Washburn University

04/09/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/10/2026 07:00

Washburn University Music & Theatre Department to Present “Airness”

Topeka, Kan. - The Washburn University Music & Theatre Department will present "Airness" at 7:30 p.m. April 17, 18, 23, 24 and 25 and at 2 p.m. April 26 in the Neese-Gray Theatre in the Garvey Fine Arts Center, on the Washburn campus.

"Airness" was written by Chelsea Marcantel and is a comic and heartfelt look into the world of air guitar competitions, as well as the artists who inhabit this unique artistic world. The characters are sincere and earnest in their quest for air guitar skills and the elusive 'airness' that can propel them to stardom. With villains and heroes in their stage personas, the characters come to life as they bond backstage as they compete onstage.

"Airness is about sharing the joy of becoming the real you," said Ted Shonka, director.

Set design is by Deb Bruner, lighting design by Lauren Jones, costume design by Knox McClendon and sound design by Julie Noonan. The cast includes Washburn students Gage Gooding, Taylor Moore, Terry Symonette, Wyatt Tripe, Eli Dozier, Elliot Pruitt and Ruby Johnson.

Tickets may be reserved at https://cur8.com/18042/project/136003 or at the Washburn Theatre Box Office before performances. Tickets are free for Washburn students, faculty and staff. General admission is a suggested $10 donation. All donations support Washburn Theatre academic and travel scholarships. For more information, visit washburn.edu/theatre.

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Editor's Note: Cast Hometowns
Gage Gooding, Taylor Moore and Wyatt Tripe are from Topeka, Kan
Terry Symonette is from Nassau, The Bahamas
Eli Dozier is from Lenexa, KS
Elliot Pruitt is from Lansing, KS
Ruby Johnson is from Perry, KS

For further information, contact:
Joy Bailes
Director of Internal Communications and Brand Management
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 785-670-2153

Washburn University published this content on April 09, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on April 10, 2026 at 13:00 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]