Show #43 "Fiddler on the Roof" with Rosebud Children's Theatre Conservatory

Ah.......yes, children's theatre. I remember it well.

Not because I actually participated in this when I was a youth, I grew up back in the "olden days" before such things as summer theatre camp and/or youth theatre programs existed. How different (and enriched!) my life would have been had something like that been available to my generation.

But my son Tim blossomed each summer during his own theatre camp experience in childhood playing in such shows as "The Wizard of Oz" and "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory." He has since grown up and is now teaching in programs just like this in Seattle.

Now, here is a whole new "generation" of young actors carrying on this tradition. Federal Way-area students from middle school to newly-graduated from high school are performing their hearts out for us to tell us the beloved story of Tevye and his strong-willed daughters in 1905 Russia.

It was a great evening. I was reminded how much I love this story and its music. I was pleasantly surprised at the level of talent in many of the performers. Most of all, I was pleased at the dedication of Holly Rose, the founder and director of Rosebud Children's Theatre Conservatory.

Apparently, Ms. Rose had been running a youth theatre program at the Knutson Family Theatre in Federal Way for 6 years, but was recently "downsized" out of the 2010 Knutson season after another theatre company took over the management of the theatre space. So, in the spirit of enterprise and artistic adventure, Ms. Rose has created her own theatre company (at a new location) dedicated to teaching the next generation of artists.

I couldn't be more excited and pleased. I love new theatrical ventures. Risk-taking, hard work and (quoting Ms. Rose) "a LOT of prayer" have paid off handsomely. The young actors in Federal Way still have a venue to learn and grow as artists, thanks to the dedication and pioneering spirit of this incredible woman.

Even though I do not have a child in this program, I wish to thank Ms. Rose and her crew of wonderful volunteers. I love what you are doing. And because of you, youth theatre still has a home in my old stomping grounds of Federal Way.

Bravo!

Photo courtesy of Rosebud CTC