Lawrence Opera Theatre

Founded as Lawrence Opera Works in 2009 by Holly White and Hugo Vera, the company emerged from a shared vision to enrich the performing arts scene in Lawrence, Kansas. As graduates of the University of Kansas, Holly and Hugo recognized a gap during the slow summer months and sought to harness the transformative power of text, music, and art in opera and musical theater. Their inaugural program featured twelve talented singers performing opera scenes, which was presented in partnership with the Lawrence Jewish Community Congregation. This program was recorded and sent to Eutin, Germany, one of Lawrence's sister cities. This initiative caught the attention of the Eutin Opera Festival, leading to a lasting partnership that continues to thrive today.