I am writing on behalf of Youth Theatre Northwest, which is facing great financial difficulties, as many of us are. Youth Theatre Northwest is a vital organization to Mercer Island and the greater Seattle community, so we must help in any way we can.
I was the business manager and registrar at YTN for nearly four years. During that time, I came to respect and love the people and the organization greatly. I saw kids be transformed at YTN. They left their classes with more confidence, joy and knowledge of theater than most programs that I have witnessed in my career as an actress and theater educator. YTN instills a sense of commitment to the arts that is fundamental to the growth of an artist and a person. The four years that I spent as a part of Youth Theatre Northwest were some of the happiest of my life. I was fortunate enough to meet and develop amazing relationships with the children of YTN as well as with their amazing families. I know those are relationships that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
Theater for kids by kids is a spectacular idea. When children come to see the productions at YTN, they see their peers and relate to the shows on a very different level. There is a deeper connection. The audience learns about what goes into creating a performance and that children are able to work hard and achieve amazing finished products. Arts education is more important now than it has ever been. Providing a creative outlet during these stressful times is imperative. Theater is such an inspiring vehicle for so many people. I think we can all agree that we could use a bit of inspiration right now.
Please do what you can to help Youth Theatre Northwest stay alive. Any monetary contribution would be helpful. Even if you have only $1 to spare, it would be $1 more toward the goal of saving this crucial part of our community.
I miss YTN every day and know that the world would be a lesser place if it ceased to exist. Please help them continue to bring happiness, education and beautiful art to the area.
A devoted YTN fan,
Eli Katz
