MEN OF TORTUGA - An Off the Shelf reading

Tacoma Little Theatre's Off the Shelf program is excited to present Jason Wells’ Men of Tortuga, directed by Frank Roberts and featuring some of the Pacific Northwest’s finest actors.  This production will play Thursday, January 26, 2023, at 7:30pm.

Four men conspire to defeat a despised opponent by firing a missile into a crowded conference room on the day of an important meeting. Maxwell, a hero of the old guard, volunteers to sacrifice himself for the plan. Then Maxwell meets Fletcher, an idealist with a "Compromise Proposal" designed to resolve all conflicts. Maxwell regards the Compromise as hopeless, but he develops a liking for Fletcher - a distressing fact when Maxwell learns that, if the conspiracy proceeds, young Fletcher will be among the dead.

As the scheme spins wildly into complication, the plotters descend into suspicion, bloodlust, and raucous infighting; while Fletcher is drawn, inexorably, into the lions' den.

Men of Tortuga features the talents of: Mason Quinn, Jed Slaughter, Gunnar Johnson, and Mikel Michener.

Tickets for the January 26, 2023 performance at 7:30pm are $10.00 for non TLT Members, and FREE for those who are members. Tickets may be purchased online at www.tacomalittletheatre.com, or by calling our Box Office at (253) 272-2281.

TLT's OFF THE SHELF

We know that there is a tremendous amount of wonderful theatre that deserves to be heard but sometimes just doesn’t get an opportunity. With “Off the Shelf”, local directors and actors will be bringing some scripts to life that we hope you will find entertaining, challenging and educational to our stage. We hope that you’ll sit back and enjoy an evening of theatre. You never know, you might see one of these shows on our mainstage in the future.

BOY SMOOCHES IMPROV AT TLT

poster design by @delaneysaul

JANUARY 21ST 10:30pm!
GENERAL ADMISSION
$10 PRESALE
$15 AT THE DOOR

Boy Smooches is a PNW-based, long form improv group that’s been performing together for over two years. Every show is completely made up on the spot, LIVE. Nothing is pre planned! All it takes is one suggestion for the hilarity to ensue.

Join us JANUARY 21st for the TLT debut of Boy Smooches!

Winter Education 2023

Winter Classes 2023

Welcome to 2023! We hope that TLT can help you and your kids discover and pursue a passion for theatre this year! Check out what’s on the menu for classes at TLT this season.

For kids, we are offering two after school classes and one homeschool class.

For teens, check out teen improv levels one and two and our dance basics for actors class.

for adults, try adult improv levels one and two and our dance basics for actors class.

After School Class:

The Pied Piper — a Musical!

Starts: February 6, 2023

Meets: Mondays and Wednesdays 4PM - 6PM in person at Tacoma Little Theatre

Performance: March 18, 2023 at 4:00 PM (actors called at 3:00)

Ages: 6-11

Tuition: $225

Instructors: Becky Cain and Erinne Kellogg

Description: Our after school classes create opportunities for students to learn and explore through the process of putting on a play! From going through an audition process to the final bow, we'll teach about all that goes into putting on a show, and mentor our young actors in their performance art skills. Both of our show options for this class are musicals, meaning there will be lots to learn about singing and dancing, as well as acting techniques.

After School Class: It’s a play!

Starts: February 7, 2023

Meets: Tuesdays and Thursdays 4PM - 6PM in person at Tacoma Little Theatre

Performance: March 18, 2023 at 2:00 PM (actors called at 1:00 PM)

Ages: 10-14

Tuition: $225

Instructors: To Be Announced

Description: Our after school classes create opportunities for students to learn and explore through the process of putting on a play! From going through an audition process to the final bow, we'll teach about all that goes into putting on a show, and mentor our young actors in their performance art skills. We have not yet decided on a show for this class, but will update this announcement and all registered participants as soon as we do!

Homeschool Class: It’s a play!

