OUR BACKGROUND
Since our opening season in 1962, Topeka West Theatre has been an essential part of Topeka West High School. Our Thespian troupe was dissolved in the early 1980's, but was reactivated in 2017. Since then, the troupe has been active in both state and national Thespian Festival, as well as Arts Advocacy at the capital. Our season consists of three main stage productions, usually a Fall play, Winter musical and Spring play. Our goal is not only to produce quality work, but to make theatre a home for students both on and off stage.
TOPEKA WEST THEATRE
Home of International Thespian Society Troupe 3061 ​ Premier Community for Theatre Education 2025-2027 ​
2023 National Winner- Outstanding Impact Award- EdTA 2022 National Winner- Outstanding School -EdTA
2022 National Winner- Outstanding Impact Award- EdTA 2026, 2025, ​2024, 2023, 2022, 2020, 2019, 2018,
Gold Honor Troupe- Kansas Thespians
2025, 2024 Gold Honor Troupe- Texas Thespians
Welcome to Topeka West High School Theatre Department, where you can gain the skills and experience necessary to grow your passion for Theatre Arts. Take a look through our site to see what we have to offer, and get in touch with questions.
No events at the moment
PRODUCTION TEAM
Entertain. Engage. Educate
Katie Murphy
Director of Theatre
Emporia State University BSE Speech/Theatre/English 1988
TWHS 2019-Present Director of Theatre
Taught: Beginning Acting, Advanced Acting, Diversity Theatre, Technical Theatre Design, Players.
Ms. Murphy serves as the Director of Theatre for the Topeka West Theatre Department. Ms. Murphy is also the Troupe Director for Thespian Troupe 3061. When not working on productions, she enjoys spending time with her husband, 2 sons and dog Brynn.
​
​
Lauren Province
Assistant Director of Theatre / Technical Director
Washburn University
BSE Communication/Theatre 2026
TWHS 2026-Present Asst. Director of Theatre
Taught: Intro to Theatre, Technical Theatre, English 11
Ms. Province is a first year teacher at Topeka West High School. She is the Assistant Director of Theatre and the Technical Director. When not in the theatre, Ms. Province loves reading, hanging out with her family, and playing Scrabble.
ANDREW HUFF
Musical Director
BM in Composition, Missouri State University
MM in Choral Conducting Missouri State University
​
TWHS-2018-Present Musical Director
Mr. Huff serves as the Music Director for the Topeka West Theatre Department. During the school day, he teaches the choirs at Topeka West, and after school hours he enjoys music directing in the community, performing on stage, and playing lots of D&D. If Huff isn’t in his room, he’s likely out on a run, or playing video games with his wife.
​
