About Us
What We Do
7th Street Kids is a non-profit 501(c)3 corporation, governed by an elected Board of Directors. The Board contracts with the Producer and Directors to expertly lead the summer workshop program and work with the Kids. Annual financial support comes from tuition, ticket sales and community contributions. Major support has also been received from the E.K. & Lillian F. Bishop Foundation, the Grays Harbor Community Foundation, and the Oakmead Foundation.
7th Street Kids offers summer musical theatre workshops for kids, ages 7 – 16, who want to learn about live theater, be a part of the magic on stage, and perform for our community.
We create a productive and safe environment for children to explore acting, singing and dancing, and to share their talents and gifts. 7th Street Kids undergo an audition process, have multiple rehearsals a week, and receive guidance and instruction from experienced directors. The highlight of the summer is the live performance of a major musical theatre work for local audiences in the historic 7th Street Theatre in Hoquiam.
History
Micki Colwell started 7th Street Kids in 1992. Her dream was a musical theater program for kids in the wonderful old 7th Street Theatre – a place where she had often seen live theater performed. Over the years, over 900 children have participated in our program. In turn, these 7th Street Kids have brought the joy of live musical theater to hundreds more, and many of them are still entertaining us on our high school, Grays Harbor College, Driftwood, and professional stages.
Mission
7th Street Kids fosters and encourages the growth and development of children and children’s theatre for our community, and provides opportunity for the practice and performance of theatre, dance, and musical theatre for children.
Guiding Values
To provide strong, lasting benefits for Grays Harbor youth and families by using musical theatre to inspire and develop artistic, social and leadership skills, especially:
- Teamwork, responsibility, & respect.
- Creativity & self-confidence.
- Artistic expression through song, dance, & acting.
- Mentorship, cooperation, & volunteerism.
- Appreciation & passion for the arts & our community.
7th Street Kids Board of Directors
The 7th Street Kids Board of Directors oversees the program year-round, and contracts with the Production Team to organize and run the summer theatre workshops. Board members are responsible for planning and making key decisions that support 7th Street Kids’ mission, strategy and goals.
Board members also join with family and community volunteers who go above and beyond to supervise and engage cast members, find and create props, build and paint stage sets and find and create costumes.
- Becka Jones, President
- Mark Manning, Vice President
- Mary Nelson, Treasurer
- Deborah Bergen, Secretary
- Tiffanie Burgher
- Kameron Covall
- Ryan Covall
- Mary Ellis
- Megan Haviland
- Angel Howard
- Jeannie McNeal
- Paige Mellon-Jackson
- Karin Noble
- Heather Robarge
- Jeanne Ward
- Buddy Williams
- Kimberly Wolfe