KIDSTAGE
KIDSTAGE Inside Scoop Winter 2024
Dear wonderful KIDSTAGE families,
What an incredible semester it’s been! We have so much to celebrate.
I wanted to take a moment to share with you the accomplishments of our Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE community and express our heartfelt gratitude for your continued support and participation.
Read on for some exciting program highlights, impressive alumni updates, and more!
Program Highlights
Students participate in the Issaquah community event “Boo at the Barn.”
Jesus Christ Superstar in Concert (Everett)
📷 Ivy Green
Mean Girls High School Version (Issaquah)
📷 Nikki Womac
Earlier this month in Everett, we wrapped our production of Jesus Christ Superstar in Concert. It’s the first time we’ve done a concert production and it did not disappoint! What a stunning vocal achievement and powerful show that allowed students to focus on the intricate harmonies and emotional depth of the characters.
Last weekend in Issaquah, we opened Mean Girls High School Version, We are thrilled with our cast and team and love sharing this light-hearted show with the community. Come see these talented students before the show closes December 22!
Our KIDSTAGE Classes this fall have sparked creativity and individual growth as students explore acting, singing, dance, musical theater, and design. We can’t wait for families to see their student’s progress during our final class demonstrations this Saturday.
The 170 students in our Village Theatre Institute (advanced training program) have worked hard every week to push outside of their comfort zones and build their musical theater toolkits.
New Registration System
We’re excited to announce an important upgrade to your registration experience. KIDSTAGE recently transitioned to a new registration platform, designed to make your experience easier, faster, and more convenient.
Click here to explore our wide variety of Winter/Spring classes!
Coming Soon to KIDSTAGE
- Sat, Jan 18: Our Winter/Spring class session starts. Register today!
- Sun, Jan 19: Auditions for Shrek JR. in Everett (grades 5-9)
- Sun, Jan 26: Auditions for A Wrinkle in Time in Issaquah (grades 5-9)
Students ages 3-5, we’ve got an exciting new program for you! Our young creatives, along with a caregiver, will meet Tuesday mornings in Everett for Creative Explorers.
Technical theater enthusiasts: Apply for our TTP Mentorship Program to work behind the scenes on our Spring and Summer productions. Learn more here.
Community Highlights
Inara Sheldon at the 2024 Gregory Awards
Gia Pelligrini (left) in KIDSTAGE Guys and Dolls (2022-23) 📷 Northwest Theatre Press
Alexis Yun in KIDSTAGE Finding Nemo JR. (2023-24) 📷 Nikki Womac
KIDSTAGE: Current Students
- Inara Sheldon received the 2024 Gregory Award for Outstanding Youth Theatre Advocate
- Gia Pellegrini is performing as Jane in Mary Poppins at The 5th Avenue Theatre
- Alexis Yun, Juliette Haroon & Connor Craggan are in A Christmas Carol at ACT Theatre
KIDSTAGE on the Mainstage: Alumni
- Camelot: Jessica Skerritt (Guenevere)
- Legally Blonde: Coleman Cummings (Emmett Forrest), Kekoa Dilay (Swing), Danny Kam (Dewey, Carlos, Ensemble, u/s Callahan, Vocal Captain), Michael Matlock (Keyboard 2), Kallen Pishue (Key Deck), Tim Symons (Music Director/Conductor), R.J. Tancioco (Associate Music Director), and Shelby Willis (Ensemble)
KIDSTAGE on the Mainstage: Instructors & Directors
- Legally Blonde: Ania Briggs (Swing, u/s Pilar), Daniel Cruz (Associate Choreographer), Nalica Hennings (Pilar), Jessica Low (Associate Director), Trina Mills (Paulette), Laurel Nichols (Assistant Stage Manager), Cy Paolantonio (Brooke Wyndham, Ensemble), Kayley Paylor (Performing Animal Provider), Charles L. Simmons (Cezar Tepesh, Ensemble), Katy Tabb (Choreographer)
Jessica Skerritt in KIDSTAGE Ruthless! The Musical (2004-05)
Coleman Cummings in KIDSTAGE Shrek JR. (2012-13) 📷 Northwest Theatre Press
Village Theatre’s production of Legally Blonde (2024-25) 📷 Auston James
Finally – Thank You!
Thank you again for being an integral part of our Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE family. We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming shows and welcoming you back January 18 for another exciting semester of classes.
My door is always open. I look forward to seeing you at the theatre soon!
-Suzie C. Bixler, Director of Youth Education
Originally published December 12, 2024