By Kathleen Brown, Special to The Mirror
Always striving to bring the fine arts to Federal Way, Rosebud Children’s Theatre Conservatory is gearing up to open its third summer youth series.
The shows started this past weekend with “OZ!” which opened on July 27, and will wrap up with the hilarious “Seussical the Musical,” running two weekends, Aug. 3-12.
Holly Rose, the program’s founder and artistic director, made her living doing theatre in Chicago, New York and Seattle before settling in Federal Way to share her passion and training with kids.
Rose spent six years running the Summer Youth Musical Theatre Program at Knutzen Family Theatre before branching out with the support of parents in the community to form Rosebud CTC as a non-profit organization.
Michele Thompson, whose three kids have each spent time under Rose’s direction, calls it a “community that they can return to every summer.” Thompson said that she has watched her children’s self-esteem and confidence grow with every production they do with Rosebud.
“There is so much to do for kids who are into sports and stuff,” she said. “It’s good to have something for the kids who prefer the arts.”
Holly Rose’s program not only serves as a place to learn about theatre, dance and vocal technique, but it provides a place for kids to make the kind of lasting friendships that form only under such a unique, adrenaline-filled experience as putting a show in front of an audience.
“Rosebud is a wonderful experience,” said new Rosebud performer GieGie Calsado. “It’s full of fun people that share the same passion and talent that I do.”
She loves that she has been pushed out of her comfort zone as a performer and singer: “Rosebud is a really great way to enjoy musical theatre and meet new people.”
Rose and her creative staff have high hopes for the program’s future as it continues to grow in both registration and quality. She says that their “long-term vision includes theatrical classes for kids and adults as well as year-round community theatre productions.”
Starting in September, Rosebud will be offering musical theatre dance for ages 13 and up on Friday nights at the 9th Avenue School of Dance in Federal Way.
Rosebud performs in Thomas Jefferson High School’s Little Theatre, 4248 S. 288th St. Rosebud is always accepting donations to help the program grow — and ensure that local youth always have a place to sing, dance and perform. Tickets for “Seussical the Musical” are $10 each. Visit www.rosebudctc.org.
