Louise ImMasche

Born on October 7, 1984, Louise graced stages in Topeka, Kansas City, Silver Lake, Ottawa, Cottonwood Falls, Baldwin City and countless other cities and towns, though was most closely associated with Theater Lawrence, in Lawrence, Kansas, where over the course of nearly 15 years they performed in over 50 productions.

Louise’s earliest experience on the stage took place at the age of four, when they appeared as a shepherd in the Chase County Senior Center’s 1988 Christmas Pageant. On Friday, October 24th, they gave their last performance, appearing for the fifth time as Dr. Frank-N-Furter in the Rocky Horror Show, a favorite role both for Louise and for their many fans.

Louise was most proud of their work as the titular character in Hedwig and the Angry Inch, in the fall of 2024. During that show Louise was able to showcase their work not only as an actor, singer and dancer, but also as a visual artist, having designed and created much of the art that appeared in projections, set decoration and even in many of their handmade costumes.

Though most at home on the stage, Louise brought their magical light into every room they entered. Whether they were decked in sequins and rhinestones, or sneakers and workout clothes, those in Louise’s orbit never had any doubt they were in the presence of a star. Even with all that star-power, though, Louise was also known by any who had the pleasure of meeting them as one of the kindest souls they had encountered. Generous with praise, and always encouraging of new artists, they were nearly as well known for their open and welcoming disposition as for their triumphs as an artist.

When Louise wasn’t on the stage, they worked as a caregiver for adults with disabilities. In that role, it was their compassion, non-judgmental spirit and natural inclination to care and support that came to the forefront. Among the many who will miss Louise’s light are the clients for whom they provided so much care.

Those who left the stage prior to Louise’s departure include their grandparents, Gerald and Mary Dieker of Strong City, Kansas, and their grandmother, Betty ImMasche of Emporia, Kansas, as well as an aunt, Melanie Martin of Waldron, Arkansas and an uncle, Randy Dieker of Anthony, Kansas.

Louise leaves behind their loving husband, Zak Grant of Kansas City, MO; mother and stepfather, Erin and Bruce Corbin of Topeka, KS; their father and stepmother, Tim and Jennifer Dieker of Topeka, KS; grandfather, Don ImMasche of Emporia, KS; brother and brother-in-law, Joshua and Aaron Thaete of Aurora, CO; brother and sister-in-law, Brian Dieker and Kayla Motley of Chicago, IL; step-brother and sister-in-law, Tyler and Chelsea Roth of Topeka, KS; step sister and brother-in-law, Chelsea and Tyler Seele of Topeka, KS, hundreds of dear friends and countless fans.

The world has a little less sparkle without Louise in it, but they would want all those who remember them to don their brightest sequins and their tallest heels, and to dance under the lights in their honor.

A celebration of Louise’s life will take place at 11:00 am on Friday, October 31, 2025 at Theater Lawrence, 4660 Bauer Farm Drive, Lawrence, Kansas. All in attendance are invited to wear something colorful and sparkly.

One cause that was deeply important to Louise is the need for resources for independent artists, to allow them to develop and produce art. For that reason, their husband, Zak is working with Theater Lawrence to create a special “Starving Artist’s” fund to help make those kinds of resources available. In lieu of flowers, Zak is asking that memorial donations may be made to Theater Lawrence in Louise’s name, for the help in establishing that fund.

The Louise ImMasche Celebration Tour Cabaret will take place on the evening of Saturday, November 22, 2025, additional details to be published at a later date. The event will be admission free, but will accept “pay-what-you-can” donations at the door, which will be added to Louise’s Starving Artist Fund. Additionally, there will be opportunities to purchase prints and recordings of Louise’s own work at their Merch Table, and the proceeds from those sales will also be put into the fund.

Those who would like to see images of Louise’s art, or recordings of some of their performances may visit their various social media outlets at the following links:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@louiseofficial5561

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louiseimmasche/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@louiseimmasche