Who We Are
Our MISSION
Tacoma Youth Theatre is dedicated to creating high-quality theatre entirely produced by young artists. The company strives to build community by emphasizing core values of equity, self-esteem, empathy, responsibility, collaboration, creativity, and adaptability. Tacoma Youth Theatre provides professional expectations, resources, and mentors that lead young people through the exploration of multiple theatrical disciplines. This process works best in a nurturing, respectful atmosphere where unique individuals, ages 5-18, can discover the impact, success, and joy of theatre for themselves.
Tacoma Youth Theatre is home to one the most unique theatre facilities in the northwest. Designed specifically for young artists, the facility enhances hands-on learning and artistic discovery.
Pay-What-You-Can options
Our new registration portal offers the option of paying through automatic installments. See if they will work for your family. If not, a Pay What You Can option is still available.
If you require a pay-what-you-can option:
- The program(s) for which you want to register
- A brief explanation of need/circumstance
- The amount you are able to pay
- Let us know if your young person receives free or reduced lunch at a Tacoma Public School
Our Theatre
Tacoma Youth Theatre is designed specifically for the safe, hands-on learning of young artists. ALL actors learn best ‘on their feet,’ and each show provides a total theatre experience – ultimately culminating in performances, complete with set, props, lighting, sound & costumes.
Here are some other things you can expect from Tacoma Youth Theatre:
- We have a deep understanding and appreciation for each young artist’s unique thought process and learning style. We respect each young actor’s individuality and work collaboratively to ensure everyone’s success.
- We celebrate young actors of all genders, ethnicities, races, cultures and faith traditions.
- We have a Montessori approach to theatre education, with plenty of hands-on learning opportunities. Each performance is independently managed by the young actors themselves.
- Each program typically includes between 8-14 actors. Keeping each program relatively small ensures that each young actor receives the individualized instruction and attention that they deserve.
- We primarily adapt our own plays from public domain works. We do not currently produce musicals.
- Each cast member will always have a speaking, vital role in their production, and complete ownership of their character.
Maggie Knott, co-founder and Artistic Director
Scott Campbell, Co-founder
Maggie Knott established, taught, and administered the highly successful youth theatre program at Lakewood Playhouse from 1999 until 2012. She has directed hundreds of productions involving young people ages 5-18. Knott has been continuously teaching and directing young people in the south sound area for over 30 years including Tacoma Little Theatre, Metro Parks Tacoma, Let’s Pretend Circus, North End Children’s Theatre, Lakewood Playhouse, Tacoma Public Schools, Clover Park Schools, Peninsula District Schools, Puyallup District Schools, Temple Beth El, and Saint Patrick’s School.
The winner of two Emmy Awards, Scott Campbell has worked as a writer, television producer, media consultant, and communications director. A talented director, actor, and designer, Campbell’s theatre artistry has met with high praise from audiences and critics for over two decades. Campbell previously served as Associate Managing Artistic Director of Lakewood Playhouse, Managing Artistic Director of Tacoma Little Theatre, theatre educator for Annie Wright Schools, and Managing Artistic Director for Lakewood Playhouse.
Tacoma Youth Theatre Board of Directors
Gabrielle Yost – President
PJ Pedroni – Vice President
Penelope Saum – Treasurer/Secretary
Theatre Preparedness Materials for Young Actors
All forms and registration acknowledgements are intended to ensure we all begin our collaboration at Tacoma Youth Theatre with shared understandings. If, at any time, you have questions, concerns or would just like to discuss your young person’s Tacoma Youth Theatre journey, please contact Artistic Director, Maggie Knott, at maggie@tacomayouththeatre.org. Feel free to include your phone number & good time to schedule a call if you’d like a more personal discussion.