As I look back . . For me, the anticipation of “Opening Night” of any performance causes my mind to “wander back.” As we’re approaching just that for MUSIC MAN, I look back twelve years ago, when KCMT began with auditions for A Charlie Brown Christmas at the Kingston Community Center. Our stage was not quite one-quarter of the size of our current stage. There were 36 children double casted into this production.
Currently, we have 120 cast members, ages 6-17, representing 24 schools throughout Kitsap County. Our fifth cast incorporates 13 alumni and adults for a benefit performance on May 25 at 7 PM.
Kitsap Children’s Musical Theatre is all about families working together to create Broadway-type productions as professionally as possible within our growing budget. Our past productions include Oz, Scrooge, Cinderella, Oliver, Fiddler on the Roof, High School Musical, Bye Bye Birdie, Willy Wonka, Jungle Book, West Side Story, Aladdin, 100 Dalmatians, Oklahoma, and others.
Now, Fall 2012 sees plans beginning for performing 1776, The Musical and Annie Warbucks.
KCMT has an immediate need for a rehearsal facility and a set shop in order for us to continue to provide this awesome experience for our community. Other needs include updating our sound equipment, a padded floor for our rehearsal area, mirrored walls to help our cast members learn choreography, a wireless backstage intercom system and a new state of the art performance facility in North Kitsap where all of our community dance studios, musicians and theatrical performers can all have a place to shine!
The North Kitsap Auditorium is booked year round. Because of this, we are unable to accommodate our growing numbers and the demand for more Broadway-type musical performances.
I am so thankful for the many people who have “joined the band” over the years. These people are truly amazing and give so sacrificially of their time and talents. During our current performances, May 3-27 at the North Kitsap Auditorium, we will have a KCMT’S FUTURE table in the lobby. We invite you to stop by for more information. We’d love to talk with you – maybe find out how you too can “join the band!”
Kerby Criss
KCMT Executive Director