Starts: February 7, 2023

Meets: Tuesdays and Thursdays 1PM - 3PM in person at Tacoma Little Theatre

Performance: March 18, 2023 at 12:00 noon (actors called at 11 AM)

Ages: 6-14

Tuition: $225

Instructor: TBA

Description: Our classes create opportunities for students to learn and explore through the process of putting on a play! From going through an audition process to the final bow, we'll teach about all that goes into putting on a show, and mentor our young actors in their performance art skills. Both of our show options are musicals, meaning there will be plenty to learn about singing, dancing, and acting techniques! We'll make our final show choice based on enrollment.

Dance basics for actors

If you’re looking to build some new skills or brush up some old ones, you might enjoy this new class at TLT! Dance Basics for Actors focuses on helping you learn about the types of movement and basic dance skills you might need for theatrical and dance performance. Have a hard time keeping up during dance calls? Wish you knew a few more of the basic steps that pop up in most shows? This class is about giving you the tools and building blocks to be successful on stage, regardless of your dance background and experience.

This class meets for just over an hour every Tuesday night in our Stage Right space (between TLT’s main entrance and the 7-11). We’d love to have you join us!

Improv: for teens and adults

levels one and two available

Starts: February 8/9, 2023

Meets:

Wednesdays: Teen level one from 4:30 to 6 and adult level one from 6:30 to 8 in person at the STAGE RIGHT building next to Tacoma Little Theatre.

Thursdays: Teen level two class from 4:30-6:00 PM and adult level two from 6:30 to 8 in person at the STAGE RIGHT building next to Tacoma Little Theatre.

Performance: TBA. Last class date March 15/16

Ages: 12-17, OR 18+

Tuition: $200

Instructors: Bjorn Sorenson & Salvatore Frattallone

Description:

Yes! We have an improv class for teens, AND we have one for adults as well! If you have fooled around with improv before, you’ll learn ways to improve your game. If not, you’ll gain some great experience in the art of made up theatre. Whatever your performance experience, this class is available to everyone! The skills you can build in a class like this one go a long way to building confidence in yourself as a performer and public speaker.

Now we are offering a level two course! This is intended for those who have taken improv classes in the past, or who have a strong background in the basics. Need help deciding which class is right for you? send us an email at education@tacomalittletheatre.com. We’re happy to help!

Winter Break 2022: A Year with Frog and Toad!

Happy Winter! We hope you’ll join us for a fun musical adventure through A Year with Frog and Toad!

With a rockstar team of directors and teachers, we know winter break at TLT will be a blast.

• Nick Fitzgerald will be directing! You may remember him from our workshops this summer, and you’ll love his creative style and passion for teaching.

• Becky Cain will teach music! She is currently music directing one of our after school camps, and is a brilliant music educator!

• Becca Jourden and Mara Aveline have both worked with TLT over the last year or so, and are highly skilled artists and educators as well, bringing the fun and the hard work along with it.

You’ll leave the experience having learned about music, dance, acting, theatre vocabulary, all of the work that goes into putting on a show, and having had a lot of fun.

Want to get a sneak peek at what this show is all about? Check out the Frog and Toad books by Arnold Lobel! In this play, the silly scenarios and wacky situations in which friends Frog and Toad find themselves come to life on the stage. There are roles for kids and teens of all ages, and our goal is to help each cast member grow through the process.

This show will perform on the set of TLT’s winter production, A Christmas Story! Open for all students in 1st grade through 12th grade, it’s a great opportunity to grow in skills and in confidence.

Dates and times:

December 17 from 10-12 (Auditions!)

December 19-23 and 26 9AM-4AM

December 27 9AM -- approx. 8:30 PM (last day of rehearsal and opening night!)

December 28 — 5:30 PM - approx. 8:30 PM (closing performance)

The cost to enroll is $350. Some scholarship funding is available. Click here to apply now!

See you at the theatre!

Scholarship Application - All Programs

Tacoma Little Theatre works hard to make our programs accessible for our community. Our camps and classes are priced based on the true cost to run the program and pay our staff for their time and energy. We recognize that, although we cannot lower the cost of participation, finances can create a barrier to participation in our programs. In response to that knowledge, we have, through intentional budgeting, grants, and the contributions of generous donors, built an ongoing scholarship fund. Anyone is welcome to apply to receive financial support for any of our education programs through this scholarship fund.

