KIDSTAGE

KIDSTAGE Inside Scoop: Spring 2026

Dear KIDSTAGE families,

As our spring season wraps up and summer comes into view, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on everything we have accomplished together this year — and share the exciting opportunities ahead. We are especially excited to have welcomed a record number of new students through our doors in our Winter/Spring Classes.

We are thrilled that we had such strong KIDSTAGE representation at this year’s Annual Auction & Gala.

Current KIDSTAGE student Peyton McCrery performed an original song with KIDSTAGE alum and Gala host, Sarah Rose Davis (pictured below). The song was written by Brian Yorkey and Tim Symons as part of our KIDSTAGE Originals program. An ensemble of Village Theatre Institute students, including Peyton, also participated in a Gala video of “You Will Be Found” from Dear Evan Hansen. It was emotional and uplifting, reflective, and celebratory all at once. These performance opportunities supported fundraising for our programs that make it possible for all students to participate with KIDSTAGE.

Photo by Nikki Womac (2026)

For so many of our students, “You Will Be Found” is not just a song — it’s a lived experience. The stage is where students walk in uncertain, and leave knowing they belong. It is where friendships are forged, confidence is found, and young people discover that their voice matters. This moment at the Gala captured everything KIDSTAGE is about. As we look toward the end of the school year, it is not too late to show your support by making a gift to Village. Your gift can be in honor of a graduating student or a way to express your support for the impact of our programming on our students.

MAKE A GIFT TODAY!

Next at KIDSTAGE

Don’t miss your chance — interview slots/video auditions are still open for our College Preparatory Program designed for students with their sights set on a performing arts future beyond high school! College Prep is a comprehensive training experience designed to equip student with the essential skills needed for successful college auditions. It is limited to 12-14 dedicated students (grade 11 through age 20). Contact Aaron M. Davis Norman for more information and to set up an appointment.

Is your student performer ready for the next step? For students ready to go deeper in their theater training, we’re offering a focused lineup of Summer Camps (both new and returning favorites) for the driven performer. These opportunities are designed for those who are serious about developing their craft and committed to taking their work to the next level.

Dance Essentials: Dance Style Exploration (EVT)

Actor’s Toolkit: Scene Study (Iss)

Actor’s Toolkit: Acting Intensive (Iss)

Actor’s Toolkit: Stage Combat Basics (Iss)

Musical Theater Workshop: Dance Intensive (Iss)

Actor’s Toolkit: Screen to Stage (Evt)

Don’t miss out on all our amazing Summer Camps, which are filling up fast and always a hit!

EXPLORE ISSAQUAH CAMPS

EXPLORE Everett Camps

Student and Alumni Spotlight 

It is always special when our KIDSTAGE alumni return to perform in a Mainstage production! Grease featured six KIDSTAGE alumni in the acting company.

Watching these alumni perform on the Mainstage today is always a “full circle” moment. Scroll through the photo album below to see them “back when.”

We are also incredibly proud to see our current KIDSTAGE students shining on local, regional, and national stages! Congratulations to KIDSTAGE student Isaiah Hyde (pictured below) who took first place at the National Finals of the Next Narrative Monologue Competition at the Apollo Theater in New York.

And, finally, congratulations to those KIDSTAGE students selected to participate in the Rising Star production of Jesus Christ Superstar at The 5th Avenue Theatre: 

• Cast: Luna Baxter, Ana Sofia Carbrera Castro, Abbie Chen, Tristan Calkins, Beatrice Cramer, Malcolm Doty, Marcie Freund, Eliana Green, Lulu Hall, Isaiah Hyde, Madeline Cashman, Rowena McClary, Zoe McLean, Spencer Norman, Isla O’Connor-Lu, Cammie Ploeger, and Melody Smitkin 

• Creative Team: Julia Bradler, Kylie Doohan-Mitchell, Elsa Harris, Vivi Thomas, Izzy Urbano, and Tera Winte

• Orchestra: Emily Do, Autumn Holt, Paul Brooks, and Luke Zeng

Theater changes lives, and this community proves that every single day. Thank you for being part of KIDSTAGE and for helping our students find their voice, their confidence, and a place where they truly belong.

My door is always open, and I love hearing from you. Please feel free to reach out via email anytime.

With so much gratitude,

-Suzie C. Bixler, 
Director of Youth Education

Originally published May 15, 2026