KIDSTAGE
KIDSTAGE Inside Scoop Winter 2025
Dear Youth Education families,
Now that our fall season has concluded and we are well into the holiday season, it feels like a natural moment to reflect on the joy, growth, and creativity that filled our theater classrooms. It was a privilege to observe many of our final demonstrations in both Issaquah and Everett and see first-hand our students and staff showcasing their work.
One of my favorite traditions is hearing students share what they love most in their classes. This season responses ranged from “learning the choreography!” to “singing together!” to “making new friends” – and of course plenty of shout-outs for their amazing teachers.
I also had the pleasure of chatting with families and your stories deeply resonated with me. One parent shared how their daughter, once incredibly shy, is blossoming before their eyes – gaining confidence, building friendships, and finding her voice in our community. Witnessing growth like this is at the heart of why we do what we do.
The company of KIDSTAGE Into the Woods. Photo by Quinlan Corbett (2025).
The company of KIDSTAGE Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812. Photo by Nikki Womac (2025).
I hope you were able to catch our beautiful productions of Into the Woods and Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 in Concert. The teen casts tackled remarkably challenging scores with talent and heart! Do you want to be part of the magic onstage? We just announced our upcoming auditions for our spring productions and our summer 2026 titles.
For more information click here.
Our professional Mainstage productions offer a meaningful extension of the KIDSTAGE classroom, giving students the opportunity to connect their training to our professional work and be inspired by what is possible.
That’s why we’re thrilled to introduce this special new discount for currently enrolled KIDSTAGE families: enjoy 25% off Mainstage single tickets in seating zones A, B, or C.
As we roll out this new program, we invite you to use the promo code sent via email to access your discount through June 19, 2026. Moving forward, your discount will automatically be added to your Spektrix account for six months after enrolling your student in a KIDSTAGE program.
Discount valid for Zones A, B, and C only. Not valid for Lucky Draw, not valid for A+. Cannot be combined with other offers. Offer is not retroactive. To purchase Mainstage tickets, visit VillageTheatre.org.
Jessice Skerritt and Tenille Manson in Brigadoon. Photo by Auston James (2025).
Sarah Rose Davis, Taylor Niemeyer-Symons, and Shelby Willis in 9 to 5. Photo by Auston James (2025).
Our Youth Education alumni continue to make us proud on our Village Theatre stages:
• Tenille Manson, Jessica Skerritt, Eddie McClary, and Lexi Warden were in the company of Brigadoon
• Sarah Rose Davis, Taylor Niemeyer-Symons, Shelby Willis, Kekoa Dilay, and Mariesa Genzale are currently in 9 to 5 The Musical.
We also have many alumni working backstage and in the pit for both productions, including:
• Recent Summer Independent graduates Ethan Swim (Assistant Stage Manager), Kallen Pishue (Key Deck), Jerena Layacan (Follow Spot Operator, Issaquah), and Paul Stovall (Music Prep) as well as
• R.J. Tancioco (Music Director), Aaron Alexander Gordon (Associate Choreographer), and Michael Matlock (Music Prep)
Juliette Haroon (far left), Conor Craggan (far right), and the company of Fiddler on the Roof. Photo by Ivy Green (2025).
Liam Kuriatnyk as Gavroche in Les Misérables: School Edition. Photo by Ivy Green (2025).
And we’re incredibly proud to see our current KIDSTAGE students shining on local regional stages. Congratulations to:
• Noa Kim (Elf: The Musical at The 5th Avenue Theatre)
• Conor Craggen, Morgan Kenway, and Akira Sharma (The Outsiders youth production at The Seattle Rep)
• Juliette Haroon and Liam Kuriatnyk (A Christmas Carol at Union Arts Center)
Thank you for being part of our Youth Education family. Your support helps create the vibrant community that our students call home.
My door is always open, and I love hearing from you. Please feel free to send me an email anytime.
With gratitude and joy,
-Suzie C. Bixler, Director of Youth Education
Originally published December 22, 2025