 schools in the region in 22 categories. The top 2 schools in each category move onto a Jester Nomination. Then the top score from the 10 schools around the state in each category are selected as the winner.
2022
Eric Lundstrom - Direction of a show (Jester Nominee)
Angela Dolezal - Choreography (Jester Nominee)
Eric Lundstrom - Lighting (Jester Nominee)
Tyler Breneman - Sound Design (Jester Nominee)
Outstanding Performance - Matilda (Regional Honoree)
Leading Performer - Lauren Dolezal (Regional Honoree)
Leading Performer - Per Nelson (Regional Honoree)
Supporting Performer - Myah Stambaugh-Tubbs (Regional Honoree)
Ensemble/Chorus - (Regional Honoree)
Production Number - Revolting Children (Regional Honoree)
Vocal Music Direction - Britney English (Regional Honoree)
Scenic Design - Eric Lundstrom (Regional Honoree)
Costume Design - Marika Peterson (Regional Honoree)
2023
Outstanding Overall Production - Cast of Newsies (Jester Award Winner)
Choreography/Staging - Angela Dolezal (Jester Award Winner)
Design Guest - Scenic Design - Eric & Michelle Johnson (Jester Award Winner)
Pre-High School Performer - Brik Johnson (Jester Award Winner)
Direction of a Show - Eric Lundstrom (Jester Nominee)
Leading Performer - Cael Kibler (Jester Nominee)
Leading Performer - Lauren Dolezal (Regional Honoree)
Supporting Performer - Judah Cooper (Jester Nominee)
Supporting Performer - Nicholas Dreier (Jester Nominee)
Cameo Performer - Brynna Anderson (Jester Nominee)
Small Ensemble - Bowery Beauties (Jester Nominee)
Ensemble/Chorus - Newsies (Jester Nominee)
Production Number - King of New York (Jester Nominee)
Vocal Music Direction - Britney English (Jester Nominee)
Stage Crew - (Jester Nominee)
Costume Design - Eric Lundstrom (Jester Nominee)
Sound Design - Echo Clark-Pavlovich (Jester Nominee)
Design Guest - Lighting - Eric Johnson (Regional Honoree)
Program Design - Angela Dolezal (Regional Honoree)
Lobby Display - (Regional Honoree)
Smoky Valley High School has a rich tradition of commitment to the arts. Whether it's vocal, band, art or theater, students at SVHS get the opportunity to participate in may different aspects. We are lucky enough to not only have school support, but also the support of the Lindsborg Arts Council. Through their generosity, Smoky Valley Theater receives an annual donation which helps stretch our budget much farther to produce the highest quality productions as possible. Thank you Lindsborg Arts Council! If you are interested in becoming a member & of the Lindsborg Arts Council you can visit their website.
The Smoky Valley Community foundation has been a great supporter of Smoky Valley Theater. In the past our program have been awarded grants to procure our own tools and to purchase a new CYC curtain & CYC light. It's support like this that helps our program continue to grow and flourish.
McPherson County Community Foundation has helped support Smoky Valley Theater in our program and students. In 2021 they funded the registration fee & hotel for our students to attend the Kansas Thespian Festival. This type of support allows our students to be exposed to workshops, industry leaders & performances from across the state.
Verlla Coughenour Trust. In 2022 this Trust supported 18 Thespian students to attend the Kansas State Thespian Festival and covered the cost of registration and lodging. This generosity helps students experience workshops and see other high school performances from across the state.