RUSSELL CAMPBELL

BOARD TERM 2023-2026

Russell Campbell is a descendant of enslaved Africans and is part of the queer community. Russell joined the Tacoma Little Theatre (TLT) board of Directors in June 2023. He is the Director of the Office of HIV/AIDS Network Coordination (HANC) at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center. Russell is inspired by his children and is committed to addressing disparities and injustices that disproportionately impact individuals and communities that have been harmed and are often marginalized. Russell believes that real change comes about only when others step up, speak out and act against dismantling the status quo. As a member of the local musical theatre community, Russell is excited to brings his passion and lived experience to TLT in the hopes to inspire change in the local theatre community.

JALEN C. PENN

BOARD TERM 2023-2026

Jalen C. Penn (he/him) is an actor, director, rapper/DJ, and educator who uses his educational background and hip-hop roots/influences to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in all things he pursues. 

Jalen Originally attended Saint Martin’s University to study English Language Arts in attempts to become a scholar, but was quickly hit with the Theatre bug after being cast in his first evening of one acts on campus. This inspired Jalen to pursue a double major in English Language Arts and Theatre Arts at SMU. During this time Jalen would appear in a multitude of school productions and community productions but his favorites are as follows:  Into the Woods (Wolf/Cinderella’s Prince), Uncle Vanya (Astrov), The Drowsy Chaperone (George),  The Last Days of Judas Iscariot (El Fayoumy), Polaroid Stories (Orpheus); and post grad Shrek the Musical (Donkey) with SRO Theatre in Yelm and As You Like it (Orlando) with Gold Finch Productions in Olympia, WA. 

In addition to his on stage experiences, Jalen takes great pride in his directing and stage managing too. Most recently, Jalen returned to his Alma Mater, SMU, and co-directed The Play That Goes Wrong. He has also assisted stage manage multiple productions for The Harlequin Theatre and Olympia Family Theatre in Olympia, WA. Jalen is eager to continue this good work as he pursues more opportunities up North with TLT and others alike. Furthermore, Jalen hopes to seek more opportunities to work with more creatives of color who look like him and have similar experiences and stories to tell. 

While a big chunk of Jalen’s experiences are in theatre production, Jalen is an accomplished educator as well, where he adopts a Hip-Hop cultural philosophy in the classroom, which he thinks can be applied to stage work too. Jalen believes theatre, like hip-hop, is about truth, rhythm, and giving voice to stories that demand to be heard. His philosophy blends art and education—using the stage as a classroom where curiosity, critical thinking, and cultural awareness are sharpened. Jalen is committed to building spaces where artists and learners alike can take risks, speak boldly, and grow through the process. Education and theatre both thrive on representation, mentorship, and real-world relevance. If the work has a pulse, a purpose, and the power to teach, it belongs in the spotlight.

CHANDLER THOMAS

BOARD TERM 2023-2026

Chandler T. Thomas wears many hats in the local Theatre community; Primarily, he is a stage/ on-camera actor and member of the Actors Equity Association. When not on stage or on camera, he works as a teaching artist, a director, choreographer and costume designer, in addition to his duties as a father to three daughters and partner to his Fiancé, Rebecca.

Chandler is a U.S. Army Veteran and Chef with a degree in Culinary Arts Management from Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts. He loves utilizing his many talents to inspire and contribute to community however possible. 

As a member of the board, Chandler strives to be a voice and advocate for his fellow actors and colleagues. He sends love and many thanks to his wonderful partner, Rebecca and his community for their outpouring of support!

ASHLEY YOUNG

BOARD TERM 2023-2026

Ashley Young long-time and proud resident of the PNW. While she's lived in different states on opposite sides of the country, including Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and California, Ashley and her long-term partner Michael grew up in Tacoma and settled back here in 2017 to raise their two young children.

Ashley grew up singing and performing in church and high school. She was a soprano and alto for the Henry Foss High School competition jazz and chamber choirs. From there she went on to travel two years with a performing arts non-profit organization doing assembly shows for elementary students on the weekday and performing at churches throughout the country. It was with this organization that she performed in Pigeon Forge, TN (home of the famous Dollywood) doing musical theater. In her personal music endeavors she has performed with bands such as Phunkatron and the Double Duce Horns.

