Senior theatre major Will Gurley’s career has taken flight through a summer job that becomes full-time when he graduates this December. He was tapped to start a professional theatre division at The Culture House (TCH), a multidisciplinary arts organization with theatre, art, and dance education, as well as professional divisions in dance and the new Balladeer Theatre Company. TCH founder and director Jeremiah Enna has mentored Will in all things theatre since the student was in high school. Discussions about Will’s future and the future of TCH led Enna to offer Will the opportunity to serve as Balladeer’s artistic director.
“Having the opportunity to do what I love and with a Christian organization that approaches work from a biblical reality is the cherry on top,” Will says, already having secured his post-graduation job.
Over the summer, Balladeer performed its first full-length production, “Magic Blueberry Pancakes,” by Kayli Slayden (’25), majoring in music and theatre. Kayli directed and acted in the play. The play centers on Micah, a young girl who struggles with opening up to her family through some difficult life changes. Coming to terms with grief and learning to lean on community are themes that Kayli wrote about from a biblical standpoint.
“Community is important, and biblically, we aren’t meant to do life alone,” Kayli says. “Having an outlet like The Culture House where you can do what you love in biblically based stories is special.”
Whether audience members are Christians or not, Kayli thinks the play’s encouraging messages resonate with everyone.
“Whatever you do, do it for the glory of God,” she says. “That’s what we are called to do as Christians working in the arts.”
Several MNU students performed or worked on the production as paid professionals. Will says this experience will greatly benefit the students’ resumes.
Student Actors
- Sarah Marvin
- Caity Nelson
- Zach Rodriguez
- Kayli Slayden and
- Will Gurley
MNU Staff
- Sarah Noé, MNU piano accompanist, actor
- Josiah Crandall (’14)technical director
Getting paid as an actor is surprisingly difficult,” Will says. “A lot of theatre companies pay everyone except the actors. As someone going into theatre for their career, it’s very important to me to pay our actors to thank them for investing their time. Plus, professional experience is an important distinction for their resumes because it boosts their credibility.”
Will and Kayli have another exciting event coming soon. They will be married this December after Will graduates. Kayli graduates in May 2025, and plans to continue teaching private voice and piano at an Overland Park music school. She will also join Will in his work at Balladeer.
The metro area surrounding MNU offers many creative outlets for students seeking career experience. These options allow students to hone their skills prior to graduation, making their future bright. Know a student thinking about a music or theatre major? Show them this link: mnu.edu/undergraduate-arts-and-humanities for information about Arts & Humanities at MNU. Several opportunities are available to enjoy MNU Theatre productions this fall. Visit mnu.edu/bell-cultural-events-center for information.
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MNU Theatre Majors Expand Their Craft Over the Summer
Six MNU theatre students also had amazing performance opportunities this summer, gaining experience for their art and resumes.
Maleena Johnson in “As You Like It,” MNU Summer Shakespeare and “Loves Labours Lost,” Smet Theatrics
Brinna Ream, Dance Instructor, Vitality in Motion
Ashley Parker in “Lightning Thief,” Smet Theatrics
Abi Hands in “Death of a Salesman,” Smet Theatrics and “As You Like It,” MNU Summer Shakespeare
Aaron Griffin in “Bye Bye Birdie,” Shawnee Mission Theatre in The Park
Rebecca Sue Wiles in “As You Like It,” MNU Summer Shakespeare
Heather (Mathias ’98) Tinker, assistant professor of theatre and theatre director at MNU, is delighted with the students’ accomplishments.
“It is so important for theatre students to get the opportunity to work on productions outside of MNU,” Tinker says. “This is especially invaluable when they get to do professional theatre before they graduate. Students make new contacts, gain new experiences, and add valuable resources to their resume.”