Scholarships are awarded based on need, as well as our available resources. Applications are processed in order of receipt. It can take 5-8 business days to process, but you should hear back from us with confirmation of what scholarship amount we can approve. We are unable to approve full scholarships. TLT is dedicated to honoring each request and making sure that every adult and child who wants to experience theatre art can do so through our programs.

We won’t ask you for anything in exchange for the scholarship. We may send an optional survey at some point in the year following your participation to seek some feedback, and possibly testimonials that can help us secure grants for future programs.

We do ask that, whether your student is participating through a scholarship or not, they attend each class or rehearsal, come on time, and participate fully in the process. Every cast member is a vital part of the experience.

If you have questions about our programs, or your scholarship application, please email education@tacomalittletheatre.com. Please also consider signing up for our ‘youth theatre’ email list to be notified of upcoming opportunities at the theatre!

Thanks for considering joining us at TLT, and we look forward to seeing you at the theatre!

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SONNETS FOR AN OLD CENTURY - An Off the Shelf reading

Tacoma Little Theatre's Off the Shelf program is excited to present Jose Rivera’s Sonnets for an Old Century, directed by Suzy Willhoft and featuring some of the Pacific Northwest’s finest actors.  This production will play Wednesday, September 21, 2022 at 7:30pm.

Could you tell your life story in the space of a moment?  Here, 17 individuals are assembled somewhere between life and afterlife. This is their final chance to tell moving, funny, and sometimes surprising stories about their life on earth. These small but powerful monologues might remind you of a more modern and urban Spoon River Anthology.  They each speak their peace and we will be listening!

Sonnets for an Old Century features the talents of: Emily Cohen, Ashley Evergreen, Daniel Garcia, Laurice Roberts, Jason Sharp, and Charlie Stevens.

Tickets for the September 21, 2022 performance at 7:30pm are $10.00 for non TLT Members, and FREE for those who are members. Tickets may be purchased online at www.tacomalittletheatre.com, or by calling our Box Office at (253) 272-2281.

TLT's OFF THE SHELF

We know that there is a tremendous amount of wonderful theatre that deserves to be heard but sometimes just doesn’t get an opportunity. With “Off the Shelf”, local directors and actors will be bringing some scripts to life that we hope you will find entertaining, challenging and educational to our stage. We hope that you’ll sit back and enjoy an evening of theatre. You never know, you might see one of these shows on our mainstage in the future.

Terms of Endearment

Directed by Blake R. York

September 10 - September 26, 2021
Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm
Sundays at 2:00pm

Pay What You Can: Thursday, September 23rd at 7:30pm

$27 Adults - $25 Students/Seniors/Military - $20 Children 12 & Under

Run Time: Act 1-49 minutes Act 2-50 minutes There will be a 15 minute intermission

Larry McMurtry’s beautiful and touching story comes to life in this new stage adaptation.

Though Emma is often exasperated by her highly opinionated mother, Aurora, they talk every day about their problems, from Aurora finding unexpected love even as she becomes a reluctant grandmother, to Emma's struggle in her troubled marriage. But when they need one another most, will they be able to find courage in each other? This funny and touching story captures the delicate, sometimes fractured bonds between mothers and daughters, husbands and wives, and lovers, both old and new.

Recommended for Ages 12+ 

Featuring:
Stephanie Leeper as Aurora
Anastazja Bury-Quinn as Emma
Scott C. Brown as Garrett
Derek Mesford as Flap
Danielle Locken as Patsy Clark/Doris/Nurse
Jay Lurvey as Doctor Maise

PROGRAM

Reviews

South Sound Arts
The Suburban Times

Clue: On Stage

Directed by Jennifer York

October 22 - November 7, 2021
Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm
Sundays at 2:00pm

ADDED PERFORMANCE
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2021 at 10:30PM

Pay What You Can: Thursday, November 4th at 7:30pm

$27 Adults - $25 Students/Seniors/Military - $20 Children 12 & Under

Run Time: Act 1-44 minutes Act 2-45 minutes There will be a 15 minute intermission

Was it Miss Scarlet with the lead pipe in the library? See if you can figure it out!