In her career, Ashley has spent over a decade in hospitality, as a corporate and social event planner, director, and venue manager for several venues in San Diego, Seattle, and Tacoma. In her time as a government employee, Ashley has acted as the liaison for committees such as the Des Moines Arts Commission.

In her new role with City of Tacoma, Ashley is the Community Events Coordinator working with the Tacoma Venues and Events Department. She oversees Special Event Permits and is the liaison to the City [of Tacoma] Events and Recognition’s Committee, who host the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration and the City of Destiny Awards. In addition, she has overseen grant programs for arts and culture, applied for program funding, and worked hand in had with tourism marketing organizations.

Though Ashley’s involvement with performing arts has evolved over the years, she is passionate about providing access to those who may otherwise not have it, supporting career paths for events and arts, and finding new ways to engage the community in arts and culture.

GRAB DINNER AT HARBOR LIGHTS!

TLT AND HARBOR LIGHTS START A NEW PARTNERSHIP

Tacoma Little Theatre is excited to announce its partnership with Harbor Lights for our patrons.

ALL PATRONS

Enjoy access to the 3-Course Sunset Dinner menu any day of the week before or after a performance. Just show your ticket!

SEASON/FLEX PASS HOLDERS

Dinner deserves a standing ovation too. Your subscription includes one complimentary appetizer or dessert with every performance.

Spring Classes 2023

spring Classes 2023

Spring is here! We hope that TLT can help you and your kids discover and pursue a passion for theatre through our various classes. Check out what’s on the menu 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.

For adults, try adult improv levels one and two.

After School Class:

Dr. Dolittle — an original Musical! *Sold Out *

Starts: May 1, 2023

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

Performance: Saturday, June 10, 2023 at 4:00 PM (actors called at 3:00)

Ages: 6-12

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.

Dr. Dolittle is a classic tale that follows an eccentric Doctor with a unique talent. He is joined by curious followers and a menagerie of animals all with unique personalities.

Scholarship funding is available! Visit our Current Classes page to fill-in an application.

After School Class: Puppet Play - an exploration of storytelling, character building and the basics of puppetry!

Starts: May 2nd, 2023

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

Performance: June 10, 2023 at 2:00 PM (actors called at 1:00 PM)

Ages: 9-14

Tuition: $225

Instructors: Lani Mokler and Becca Jourden

Description: Our after school classes create opportunities for students to learn and explore through the process of putting on a performance.

In this course, young actors will be coached and challenged to delve deep into the process of character design, story structure, acting technique, and teamwork. Together, we will explore what makes a story worth telling, characters worth following, and how collaboration can result in something fabulous. We will use improv activities to generate story and character ideas, discover how actors can use their voice, face, and body to present a character, and what it can look like to express yourself through the use of a puppet. And yes, we’ll make a few puppets along the way!

This class is recommended for any young actor who wants to build their skills as a performer, try something new in performance art, and bring their stories and characters to life! Although they all may not want to become world famous puppeteers by the end of this class, the students will have a new understanding of what performance art can be and how they can move forward as artists and performers.

At the end of the class, the students will work together to present one or more ORIGINAL puppet plays for their friends and family. They’ll collaborate to develop a story, craft characters, and build a piece of performance art that reflects what they have learned and the skills they have acquired.

Scholarship funding is available! Visit our Current Classes page to fill-in an application.

Homeschool Class: Home shopping studios live!

Starts: May 2, 2023

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

Performance: June 10, 2023 at 12:00 noon (actors called at 11 AM)

Ages: 6-14

Tuition: $225

Instructors: LaNita Hudson Walters and Becca Jourden

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.

Come join us in a goofy comedy! Build your ‘on stage’ skills while learning about performance art, comedy, timing, and more!

Home Shopping Studios, hosted by Billy Happerly and Diane St. John, is a premiere home shopping channel - and it's live! Unfortunately, their last producer was fired, and has plotted his revenge by scheduling the worst products imaginable. From stuffed animals filled with human hair, to used trash bags, to live snakes, Billy and Diane have to sell everything, all while dealing with the, ah, creative guests who have come to sell their wares.

Scholarship funding is available! Visit our Current Classes page to fill-in an application.

