Audrey Needles

is honored with a Large Paver from Gina Austin-Fresh, Allan Baker, Marijean Berg, Emily Bonavia, Dan E. Campbell, Joyce Cavarozzi, Robin Salem Clements, Jean Ann Cusick, Hal Davis, Jackie Donahue, Ellie Duram, Tom Frye, Annie Garvey, Becky Gentry, Carolyn (Crowell) Gordon, Jesse Tina Gray, John January, Bill Johnson, Bob Keckeisen, Julie & Stan Longhofer, Susan Lyles, Robin Rives McAdoo, Jean McClure, Mary Lou Phipps-Winfrey, Ann-Marie Rogers, Barb Schoenhofer, Linda Starkey, Brenda Strong, Ray Wills, Cindy Witherspoon, Anita Jones, and Nancy & Lee Woodard

Audrey Needles was born December 12, 1919 in Wichita, Kansas. After receiving her BA and MA in Speech/Theatre from the University of Denver, and doctoral work at the University of Minnesota, she began teaching theatre at Mercer University in Macon, Georgia. It was there she authored the book, "An Angel Blushed and All Heaven Broke Loose." (Wake-Brook House 1964)

In the 1960s, Audrey was recruited by Dick Wellsbacher to be part of the theatre department at Wichita State University. It was here that her long and close relationship with Mary Jane Teall was established. Audrey retired as emeritus professor of theatre after 25 years of teaching at WSU.

Amongst her many achievements, she directed more than 200 shows (including operas) and the Midwest premiere of Bernstein’s "Mass." Additionally, she directed shows with Music Theatre of Wichita, Wichita Center for the Arts, Wichita Summer Theatre and Cowtown.

Audrey was painstakingly detailed in her direction. She took great care and love in creating perfect stage pictures. Countless students will remember her rehearsals were focused on the integrity of the script and motivation of the actors to honor the written page. Sometimes the rehearsals were long and exhausting, but her final project was not only well directed, but rewarding to all the artists. So for Audrey.... "Let’s just do this one more time....for fun."

She was a member of the WSU Women's Association, American Association of University Professors, Association of Kansas Theatre, Kansas Speech Communication Association and the Association for Theatre in Higher Education. She was also a contributing member of many animal rights and sanctuary organizations.

Although she never married or had children, Audrey was a great supporter—both financially and emotionally--of her friends and former students in their theatrical and musical endeavors. She was also a long-time supporter of many local theatre groups in Wichita.

Audrey continued correspondence with former students until the time of her death at home in Wichita, Kansas on October 18, 2013. Her lifetime love and support of the theatre continues with the Audrey Needles Scholarship for theatre students at Wichita State University.