The Actors Theater of Orcas Island

Mission Statement

The Actors Theater of Orcas Island was formed to enhance the quality of life on Orcas Island by providing quality theater experiences and providing for the training and education of Actors,

Directors and others involved in theater productions and by providing an opportunity to demonstrate and improve their skills by participating in theatrical productions.

History

The Actors Theater was formed in 1999 as an alternative theater on Orcas Island. We focus on bring new and experienced actors together in a supportive environment. While stressing quality

in all facets of our productions, we acknowledge the need to encourage new and potentially unskilled people to join us and learn the skills necessary to make our theater successful.

We are an all volunteer organization. Instructors at our various training programs are compensated for their time.

For the first several years of our existence we had no home and performed wherever we could find space at no cost. In 2002 we entered into a long term arrangement with The Orcas Island Grange #964. In lieu of a market rental rate, The Actors Theater provides maintenance of the facility. The Actors Theater pays about 80% of the operating cost of the Grange.

Since our beginning we have provided over 100 productions for the people of Orcas Island. We have charged $10 for a ticket (with a $30 maximum per family) since our beginning and no one is ever turned away due to inability to pay.

We look on our theater as an incubator with special programs for playwrights, directors, designers and all of the specialized skills that make people successful in the theater. To this end we regularly have training classes and no one is turned away due to inability to pay.

Our Board of Directors consists of eight people from all ages and walks of life. The Board is constantly looking for ways to improve the theater keeping the goal of $10 tickets foremost. We are currently examining several facets of our operation to make sure that we are efficient and deserve the trust and confidence of the people of Orcas Island.