Testimonials

“I have found a home in TYT and look forward to bringing that feeling to others.”
– Vesta Loomis

” I had seen a few of TYT’s shows previously. In the summer of 2009 my personal life was in chaos. My cousin’s took me to Cinderella to get my mind off of what was going on at home. I can remember us girls laughing so hard we cried. The actors were amazing and I could feel the sense of community coming from the stage. Some years later in 2015 the auditions for Seussical the Musical were announced. I was excited at the idea of being in a show that I had seen in my childhood. Remembering that feeling of home and belonging I felt when I watched Cinderella I auditioned. I was so proud to play a part in that production. Sense then I’ve been in Marry Poppins, The Adams family, Oliver!, The Wedding from Hell, and Just So. I have found a home in TYT and look forward to bringing that feeling to others.” -Vesta Loomis

“This is a community for kids, families, teens, adults, people of all walks of life; and people like me, wanting to take a second chance at theatre.” – Courtney Stanley

“I remember attending my first show, the production of “Treasure Island.” My friend was playing Jim and I went to support him. When the lights dimmed, the stage lit, the actors sang and danced, the music flared, I was completely transported to another world. I continued to see their shows every summer with my family, each production more captivating and exciting than the last. My heart truly loves musical theatre, and TYT was the earliest example I had of a musical stage production. Finally, one day (and after much persuasion), I decided to audition. During the audition process, I could readily tell this space was a family. This is a community for kids, families, teens, adults, people of all walks of life; and people like me, wanting to take a second chance at theatre. I really wanted to be part of it. I landed a role in Suessical the Musical. And since, I have been involved in the Addams Family, Oliver!, The Wedding from Hell, Just So, and Bloodhounds!! I can’t seem to get enough of this wonderful theatre. Now as part of the Board, I am so excited to see where we will go next! Especially in these crazy times, the arts are so important for us to keep our community together. We stay connected through the arts like no other experience on earth. TYT has taught me confidence and technique, but they have helped me find my voice, even as an adult coming back to the stage. They are my family. Somehow, TYT has magically woven its way into my life. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

– Courtney Stanley

Sheila O’Hara

Mary Lennox The Secret Garden, Alice Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Pirate Henchman Treasure Island, Ensemble The Wizard of Oz, Bonnie Jean MacLaren Brigadoon, Featured Dancer Children of Eden

“No matter where I physically am on this earth, when I am involved in a show I am home.” -Sheila O’Hara

“I found TYT when I was 14 years old. At that age I knew I was meant to be on stage, I just didn’t know how to start. My family couldn’t afford expensive children’s theatre camps which seemed to be the only option at the time. Finding an audition notice for TYT’s “The Secret Garden,” brought me hope. The audition was for the next day and despite having no audition experience, I convinced my mom to take me. My younger brother and sister ended up coming along. All three of us were cast! It was my very first show, first lead role, and first time in the theatre community. Little did I know at that time, that I was also being accepted into a family. I was quiet, shy, and very hard on myself but TYT welcomed me in with open arms. I was encouraged, challenged to grow, and yet still accepted for who I was. In the little town of Tenino, WA, I found my voice and my confidence. TYT allowed me to be involved in something bigger than myself while still playing an important individual role. I saw how people of all different backgrounds could put aside their differences and focus on a common goal. When I was in rehearsal or working on a different aspect of the show, outside worries would slip away. Theatre was a whole different world and TYT was a family. My love for it grew. Within TYT, my immediate family became known as “the O’Hara clan.” We eagerly anticipated auditions every year and dreaded post-show withdrawals. We did the Oregon Trail Days parade every year. Summer equaled TYT. Because of TYT and its founder, Bob McKenzieSullivan, I found my home in this thing called life. No matter where I physically am on this earth, when I am involved in a show I am home. Today I have my BA in Theatre, have traveled the US with a children’s theatre company, been involved in many community theatre shows, and worked at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, CA. I am hardly a success story but I am who I am today because of TYT. I was given a chance.” -Sheila O’Hara

“There is something about TYT, maybe community theatre in general, but certainly this one, that affects the soul in a profound way.” -Aaron Flahaut

“Three years I performed with TYT. And every year had a profound affect on me. The shows were incredible, but the bonds and relationships that were formed were greater. I would not change those times for anything. Since then-my last show with TYT was in 2014-I left Washington to pursue my career and try to get a university education. However, I still miss TYT. I remember all those times with fondness. If I ever return to live in Thurston or Lewis county, I will doing everything I can to be with them again. There is something about TYT, maybe community theatre in general, but certainly this one, that affects the soul in a profound way. I spent years with them, but I think even one summer for someone can be enough. It is a wonderful thing that TYT is run by fantastic and passionate people, and for anyone aspiring to give the performing arts a try, they are there to be a home.” -Aaron Flahaut