KIDSTAGE
Spotlight on KIDSTAGE Summer Camp Teachers
KIDSTAGE teachers aren’t just educators—they’re working professional artists who bring their craft, their passion, and their industry networks into every classroom. Wiley Jones and Hannah White are wonderful examples. Let’s shine the spotlight on them and their exciting camps!
Hannah White (she/her)
HANNAH WHITE (She/Her)
Dance Style Exploration (June 29-July 2)
Production Camp: Shrek (July 13-24)
Hannah (she/her) is a performing and teaching artist, and an audition coach for young performers in the greater Seattle area. Hannah holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from Cornish College of the Arts, where she was in productions of Jesus Christ Superstar, Company, and Chicago. Outside of theater, she loves swimming, baking, and playing MarioKart!
VILLAGE THEATRE: What do your students say they love most about their KIDSTAGE classes/camps?
HANNAH WHITE: It depends on the age group! Top three answers are playing games, learning choreography, and creating characters for their performances.
VT: Sure, you’ll get better at whatever skill you’re practicing like acting, singing, or dancing—what other good stuff do students get out of a KIDSTAGE camp?
HW: So many things! KIDSTAGE is a great place for students to learn teamwork and collaboration, and to build social skills and confidence.
VT: What are some particular things you do to create a space in which every student feels comfortable and welcome, regardless of skill level?
HW: I always give my students agency in the classroom! As much as I encourage them to be brave and stretch outside of their comfort zones, this is a great place for them to learn where their boundaries are. I’ll let them choose whether or not they want to sing solo or in a small group, and I’ll adjust choreography to make sure everyone feels confident doing it!
Wiley Jones (He/They)
WILEY JONES (He/They)
Sketch Comedy and Improv (August 3-7)
Wiley is a Los Angeles-based, award-winning performer and director. His background encompasses dance, writing, producing, and even puppetry—disciplines he draws on as a performance coach and educator. Wiley has worked on projects for HBO, Showtime, Netflix, and Amazon; as well as performing on stages Off-Broadway, across the country, and internationally. He is affiliated with The Groundlings (an improvisor in their writer’s lab) and holds a BFA in Theatre from NYU Tisch.
VILLAGE THEATRE: What do your students say they love most about their KIDSTAGE classes/camps?
WILEY JONES: My students consistently rave about the freedom to explore in my classes. They dive into diverse acting and theatre creation techniques, from analyzing text to using movement to tell stories. This allows them to discover what truly resonate with them as performers and creatives. Then, through collaborative exercises, the entire ensemble works together to shape the final piece they present. It’s an empowering experience that fosters a sense of ownership and creative voice. Of course, I’m their biggest cheerleader throughout the process, always encouraging them to unleash their inner power on stage!
VT: Sure, you’ll get better at whatever skill you’re practicing like acting, singing, or dancing- what other good stuff do students get out of a KIDSTAGE camp?
WJ: It’s true, performing builds skills you can use anywhere; like communication, collaboration, and creative problem-solving. What makes these classes truly special is the emphasis on confidence building. We delve into devising theatre together, a collaborative process where students, with my guidance, take the lead in creating the final piece. It’s like a playground where they get to experiment, play, ask questions, work as a team, and ultimately take ownership of what they create.
VT: What are some particular things you do to create a space in which every student feels comfortable and welcome, regardless of skill level?
WJ: From the very beginning, I prioritize building a supportive environment where all students feel comfortable engaging. The focus is always on the process, not the end product. The first day is dedicated to fostering trust and bravery through fun, low-pressure activities that introduce new vocabulary and techniques without intimidation.
I make it clear to students that my job is to help their work shine. They can focus on developing their skills while I handle the final aesthetic aspects of what we end up sharing. This frees them from performance anxiety and allows for complete creative exploration.
Ultimately, I encourage a ‘beginner’s mindset’ approach as students are embracing new challenges and trying things without fear of failure. This is the key to growth. In a class like sketch comedy, not every sketch will be a masterpiece, that’s part of the fun – and it’s all part of the learning process! My goal is to create a space where students can create, try new things, learn from mistakes, and build confidence.
Originally published May 29, 2026
KIDSTAGE Summer Camps
ISSAQUAH & EVERETT
JUN 22–AUG 14, 2026