A Letter from our Founding Director

Hello Friends of The Young People’s Theatre Project –

I wanted to take this opportunity to personally thank you for your past participation in The Project, and to share with you some great news.

Since 1991, The Young People’s Theatre Project has served young people throughout the Portland area (and beyond) with meaningful experiences in theatre education. Scores of teaching artists have contributed their talents to our programs – including our flagship summer Performing Arts Camp and Second Stage productions – which have impacted thousands of students with what, for many, was their first theatrical experience.

This summer, that legacy will continue as The Young People’s Theatre Project at Jesuit High School presents SEUSSICAL JR, weaving together many colorful characters of Dr. Seuss into a fantastical journey through friendship, loyalty, and community for elementary and middle school ages. In addition, high school performers will have an opportunity to sharpen and share their talents in an all-new musical theatre intensive

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION (See Pages 19-20)

For more than three decades, much of The Project’s success in Portland has been the result of a unique partnership with Jesuit High School. Our programming became closely tied with JHS, and the work that my extraordinary creative partner, Elaine Kloser, and I were doing as co-directors of the JHS Theatre Program.

As I continue to grow into my role with Disney Live Entertainment, and Elaine explores opportunities to bring theatre education to international students on the other side of the globe, we have been grateful for the creative leadership that has allowed The Project to maintain its forward momentum and financial stability.

Today, we’re thrilled to announce that The Young People’s Theatre Project has officially become a permanent outreach program of Jesuit High School’s Theatre Program, ensuring the future of Project programming under the leadership of JHS Theatre’s current co-directors, Amberly Orr and Brandon McCoy. Elaine and I will remain supportive and involved, to whatever degree that may prove helpful, given our shifting geographic relationship.

We hope you will do the same!

To the casual observer, we don’t think there will be much of a noticeable difference. The changes are primarily behind the scenes. The 501(c)3 structure that supported The Project will be dissolved, as Jesuit High School has more than ample infrastructure. We’ve been in touch with our donors so they can adapt accordingly. The Project’s assets, including our healthy bank balance, will be transferred to JHS to help support this work. The Jesuit High School administration has always been enthusiastically supportive of The Project’s ability to introduce the greater community to the school’s resources. In general, when you see The Young People’s Theatre Project’s name or logo tied to the JHS Theatre Program in the future, it will signal an opportunity for participation beyond the JHS student body or academic program.

On a personal note, I am incredibly grateful and, in a word, moved by the fact that these two organizations – which have come to mean so much to my family and me – are coming together to carry on this work. I have full confidence in Amberly and Brandon’s leadership, and am excited to see what the next chapter will bring as The Young People’s Theatre Project at Jesuit High School continues to serve an ever-expanding community, from opening nights to opening minds.

Thank you!

Jeff Hall

Founding Director