About Us
Standing Committee Chairs
Front Row (L - R) Kat Klosterman, Caryn Hastings, Marilyn Thompson
Row 2 : Jim Holzmark, Margo Miller, Nancy Greenlee, Patty Bibler, Jackie Stokes, Lora Smith, Kelly Wilcox, Hank Recter
Back Row: Ed See, Don Watkins, John Wittenborn, Seth McClintock, Jerry Ogden, Richard "Buzz" Herman
2025-2026 Guild Officials
Sponsors
Richard Carrothers
Dennis D. Hennesy
Founder
Dodie Brown
Officers
President
Seth McClintock
First Vice President
Marilyn Thompson
Second Vice President
Jackie Stokes
Recording Secretary
Kelly Wilcox
Corresponding Secretary
Linda Seiner
Treasurer
Kathy Klostermann
Member at Large
Don Watkins
Immediate Past President
Nancy Greenlee
OUR MISSION
The New Theater Guild enables, through scholarships and grants, the education of theatre arts students in both Kansas and Missouri to enhance the quality of theater in the Greater Kansas City Area. Organized for charitable and educational purposes, The New Theatre Guild extends and promotes the dynamics of live theatre in the community. The Guild is a non-profit organization, registered in the state of Kansas, and governed by the board of directors and executive officers.
OUR PURPOSE
Organized for charitable and educational purposes, The New Theatre Guild extends and promotes the dynamics of live theatre in the community. The Guild enables, through scholarships and grants, the education of theatre arts professionals in both Kansas and Missouri. The goal is to enhance the quality of theatre in the Greater Kansas City area by supporting the actors of tomorrow through financial assistance at the University level. Through the Guild’s fundraising efforts and generous donations and gifts, over $1,000,000.00 has been raised to date. The New Theatre Guild Scholarship Foundation is managed through a partnership with the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation.
OUR HISTORY
The New Theatre Guild was formed in 1994 by Kansas City actress Dodie Brown to promote and encourage the growth of live theater in the Greater Kansas City area. Her love of theatre and the related arts is expressed through her profession and ongoing support for the artistic community. The idea was born when Dodie was asked to use some of her friends as extras in “The Sound of Music”. They had so much fun during the production that it became a regular habit. This was when Dodie decided it was time to bring professional arts and arts supporters together by forming a Guild that uniquely blends the two! The Guild enjoys the support and encouragement of The New Theatre & Restaurant of Overland Park, Kansas and its owners, Dennis D. Hennessy and Richard Carrothers.
“I decided to audition for a play being put on by a local company,” she said matter-of-factly. “I’ve now been in over 120 plays over the years.” - Dodie Brown
OUR FOUNDER
Dodie Brown
1932-2023
About Dodie
1932-2023
“It’s Dodie Brown, who was director of the St. Peter’s choir for 35 years. Dodie is among a small handful of local actors who have achieved national recognition and who never fails to elicit spontaneous applause when they first come on stage.
Dodie has worked with luminaries in the theatre for many, many years and is loved by audiences and critics alike. She and (husband) Bud have been members of St. Peters since the church was built – or close to that time. Dodie and Bud are devout Christians and Dodie is a natural-born caregiver and mentor to anyone who needs her cheerful, upbeat and brilliant intervention.”
Not much to add here. Other than to sit down in the Browns’ meticulously prepared poolside patio with coffee and treats and to ask an actress those questions that everyone has always wanted to ask an accomplished actor, but have been afraid to seem like a shlemiel.
Like: How do you memorize lines?
“I have tricks,” Dodie smiles, just a little slyly...
