Kearney Community Theatre

06/01/2026

The garden gates are officially open! Last week, our Academy of Children’s Theatre cast gathered for the very first read-through of The Secret Garden and the adventure has begun!

Our talented 3rd–8th graders are already planting the seeds for a beautiful production. We can’t wait to watch this cast grow together throughout the summer as they discover the magic and wonder hidden behind the garden walls.

Congratulations to our cast! Stay tuned for behind-the-scenes fun and updates as we journey toward opening night on August 8!

05/31/2026

What a wonderful evening celebrating the people who make our theater shine!

Last night, we gathered to recognize the incredible volunteers whose time, talent, and dedication made this past season such a success. Our volunteers are the heart of everything we do!

We were also honored to present three special awards:

The Golden Rat Award to John Howell — a truly deserving recipient whose kindness, support, and willingness to help wherever needed make our theater a better place.

The Founders Award to The Hajda Family — recognizing more than a decade of service and countless contributions both onstage and off.

Volunteer of the Year to LauraKate Carlock — for her outstanding work as an actor, assistant director, and all-around champion of our theater family.

We also revealed the exciting lineup for Season 49 (stay tuned - we’ll be sharing it with all of you in just a couple of weeks! 👀), and wrapped up the evening with plenty of laughs and friendly competition during trivia hosted by Jim Fields.

Thank you to every volunteer, supporter, patron, and friend who helps make our theater community so special. Here’s to another amazing season ahead!

05/28/2026

Introducing the Cast of The Secret Garden!

We are so excited to officially announce the talented young performers of our Academy of Children’s Theatre summer production of The Secret Garden, opening August 8!

Please help us congratulate this wonderful cast as they begin their journey into the garden!

Mary Lennox- Fionna Howell
Colin- Colvin Mueller
Dickon- Ryan Dye
Mrs. Medlock- Evelyn Salyer
Archibald Craven- James Hooton
Jane/Betty- Ivy Mulroney
Martha- Georgia Brakhage
Nurse- Caroline Donohue
Dr. Craven- Eliana Hooton
Mrs. Crawford- Charlotte Haskett
Phil/John- Lucy Bonk
Kanchi- Zobrie Mueller
Cook/Maid- Ivy Ramirez
Mrs. Sowerby- Brianna Rasmussen
Mrs.Wiggin/Lilias- Alexandra Budden

05/25/2026

“Let their remembrance be as lasting as the land they honored.” – Daniel Webster

05/25/2026

The wait is over!

We are beyond excited to officially announce the cast of Groundhog Day: The Musical!
☀️⏰🐿️

After an incredible round of auditions, we are thrilled to bring together this talented group of performers to tell this hilarious, heartfelt, and unforgettable story. This cast is ready to make every day count!

Congratulations to all who were cast and thank you to everyone who auditioned and shared your talents with us. We were blown away by the passion, energy, and creativity in the room.

Get ready for laughter, music, dancing, and maybe a little déjà vu because Punxsutawney is coming to life on our stage this summer! Opening July 16!

Phil Conners - Jeff Ensz
Rita Hanson - Kayli DeLoach
Larry - Ben Walker
Ned Ryerson/Healer/DJ2 - Colin Sandall
Nancy Taylor - Beauna Thammathai
Mrs. Lancaster/Doris/AA Person - Madi Dodson
Gus/Freddie/Psychiatric Pharmacologist - Zane Holoubeck
Ralph/Jeff - Dustin Cartmill
Debbie/Naturopath - Brooklyn Slone
Chubby Man/Buster/Priest - Bryan Johnson
Sheriff/Bartender Billy - Seth Maschmeier
Deputy/Old Jenson/DJ1 - Noah Edgington
Joelle/Nurse - Ava Benner
Mrs. Cleveland/Piano Teacher/Scientologist/Lady Storm Chaser - Morwenna Limper
Mr. Cleveland/Elder/Storm Chaser - Forrest Holoubeck

Welcome!

05/21/2026

If you’re in the market for friendly, dependable insurance from a local agent, this KCT program sponsor is only a phone call away! We’re happy to highlight Cory Kruse, State Farm Insurance Agent, who has been providing Kearney area residents with a variety of insurance options, including Auto, Motorcycle, Homeowners, Life, and more since 2001. With Cory, you can customize a coverage plan that helps protect what’s important to you – family, things and your bottom line. Let’s give Cory a round of applause for his generous support of our theater and its mission!

“My name is Cory Kruse and I have been a State Farm Agent for 24 years in Kearney Ne. I am married and have two daughters. I am a graduate of The University of Nebraska at Kearney with a Business Administrations degree. My office helps people with Out of State Transfers to Kearney and Buffalo County. Our main focus is helping our customers with their Auto Insurance, Homeowners Insurance, Renters Insurance, and Life Insurance needs. I am very involved in the Kearney Community and currently am a member of several organizations including the Kearney Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Kearney and the Kearney United Way chapter. Please let us know if we can help you out with any of your insurance needs.”

https://corykruse.com
308.234.2740

Call (308) 234-2740 for life, home, car insurance and more. Get a free quote from State Farm Agent Cory Kruse in Kearney, NE

05/19/2026

Join us TONIGHT at 7:00 PM and come be part of this hilarious, heartfelt, and wildly entertaining production! We are looking for performers ages 18 and older (yes, there is a part for older you!), and there are plenty of opportunities for all experience levels. Love center stage or part of an energetic ensemble? Come on out. We’d love to see you there!

Bring your enthusiasm, your personality, your one minute song, and get ready for a fun evening. Don’t miss your chance to be part of an unforgettable summer of theater!

Check out our website for more information - or take a look at our Facebook event page!

kearneycommunitytheatre.com
83 Plaza Blvd