Based on the iconic 1985 Paramount movie which was inspired by the classic Hasbro board game, Clue is a hilarious farce-meets-murder mystery. The tale begins at a remote mansion, where six mysterious guests assemble for an unusual dinner party where murder and blackmail are on the menu. When their host turns up dead, they all become suspects. Led by Wadsworth – the butler, Miss Scarlett, Professor Plum, Mrs. White, Mr. Green, Mrs. Peacock, and Colonel Mustard race to find the killer as the body count stacks up. Clue is the comedy whodunit that will leave both cult-fans and newcomers in stitches as they try to figure out…WHO did it, WHERE, and with WHAT!

Recommended for Ages 12+ 

Run Time: Act 1- 45 minutes.

Featuring:
Mauro Bozzo as Wadsworth
Hana Hahn as Yvette
Robin Mae Becar as Miss Scarlet
Dana Messina Galagan as Mrs. Peacock
Deya Ozburn as Mrs. White
Mark Peterson as Colonel Mustard
Jason Sharp as Professor Plum
Frank Roberts as Mr. Green
Valentine Fry, Keith Ordonez, Janice Williams, Allen Melo, and Gunnar Johnson as Ensemble

PROGRAM

Reviews

The Wizard of OZ

Directed by Andrew Coopman
Musical Direction by Jeff Bell

16 Performances!

Friday, December 10th at 7:30pm
Saturday, December 11th at 7:30pm
Sunday, December 12th at 2:00pm
Wednesday, December 15th at 7:30pm
Thursday, December 16th at 7:30pm
Friday, December 17th at 7:30pm
Saturday, December 18th at 7:30pm
Sunday, December 19th at 2:00pm
Tuesday, December 21st at 7:30pm
Wednesday, December 22nd at 7:30pm
Thursday, December 23rd at 7:30pm
Friday, December 24th at 2:00pm
Tuesday, December 28th CANCELLED
Wednesday, December 29th CANCELLED
Thursday, December 30th CANCELLED
Friday, December 31st CANCELLED

Pay What You Can: Thursday, December 16th at 7:30pm

$29 Adults - $27 Students/Seniors/Military - $22 Children 12 & Under

Run Time: Act 1-1:10 Act 2-1:00 minutes There will be a 15 minute intermission

Spend the holidays over the rainbow in the merry old land of OZ!

Click your heels together as you experience one of the most famous stories of all time come to life on our stage. Based on the classic MGM movie musical and the book by L. Frank Baum, The Wizard of OZ has been enchanting families for generations. Follow the yellow brick road and join Dorothy, her little dog Toto, the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Lion as they journey over the rainbow to the merry old land of Oz in search of the great and powerful Wizard. Will he grant them their hearts’ desires? With all your favorite songs, including “We’re Off to See the Wizard,” “If I Only had a Brain,” and “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” this timeless musical will sweep you into a magical holiday adventure.

Recommended for All Ages 

Featuring:
Jolee Zamira as Dorothy
as Aunt Em/Glinda
David Breyman as Hunk/Scarecrow
Noah Bruckshen as Hickory/Tin Man
Chris Serface as Zeke/Cowardly Lion
Stephanie Leeper as Almira Gulch/Wicked Witch of the West
Joseph Woodland as Professor Marvel/Wizard of OZ
John Limitone as Uncle Henry/Emerald City Guard
Taylor Colvill as Dance Captain and Ensemble
Chap Wolff as Ensemble
Evie Merrill as Ensemble
Luke Miller as Ensemble
Thea Frances Yumang as Ensemble
Jess Mackey as Ensemble
Derek Mesford as Ensemble
Isabela Quesada as Ensemble
Sage Stevens as Ensemble
Allen Melo as Ensemble
Stefanie Van Rafelghem as Ensemble
Jennifer Weddermann as Ensemble
Tony Hay as Ensemble
Erik Davis as Ensemble
Chloe Longacre as Ensemble
Kaitlyn Whitten as Ensemble
Asha Grace as Ensemble

PROGRAM

Reviews

The Suburban Times

A Chorus Line

Directed and Choreographed by Eric Clausell
Musical Direction by Jeff Bell

March 11 - April 3, 2022
Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm
Sundays at 2:00pm

Pay What You Can: Thursday, March 24th at 7:30pm

ASL Interpreted performance on Sunday, April 3, 2022 at 2:00pm

$29 Adults - $27 Students/Seniors/Military - $22 Children 12 & Under

Run Time Act 1: 0:58 Act 2: 1:03

This ONE singular sensation is back to finish its run!