Improv: for teens and adults

levels one and two available

Starts: May 3/4, 2023

Meets:

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

Performance: June 11 (Sunday) at 7:00 PM. Improvisors called at 6:00 PM.

Ages: 12-17, OR 18+

Tuition: $200

Instructors: Bjorn Sorenson & Salvatore Frattallone of Go Before You’re Ready Improv.

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!

Scholarship funding is available! Visit our Current Classes page to fill-in an application.

THE TROJAN WOMEN - An Off the Shelf reading

Tacoma Little Theatre's Off the Shelf program is excited to present Caroline Bird’s, The Trojan Women, directed by Ellen Peters and featuring some of the Pacific Northwest’s finest actors.  This production will play Thursday, April 27, 2023, at 7:30pm.

The war is over. Beyond the prison walls, Troy and its people burn.
Inside the prison, the city’s captive women await their fate. Stalking the antiseptic confines of its mother and baby unit is Hecuba, the fallen Trojan queen. But her grief at what has been before will soon be drowned out by the horror of what is to come, as the Greek lust for vengeance consumes everything-man, woman and baby-in its path.

The Trojan Women features the talents of: Lydia K. Valentine, Randy Clark, Aya Hashiguchi Clark, Laurice Roberts, Samantha Chung, Bonne-Vejou Dorrell, Andrea Weston-Smart, and David S. Dear.

The reading will last about an hour and then after a brief intermission, there will be a post-show discussion lasting approximately half an hour.

Tickets for the April 27, 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

APRIL 22ND 11:00pm!
GENERAL ADMISSION
$10 PRESALE
$15 AT THE DOOR

Boy Smooches is a high energy long-form improv group established in Tacoma Washington, 2021, 

Boy Smooches grabs a one word suggestion from the audience and then performs a one-of-a-kind show, right before your eyes! Nothing is pre written or pre rehearsed! 

Show run time 1hr. 

Bring a friend and see LIVE long-form improv at Tacoma Little Theatre April 22nd! 

PERFORMANCE INFORMATION UPDATE AS OF 12/31/21

GRITTY CITY SIRENS PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

Out of an abundance of caution for the patrons, cast, crew, staff and community, Tacoma Little Theatre has postponed performances of The Gritty City Sirens-Adventures in Oz due to COVID and weather concerns. If you were a ticket holder you will be receiving an email and phone call.

WIZARD OF OZ PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

Important performance update:

We apologize for the late notice. It is never an easy decision to cancel a performance and not one that we make lightly, but out of an abundance of caution for the safety of our patrons, cast, crew, and staff, the remaining performances of The Wizard of Oz have been canceled due to concerns over COVID-19 and the weather.

As a small non-profit arts organization coming out of the pandemic, this is a tremendous financial decision for us. We have been so appreciative of our community as we return to live events. If you had tickets for a performance and have not received an email or phone call, please contact TLT at 253.272.2281.

WINTER BREAK CAMP INFORMATION

Winter Break has postponed performances until further notice.

Please check back here for any updates if there is a change in the weather.

Always feel free to contact us at 253.272.2281 or via email at tlt@tacomalittletheatre.com

BOSTON MARRIAGE - An Off the Shelf reading

Tacoma Little Theatre's Off the Shelf program is excited to present David Mamet’s Boston Marriage, directed by Marilyn Bennett and featuring some of the Pacific Northwest’s finest actors.  This production will play Thursday, March 9, 2023, at 7:30pm.

Anna and Claire are two bantering, scheming “women of fashion” who have long lived together on the fringes of upper-class society. Anna has just become the mistress of a wealthy man, from whom she has received an enormous emerald and an income to match. Claire, meanwhile, is infatuated with a respectable young lady and wants to enlist the jealous Anna’s help for an assignation. As the two women exchange barbs and take turns taunting Anna’s hapless Scottish parlor maid, Claire’s young inamorata suddenly appears, setting off a crisis that puts both the valuable emerald and the women’s futures at risk. To this wickedly funny comedy, Mamet brings his trademark tart dialogue and impeccable plotting, spiced with Wildean wit.

Boston Marriage features the talents of: Marilyn Bennett (Anna), Annie Green (Claire), and Emily Cohen (Catherine)

Tickets for the March 9, 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.