Pend Oreille Players is a small theatre company in a small town, but we serve quite a large area. We work very hard to present good quality productions while involving as many youth from the area as we can. Between our youth group, POPIT, our youth production in Nov. our multigenerational productions in April and June and Theatre Camps throughout the summer we manage to keep the young people quite busy. We encourage anyone to volunteer with whatever skills they might have.
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I first became aware of the Pend Oreille Players when my oldest son was asked to audition for the original play 'Family Secrets' in 2005 (he was 10). He had a wonderful experience and everyone involved welcomed him (and me) with open arms.
Since that first play I gradually got more and more involved with POPA and now spend most of my free time doing something for the playhouse.
Both my sons do the Junior production in the fall and at least one other production during the year. They also help out as ushers and my older son has been assistant director on multiple occasions. Both are involved in POPIT (Pend Oreille Players in Training) the youth group which produces their own shows during the season.
My role at the playhouse has expanded, I am now Vice President of POPA, I ran the Summer Theatre Camp this past summer, and have been in a few productions. I thoroughly enjoy the people I meet through spending time at the playhouse and the children that come to 'play' with us. I wish more members of the community would drop by and see what we do here.
Our family has been positively impacted by the Pend Oreille Players Association since 2004. Our daughter then in the sixth grade was given the opportunity to work as a "grip" and sing in the chorus for a production of "Fiddler on the Roof".This was the beginning of a life impacting relationship. Since that time she has been in more that nine productions. Because of the excellent instruction given by skilled volunteers in singing, dance, acting, stage makeup and set direction our daughter has skills to share with others for a lifetime. We live in a rural community where there is not much for teens to do that is constructive.Through Pend Oreille Players Association our daughter has made life long friends and gained the confidence to maintain a 4.0 grade average all the way through graduation of high school. Our daughter now attends Eastern Washington University as a Honors student in her freshman year. She is majoring in nursing with plans to be a surgical nurse. We live in a very low income rural community. Without the skills and confidence she gained through her experience with" P.O.P.A." she would not have pursed and received the scholarships and grants allowing her to work toward her goal. I am truly thankful to have a child that understands what it means to give back to the community. I am also thankful to all the dedicated giving volunteers at P.O.P.A. for their gift to our community.
Review from Guidestar
Pend Oreille Players Association (POPA) serves the Pend Oreille county and surrounding areas. Not only have many schools have dropped drama, but there are many home schooled children in our area who participate in our productions to fill their arts requirements as well as volunteer hours. We offer many opportunities for community service work.
POPA also provide summer drama and music camps for the area youth.
Our building is available for rent and has been used for wedding receptions, baby showers and memorials. We have had artists receptions as well as concerts for our local talent.
POPA also gives back to the community by gate splits and fundraisers. Most recently CASA and Mt. Home Assisted Living.
Review from Guidestar
Pend Oreille Players works very hard to be a multi generational theater for this small community. Forming the Pend Oreille Players In Training "POPIT" group has increased the youth participation and filled the void caused by our local schools dropping drama and chorus classes. The last youth production "Willie Wonka Junior" was fantastic! My granddaughter made many friends and had a great time at last summers music theater camp. Two weeks of camp for $50.00 was amazing!
Review from Guidestar