In its 12th year, the Rosebud Children’s and Community Theatre Conservatory in Federal Way is taking summer performances to an outdoor stage.
Last year, the theater company hosted virtual summer camps, which covered the foundations of acting but left out a lot of the fun.
“It is exhilarating,” said Holly Rose, founder and managing artistic director. “We’re absolutely excited to be together again and doing shows. It seems like no matter how much love and interest you have in something, putting it behind a screen is a drain.”
Moving their summer shows outdoors brought forth new challenges — like the importance of sunscreen — and a nomadic feeling when packing props and equipment to and from each rehearsal.
Live audiences are welcome to Rosebud Theatre’s two upcoming shows in July and August at Saghalie Park in Federal Way.
“Sleepy Hollow” with a 14-member cast ages 8-13 is runs from July 23-25. Friday and Saturday shows are at 7 p.m. and Sunday’s show is at 2 p.m.
“Into the Woods” with a 19-member cast ages 14-20 runs from Aug. 6-8 and Aug. 13-15. Friday and Saturday shows are at 7 p.m., and Sunday shows are at 2 p.m.
Tickets are $10 for general seating, or $15 for a VIP section ticket. Upcoming shows are BYOS (bring your own seat, lawn chair or blanket).
As the only children’s theater in Federal Way, Rosebud focuses on creating an environment where kids and young adults can be vulnerable and supported.
“That’s something that has been super important to me this whole time, all 12 years,” Rose said. “I need to have an environment where all kids feel welcome.”
Theater teach life skills, compassion, how to exist confidently in your own skin and how to communicate wit others, Rose said.
“Although they’re using someone else’s words to speak on stage, it transfers off stage,” she said. “They’ll take that style and mindset into other parts of their life.”
Performances in the park
Rosebud’s annual summer camps begin in late June. For more information, or to purchase tickets for the upcoming shows, visit rosebudctc.org.
John Kelleher is the director of “Sleepy Hollow” with choreography for both shows by Jackie Caldwell.
Holly Rose is the director of “Into the Woods” with music director Kaelee Alicia Bolme, and stage managed by Ellie Rutt and assistant stage manager Lindsey Miller.
The July and August shows are held at Saghalie Park (33914 19th Ave. SW) in Federal Way.
