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
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Premiere Community for Theatre Education 2022-2025
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2023 National Winner- Outstanding Impact Award- EdTA
2022 National Winner- Outstanding School -EdTA
2022 National Winner- Outstanding Impact Award- EdTA
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2024, 2023, 2022, 2020, 2019, 2018, Gold Honor Troupe
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.
PRODUCTION TEAM
Entertain. Engage. Educate
SCOTT KICKHAEFER
Director of Theatre
Emporia State University BSE Speech/Theatre/English 1988
TWHS 2019-Present Director of Theatre
Taught: Stagecraft 1, Stagecraft 2, Stagecraft 3, Players
Mr. Kickhaefer serves as the Director of Theatre, as well as the Technical Director for the Topeka West Theatre Department. When he is not working on a show, Mr. K enjoys playing pickle-ball and spending time with his wife and sons.
KATIE MURPHY
Assistant Director of Theatre / Costumes
Emporia State University
BSE Communication/Theatre 2009
BFA Theatre Arts 2009
TWHS 2019-Present Asst. Director of Theatre
Taught: Intro to Theatre, Acting 1, Great Plays, Acting 2
Ms. Murphy serves as the Assistant 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.
SARAH HAZEN
Publicity
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Bachelor's Degree Kansas State
Master's Degree University of Kansas
TWHS 2021- Present
Ms Hazen teaches Freshmen and Sophomore Language Arts at Topeka West. She has volunteered at Topeka
Civic Theatre for over a decade where she has done almost everything from performing on stage to working
as running crew. She is a member of TCT’s Improv Comedy Troupe Laugh Lines. She is also in charge of TCT’s
high school student improv comedy troupe Freshman Class.
ANDREW HUFF
Musical Director
BFA Missouri State University
MFA 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.
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