"I really appreciated your openness in terms of allowing the kids to be themselves while learning the pieces. . . I think the experience with you gave her a lot more confidence and interest in singing and music in general." 

Jeanette Rutherford

Parent of NYT Student

“Perhaps the most rewarding aspect of our work in the schools is when we are able to give a special role to a child who has challenges in other aspects of work at school. There is no greater feeling than seeing tears in the eyes of teachers and family members when a child finds success through these arts programs.”

Suzanne Stewart

NYT Instructor  

“Northwest Youth Theatre provided a fully inclusive theatrical production with my first graders. Every child was successful regardless of ability or experience. Being involved in the production helped the socially reticent children feel more able to interact with peers and more sure themselves generally. All my students enjoyed the process and delighted in performing for schoolmates and families. The highly skilled team of coaches/directors (Mari and Cathy) coordinated well with teachers and other staff members. They clearly enjoy children and understand how to work with young students. We are all looking forward to our next production with Northwest Youth Theatre.”

Paula Long, First Grade Teacher

Shasta Elementary School

“Our first grade students had a fun and rewarding learning experience with Mari and Cathy. Their knowledge and experience working with young children is very evident. Practicing for a play can become difficult for some young children. However, Mari and Cathy kept practice fun with humor, spontaneity, and theatre games. Students, parents, family and friends thoroughly enjoyed our performance. We had a wonderful and memorable time.

Thanks for everything, Mari and Cathy!”

Mrs. Carol Barrett, First Grade Teacher  

Shasta Elementary School  

“We don’t believe in creating young stars through our programs, so all of our works emphasize group singing and in telling the story with the greatest possible number of participants. And these shows provide a great opportunity to emphasize the importance of character traits like tolerance, cooperation and fair play.”

Suzanne Stewart

NYT Instructor

“There has been no greater fulfillment in my professional life than in introducing young people to the wonder of the performing arts. Children discover talents they didn’t suspect they had—many times they even surprise their families! But best of all, their self-confidence grows and that is something that carries over into every aspect of their lives, giving them the courage to face new challenges and live their dreams.”

 Lois Lents  

Founder Northwest Youth Theatre  

"Working with the directors of NYT has always been and continues to be some of the most rewarding experiences of my life.  They helped us to create many magical moments and memories.  The feeling of ensemble and teamwork that they create and pass on to the students cannot be rivaled." 

Karli Jo Bryan

former student

Chris Butler, First Grade Teacher

Shasta Elementary School

"I want to tell you that it has been a pleasure for me to work with you in the past year.  I have learned more from you and Suzanne than I have from anyone.  It means a lot to me to see you work so well with the younger students.  For me personally, it has been a lot of fun.  I have never been around such enthusiastic people that make acting so much fun".

Breese Pickel

former student

“The primary focus of my professional life has been to provide young people with opportunities to explore the performing arts. The arts do not reside in a place—they live in the heart of the artist. That is why we find paintings on the walls of caves in France, petroglyphs on the mountainside near Tulelake and why the storyteller held such an important place in ancient societies. I have come to believe that taking the arts to children—giving them the tools of self-expression is the best and most important work I can do.”

Lois Lents

Founder Northwest Youth Theatre

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