The director of one of the Main Street Summer Theater Festival productions in 2024 literally grew up in the program.

Tori Rucker, who directed the Quinter show of Shrek the Musical Jr., first appeared in musical productions staged by festival founder Bonnie Cameron, before the arts council was established. Tori grew from actress to intern to co-director, and last summer she directed her first full production.

She graduated from Fort Hays State University in May 2024 and secured a teaching job in Russell. She has often said her experiences with Main Street helped her narrow down her focus, goals, and dreams for her career as an educator.

In 2024, 227 area youth participated in shows: 39 in Atwood; 34 in Colby; 39 in Hoxie; 24 in Goodland; 58 in Oakley; and 33 in Quinter.

Hansen funds helped pay for a documentary that festival organizers intend to schedule screenings of this year.