PORT TOWNSEND — Key City Public Theatre, a regional theater company serving the North Olympic Peninsula, has begun both its summer season of plays and its summer fund drive, with a goal of raising $20,000.
“The generosity of our community has brought us this far,” said Key City Artistic Director Denise Winter.
The nonprofit theater company, which began as Key City Players in 1958, today serves more than 10,000 audience members and students each year, she noted.
In recent years, Key City has expanded its education programs to bring performing arts into local schools and is offering more classes and camps for young people.
Each time a production is brought to the stage, Key City’s partnership with the Port Townsend Arts Commission makes possible a few “pay what you wish” shows, Winter added.
Performance tonight
The arts commission is sponsoring two such performances of “The Garden of Monsters,” the drama now on stage at the Key City Playhouse, 419 Washington St., today and Thursday at 7 p.m.
This program makes live theater accessible to those who may not be able to afford the $18 or $20 tickets through the rest of the run, Winter said.
“We have a balance to maintain,” she added.
“We strive to meet the high expectations of our audience for quality performing arts programs, and we strive to keep those experiences accessible and affordable for everyone.”
The company also provides scholarships to help local students pursue an education in the theater arts.
“KCPT has been the backbone of theater in our region,” said board President David Hundhausen, “and we need community support more than ever.”
Supporters are invited to post comments on Key City plays and programs on the company’s Facebook page and to make a contribution online at www.keycitypublictheatre.org. Donations may also be mailed to P.O. Box 194, Port Townsend, WA 98368.
Since Key City Public Theatre is a 501(c) 3 not-for-profit organization, contributions of any size are welcome and tax-deductible, Winter said. Gifts above $50 receive benefits that are described on the website.
“Above all, come join us,” said Hundhausen. “Volunteer for the theater, take a class, and come see our three shows this summer.”
“Garden of Monsters,” the world premiere of a drama by Port Townsend playwright Mara Lathrop, is on stage now through July 17. Then comes “Macbeth” in Chetzemoka Park from Aug. 5 through Aug. 21 and “BARK! The Musical” from Aug. 17 through Sept. 4.
Other Key City programs include PT Shorts, a free series of staged literary readings presented every first Saturday night of the month in downtown Port Townsend, and summer theater camps for children and teens through July and August.
A calendar and more details are on the website. To reach Key City’s offices, phone 360-379-0195.