We’re looking forward to introducing you to Will Gurley. Check out our conversation below.
Will, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
I have been called to be a light in the theatre community and not be ashamed of my faith within the arts world. Being a follower of Jesus in a field that is often adversarial towards Christians isn’t an easy (or often enjoyable) task, and there are a lot of people at The Culture House who have taken significant flack and pushback for being firm about their beliefs, so when I started working at TCH I was very aware of the potential risks— but Jesus calls us to follow him, even if it’s scary or we think people will attack us. Just look at the early church!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Will Gurley, and I’m the artistic director of the Balladeer Theatre Company at The Culture House. BTC is TCH’s professional theatre division with a focus on writing new, impactful, and good plays. In 2025, we had the opportunity to bring back Magic Blueberry Pancakes by Kayli Gurley, a hit show from last summer, and even take it on the road to Chicago! We also presented The Brightest It’s Ever Been by Kayli Gurley for the fourth time, this time in the round and featuring Bryson Kendall as the protagonist Jamie. Coming up, we have two more original shows in rep with each other in October: Frankenstein by myself and Our Holy Place by Kayli Gurley. Our final show of the year is It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play adapted by Joe Landry, which will hopefully become a Christmas tradition!
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
Perspective is everything. Theatre is all about telling stories and seeing things from a different point of view. When points of view and values differ, conflict arises. If the collective “we” are able to understand each other’s perspectives, points of view, and values, that’s how connection begins.
What’s something you changed your mind about after failing hard?
I’m not sure if this counts as failing, but I definitely viewed it as a failure at the time. I first went to college to earn a BFA in Musical Theatre. My goal was to go to New York and get on Broadway, so I transferred to a more rigorous conservatory program. However, when I got there, I struggled greatly. I didn’t connect with my classmates and felt alone, my art was suffering, and I was beginning to think that this wasn’t for me. I eventually decided to move home and finish undergrad at Midamerica Nazarene University under the tutelage of Heather Tinker, but to me, “giving up” on New York and Broadway felt like a failure. Through lots of therapy and conversations with my family and now wife, I came to realize that New York isn’t the end-all be-all for theatre. There are incredibly talented theatre artists in KC and across the country, and you don’t have to be in New York to be a successful artist. As I was discovering and convincing myself of this truth, I decided to plant my roots back in KC. Thus, Balladeer was born.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
That if a piece is edgy, shocking, profane, etc., it is good. This is simply not true. Far too many shows and productions are trying to be darker, edgier, sexier, more racy, and are sacrificing the core element of good storytelling in the process.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days.
Well, sometimes we are literally tap dancing at work! But yes, I am just ecstatic to be doing what I do as a career. Telling stories and furthering the love of God in my home town is an immense blessing! The days I am most excited for at work are rehearsal days, where we really get to see our shows coming together (sometimes for the first time ever!)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.culturehouse.com/balladeer-theatre-company
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/balladeertheatrecompany?igsh=MWNtaXRqeHE1b3g3MA==
Image Credits
Laurel Hinton, Dalton Medina, Eli Whitacre
