SEASON MEMBERSHIPS AVAILABLE!

Art of Murder

Can You Solve the Mystery?

featuring

SATURDAY, JUNE 20, 2026
VIP Party starts at 5:00 PM  –  General Admission Doors Open 5:45 PM  –  First Scene 6:45 PM
21+ EVENT

A small number of tickets are still available

by calling the box office: 785.357.5211

For the 12th Anniversary of Art of Murder we invite you to tune in for seven scenes with TCT’s Improv Comedy Company, Laugh Lines!

Welcome to the magical world of PBS’s longest running kid’s show; Fairy Tale Forest with Granny Goose! Each day, Granny Goose takes young ones on a spirited adventure through Fairy Tale Forest with stops at the Three Bear Cottage for family time, then it’s off to the Big Bad Wolf’s kitchen for nutritious treats, and a finally, a silly stop at Duncan, the Dumbest Donkey’s Barn. But behind the scenes all is not a fairytale at all.  It seems the actors and crew of this award winning children’s show are growing increasingly bitter toward the fowl attitude and rude treatment they receive from Grandma Goose at each shows live telecast! She has been warned that her tirades and vicious actions against her fellow actors may one day lead to dire consequences. And it does on this very day, as the cameras catch Grandma Goose’s final performance when she drops dead on live TV. Was it an accident? A terrible mishap? Or did someone on the set of Fairytale Forest cook her goose? Find out at the 12th Annual Art of Murder at TCT in The Case of The Fatal Fairytale Forest!

Immerse yourself in the excitement, drama, and mystique of a great whodunit in this 21 and over, interactive, indoor murder mystery event. Thank you to all our sponsors! Our guests will enjoy food and libations from over a dozen local vendors as they try to deduce the murderer’s identity!

ABOUT ART OF MURDER

Art of Murder is TCT’s annual fundraising event. By making your plans to attend, you ensure Topeka Civic Theatre continues to provide high quality and accessible entertainment for our community, life-long learning opportunities for youth, and inclusive experiences for volunteers to share their unique skills. This year will mark our 12th anniversary of bringing this interactive murder mystery to the Topeka community. Past events have been held at Washburn University, NOTO, Fairlawn Plaza, Downtown Topeka and other venues. We also use this fundraiser to celebrate individual members of the Topeka community as well as local businesses. Our Artistic Director, Shannon Reilly, will integrate special guests and sponsors directly into the performances! Last year we featured our very own comedy improv group, Laugh Lines. They will join us again this year!
 

    AUCTION IS LIVE!

    Scroll through the images below to see just a few of the available items. Click on the “Bid Now” button to see all auction items and get a jump start on placing bids! 

    Silent Auction

    Step into the suspense & support the arts!

    Topeka Civic Theatre invites you to participate in our exclusive Art of Murder Silent Auction — a curated collection of intriguing items, artistic treasures — crafted locally, and one-of-a-kind experiences.

    Bidding is open before and during performances of Art of Murder. All proceeds directly benefit TCT programs, helping us continue to provide quality theatre education, productions, and community engagement.

    Whether you’re a seasoned art lover, a theatre enthusiast, or just enjoy a good mystery, this is your chance to take home something special while supporting the stage you love.

    Don’t miss the chance to make your mark on this killer event!

    BID NOW - Check out auction

    PLEASE CONTACT JASON SMITH FOR MORE
    INFORMATION ABOUT ART OF MURDER

    Contact JASON

    Thank you TO OUR ART of MURDER Sponsors!

    2026 CORPORATE SPONSORS
    Executive
    $5,000
    Evergy

    Associate
    $2,500
    BOK Financial
    FHLBank Topeka
    WIBW-TV and wibw.com

    VIP Sponsor
    $2,500
    Bartlett & West

    50/50 Sponsor
    $2,500
    SSC CPAs + Advisors

    VIP Food Sponsor
    Engroff Catering

    Printing Sponsor
    Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas     

    Food Partners
    Bobby’s Food Co.
    Cashmere Popcorn
    El Taquito Express
    Hazel Hill Chocolate and Confections
    Heart of America Food Services LLC
    Jason’s Deli
    Johnny’s Tavern
    McAlister’s Deli
    Paisano’s Ristorante
    Toso Catering & Events
    U.S. Foods

    Beverage Partners
    Aaron Rosenow
    Crown Distributors
    Kansas Furniture Mart
    Strathman Sales

    Additional Donations
    Hartley Reynolds

    2026 INDIVIDUAL SPONSORS

    Sleuth
    $1,000
    The Calvin Family
    Bill & Kelley Cochran
    CoreFirst Bank
    Doug & Anita Exline
    Matt & Becky Foerschler
    Endeavor Private Wealth

    Inspector
    $500
    Jenny Barricklow
    Clayton Wealth Partners
    Farmers Insurance: Jarred White
    Jerry & Jeri Hansen
    David & Debbie Holzmeister, Dennis & Joyce Stover
    Dennis & Pat Petterson

    Detective
    $250
    Brenna Richmond & Lloyd Baker
    Brown Chevrolet
    Gary Cool Construction
    Denise & Ron Cunningham
    Susan Dickinson & Curt Miller
    Tim & Carolyn Edwards
    Mike & Linda Johnston
    Allen & Pattie Klassen
    Grace & Mike Morrison
    James D. Neely
    Marilyn & Steve Waugh
    Marlou Wegener
    Ruth & Bruce Von Stires

    Event Partnerships
    Berkeley Square Media, Inc
    Crown Distributors                                         
    Heart of America Food Services LLC       
    Hyvee                                                                 
    H3 Sound                                                                                                    Westside Stamp and Awards

    THANK YOU TO ALL OUR SPONSORS!