Rising Stars: Meet Richard Renner of Lawrence Kansas

Today we’d like to introduce you to Richard Renner

Hi Richard, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve been passionate about entertaining since I was a kid growing up in northwest Kansas, inspired by my grandfather, my mom, and old-school performers like Jerry Lewis and Red Skelton. Though I was encouraged to pursue a more traditional career, I followed my heart and earned a degree in Theater and Speech Communication from the University of Kansas.

Along the way, I discovered a love for physical performance—juggling, stilts, unicycles, and mime—which led me to train with international artists and perform full-time. That passion also sparked an unexpected interest in business, eventually leading me to start Vodvill Entertainment Company, a talent agency that’s still going strong today.

In 2008, after moving back to Lawrence and seeing the potential of downtown as a stage, I founded the Lawrence Busker Festival. What started with a $2,000 budget has grown into a beloved event that’s been running for over 17 years. We bring in local and international street performers, and the community’s love for the offbeat—sword swallowers, fire eaters, contortionists—continues to fuel its success.

Most recently, I launched the Lawrence Comedy Festival, which debuted in 2024 and received overwhelming support. From performing to producing, I’ve stayed committed to live entertainment and the creative spirit that makes communities like Lawrence thrive.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Most of my struggles have been personal—especially with confidence. For a long time, fear held me back from taking the creative risks I needed to grow. That began to change when I found a mentor who helped me see the value in doing things differently. Though I was trained in theater and clowning, I eventually tapped into my skills as a maker and visual artist—creating graphic art, building an art car called the Recycle Cycle, and developing original acts like The Comic Waiter and Nanny and Baby.

Stepping outside the traditional mold of performing still feels risky at times, but now I recognize that fear as a sign I’m on the right track. That same spirit of risk and reward has guided me into producing events—an evolution that’s become a fulfilling new chapter in my life in show business.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As mentioned in my bio, I began as an actor and performer, creating unusual variety acts for festivals, fairs, and organizations. Over time, that evolved into producing events with the same focus on unique, engaging entertainment. What I’m most proud of is my resilience and ability to adapt. I’ve stayed attuned to what excites people and leaned into that energy.

I’ve always preferred performing on the street over the stage—the surprise, the immediacy, the connection. I can’t say I had any special advantage, except that I never quit. In 40+ years, I’ve learned a lot—but quitting was never one of them.

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Over the next 5–10 years, I see the live entertainment and event industry continuing to blur the lines between performer and audience. People are craving more immersive, interactive, and personal experiences—something street performers and variety acts have always done well. I also think there will be a growing demand for hyper-local, community-driven events that reflect the unique character of a place, especially as people seek connection in an increasingly digital world.

Technology will continue to play a role, but I believe the most successful events will be the ones that feel real, raw, and human—experiences you can’t replicate with a screen. There’s also a big opportunity for cross-cultural and interdisciplinary performances, as audiences become more open to global and hybrid art forms.

Ultimately, I think the industry will reward creativity, authenticity, and adaptability—qualities that have always been at the heart of the work I do.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://richardrenner.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawrencebusker/
• Facebook: lawrencebuskerfest
• Other: www.lawrencebuskerfest.com, www.vodvill.com, www.recyclecyclecar.com, www.lawrencecomedyfest.com