I have been acting at Youth Theatre Northwest for many years now. My first experience at YTN was a summer camp class way back in the summer of 2000, around the time when I moved to Mercer Island. The experience was so enjoyable that I proceeded to take dozens of classes at YTN for five to six more years. As I got older, I started to lean toward classes that could help my acting ability on the stage (since I wanted to get into productions). Thankfully, YTN had no shortage of advanced classes.

Since starting at YTN, I have been in “The Hoboken Chicken Emergency,” “The Hobbit,” “Romeo and Juliet,” “The Pajama Game,” “The Crucible,” and currently “A Wrinkle in Time.” I participated in the first three iterations of YTN’s Haunted Forest. I also teched for “Honk” and “The Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe.” My favorite show had to be “Romeo and Juliet” because of the cast and crew. Everybody was fantastic, the director was hilarious, and working with Shakespeare is a wonderful adventure.

Youth Theatre Northwest has had a positive effect on my life. By far, the most radical influence on me was the people of YTN. Being around so many interesting, wonderful individuals (each of whom left distinct impressions on me) is an experience I wouldn’t trade for the world. I became more outgoing, more social, conversationally adept, and have made dozens of friends.

Since I’m graduating from MIHS this spring, “A Wrinkle in Time” will be my last production. It’s currently playing at YTN, and I’m thrilled with the play. Please come out and support the student actors who have worked so hard with me on this production. The play runs through May 6. See you at the show!

Eric Hardwick