“Winds in the east, there’s a mist coming in… like somethin’ is brewin’ and ’bout to begin.”
— Mary Poppins the Musical
Another year begins with joy and anticipation. We have full classrooms and stories to share that celebrate friendship, imagination, and new beginnings. This season, we look forward to seeing our talented youth grow their theater skills while forming lasting connections within our community.
Winter classes kicked off earlier this month followed by an exciting weekend of auditions. The cast and crew are all set, and rehearsals are well underway for this season’s productions. The ever-charming A Year With Frog and Toad opens February 20 followed by the classic Mary Poppins, debuting in March. With such talented artistic teams and an enthusiastic cast, both productions are sure to delight audiences. Tickets are available today on our website!
The spotlight this month is on our founder and Program Director, Bethany Larson. Reflecting on both the past and present, she shares her perspective on how far Journey Theater has come and the joy of the season ahead.
1. As the founder, how do you compare Journey Theater’s early years to where it is now?
I’m so thankful for the excitement of our early years (much to the credit of Beka Hardt, our first Artistic Director) and the families who jumped in with both feet as we were learning how to do what we do. We’ve grown so much along the way and now operate with much more stability, purpose, and vision.
2. What is possible and most exciting to you for Journey Theater now that simply wasn’t possible a year ago?
Being able to plan our programming in a space we can count on (Manor Church) has a huge impact on my primary responsibilities as Program Director. We are so thankful for every church that continues to make their space available to us; but having one building that is accessible to us 6 days each week is a game-changer!
3. What’s one change or improvement this year that you foresee having the biggest ripple effect for students and families?
I just observed a rehearsal this last weekend – in front of FLOOR TO CEILING MIRRORS – what a huge benefit to our performers! So thankful to everyone who helped to get those on the walls!
4. If Journey Theater could have a personal new year’s resolution, what would you want it to be, and why?
Inspired by Stephen’s (Executive Director) focus on joy this year, I would have to say James 1:2- 4: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” I would love to have us, as a community, live out that joy in all we do; and to see the students who participate in our program head into adulthood with that perspective – fully trusting God and his plan for them.
Looking ahead, spring brings even more opportunities for students and adults to take part in theater. Community theater auditions for Into the Woods are open to the public on March 14 and 17, welcoming both performers and volunteers. Later in the month, auditions for Pride & Prejudice and Seussical will open for Journey Theater students. More details are available on our website and Facebook page.
As always, thank you to our volunteers, supporters, and staff for making Journey Theater possible. Here’s to another season of storytelling, creativity, and joy.