From the pen of legendary composer Marvin Hamlisch, comes this Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning singular sensation! Casting for a new Broadway musical is almost complete, and for 17 dancers, this audition is the chance of a lifetime and what they’ve worked their whole lives for. A Chorus Line brilliantly evokes both the glamour and grind of showbiz, and is the musical for everyone who’s ever had a dream and put it all on the line. The iconic score features such classics as “What I Did for Love,” “One,” “I Hope I Get It”, and more! With its celebration and true-to-life depiction of performers and their struggle to achieve greatness on the Broadway stage, A Chorus Line has earned unanimous praise as one of the true masterpieces of live theater.

Recommended for Ages 12+ 

Featuring:
Heather Adams Arneson as Lara
Hannah Ashcraft as Ensemble
Ian Bartlett as Mark
Haunz Stroschein as Gregory
Mallory Carbon as Judy
Richard Cubi as Mike
Loucas Curry as Richie
Roycen Daley as Paul
Emma Deloye as Maggie
Nick Fitzgerald as Bobby
Valentine Fry as Kristine
Melanie Gladstone as Val
Anna Herron as Vicky
Keola Holt as Diana
Devin Jackson as Ensemble
Danielle Locken as Sheila
Annelise Martin as Ensemble
Allen Melo as Ensemble
Derek Mesford as Don
Rebecca Nason as Ensemble
Micheal O’Hara as Zach
Alan Plaster as Ensemble
Whitney Shafer as Cassie
Natalie Silva as Bebe
Josh Wingerter as Al
Thea Frances Yumang as Connie

PROGRAM

Reviews

OLY ARTS
The Suburban Times

The Happiest Song Plays Last

Directed by Marilyn Bennett

April 29 - May 15, 2022
Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm
Sundays at 2:00pm

Pay What You Can: Thursday, May 12 at 7:30pm

ASL Interpreted performance on Sunday, May 15, 2022 at 2:00pm

$27 Adults - $25 Students/Seniors/Military - $20 Children 12 & Under

Run Time: Act One- 1:15 Act Two- 1:00

PROGRAM

Tacoma Little Theatre and University of Washington-Tacoma join together!

In a barrio living room in North Philly, an activist-turned-music-professor moonlights as the local soup kitchen queen. Halfway around the world, her cousin relives his military trauma on the set of a docudrama that’s filming in Jordan. With the Egyptian revolution booming in the distance, these two young adults try to sing a defiant song of legacy and love in the face of local and global unrest.

Recommended for Ages 12+ 

This show contains the following:
THEMES OF PTSD AND STORIES OF THE HORRORS OF WAR
FREQUENT STRONG PROFANITY
A FLASHING LIGHT EFFECT
SIMULATED VIOLENCE
SEXUAL SUGGESTIVENESS
NON-NICOTINE, NON-TOBACCO, NON-TAR BASED THEATRICAL CIGARETTES

Featuring:
Terence Mejos as Elliot
Maria-Tania Bandes B. Weingarden as Yaz
Jesus Villegas Rivera as Agustin
Shailendra (Shelly) Jain as Ali
Katie Jones as Shar
Wade Hicks as Lefty

Reviews

The Suburban Times

STACIA RUSSELL

Stacia joined the Tacoma Little Theatre board of Directors in August 2022. TLT is where she fell in love with the theater and her husband Chad Russell. She is motivated by her children and family to help shape a world where they feel safe to express themselves. She believes that children should be engaged early in life to be expressive and learn how to self-advocate. She believes the theatre is a perfect space for development of such skills for youth and adults. Currently the Finance Director for Kent Youth and Family Services and previously with Greentrike as Finance Manager, Stacia has spent 10+ years in not-for-profit finances supporting youth and families in the Puget Sound Area. She is excited to bring her experiences to TLT.