I have written more than a few lines during the passing years about the rise of children's theater and youth programs offered at the Sound Sound's community theaters. How these programs fill the gaps in local school programs decimated by budget cuts. How youth theater pushes the arts forward while education shifts "back to basics."

I'll write a few more lines.



Youth programs generate needed revenue for theaters between mainstage shows as well as plants the seeds for future theatergoers. Youth programs are really the definitions of win-win opportunities if done correctly. And the South Sound stages that have youth programs riding shotgun know hat they're doing. They are always well stocked with talent, sell tickets and keep people coming through the doors for regular season performances.



Disclaimer: My daughter will grace the Lakewood Playhouse stage this summer. Statement: I'd be dedicating space in this column to youth theater if she welded instead.

While youth productions are often staged for family members and friends of the actors for "one night only" performances, these South Sound shows are drawing the general public, too. I wouldn't be surprised if folks show up out of respect when they realize the young cast memorize their lines and perfect their characters in only four days. It's impressive.



This weekend Tacoma Little Theatre's youth program presents The Wizard of Oz In The Wild West. Word is it's worthy.



Lakewood Players youth program is also worth a look with Snow White opening July 25, Charlie and The Chocolate Factory Aug. 1 and Best of Musical Broadway Aug. 28-30.

ACCTFEST

While I am a bit tardy in acknowledging it, AACTFEST drew strong attendance on both sides of the stage — a big feat considering the economy.



AACTFEST was the national convention of community theaters that met in Tacoma at the end of June to display, promote, showcase and polish all things theatrical through presentations, vendor booths, and of course, on stage. The play competition entries range the gambit of emotions from hilarity to sorrow and back again.



The conference accomplished its goal: improve the state of community theater around the nation through the open sharing of ideas as well as inspired audiences to give a look at their local theater programs.



It was kind of a big deal. The community theater conference and performance contest hasn't been held on the West Coast in the last 25 years (last hit Tacoma in 1926).

The organizer behind the event was Tacoma Musical Playhouse and The Washington State Community Theatre Association, with former Tacoma Little Theatre Artistic Director Judy Cullen as the point person.



Rest now Judy, you deserve it. Great job.

Now playing

Sixties Chicks, a rock and roll send off of all things female rocker with more song than dialogue, runs at 8 p.m. Thursdays to Saturdays and at 2 p.m. on Sundays through July 19. Tickets are $12 to $20. The show is staged at State Theater, 202 Fourth Ave. E., Olympia. For more information, call 360.786.0151 or visit www.harlequinproductions.org.



Theater Artists Olympia is doing its thing by presenting Romeo and Juliet as few have seen it. The production examines William Shakespeare's love story from a fresh, intriguing perspective, from the perspective of two gay men finding themselves in love while their families battle around them. The show runs at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through July 12 with a 2 p.m. matinee on July 12. Tickets are $12. See it at South Puget Sound Community College's Minnaert Center, 2011 Mottman Road S.W. in Olympia. Visit olytheater.com for more information.



Tacoma Musical Playhouse is doing a staged version of the classic fairy tale, The Wizard of Oz. The show runs at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and at 2 p.m. on Sundays through Aug. 2. Tickets are $18 to $25. Catch it at 7116 Sixth Ave. For more information, call 253.565.6867 or visit www.TMP.org.