by Christian Carvajal for OLY ARTS Since 1974, the Nisqually river delta has been set aside for public enjoyment as the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge. This biologically diverse estuary covers over 760 acres, the largest delta refuge in the Pacific Northwest. It’s a birdwatcher’s delight, with over 200 species alighting there each …
by Christian Carvajal for OLY ARTS “Who can take a sunrise / Sprinkle it in dew?” We suspect any child of the 1970s, or of any decade since for that matter, could immediately answer that musical question. It’s “The Candy Man,” of course—in this case, a very specific candy man, the mischievous (and ostensibly homicidal) …
by Christian Carvajal for OLY ARTS According to the Daily Mail, there were over 200,000 wild lions in Africa three decades ago. Now there are a tenth of that number, with only five viable populations remaining on the vast continent. That’s why Madison Elementary is coming to the rescue. “Lion cubs are our mascot,” says …
by Ned Hayes for OLY ARTS Nearly every inch of the route for the Procession of the Species is covered with vibrant chalk art. The Procession team hands out chalk to children from ages 0 to 99: Everyone is invited to create their own art on the route. Yet this is not just a momentary …
by Molly Gilmore for OLY ARTS What happens in the library after the lights go out? Friday night at Tumwater Timberland Library, the answer sounds like something out of a fantasy novel: The library will become a battlefield, with intrepid teens forming teams to play capture the flag—or in this case, capture the glow wand—and …
THEATER REVIEW by Alec Clayton for OLY ARTS Come out of the rain to kick off spring with Olympia Family Theater’s production of Alice in Wonderland—a lot of fun for kids from 3 to 73. Adapted from the book by Lewis Carroll by the multitalented writer, actor and director Kate Ayers and directed by OFT …
by Alec Clayton for OLY ARTS For the third year, Caspar Babypants is back to perform at a fundraiser for Apple Tree Productions’s acting class for special needs students of all ages and abilities. Proceeds from the concert benefit the students of the Showcase program. Apple Tree hosts the showcase every summer. Casper Babypants, now …
by Christina Butcher for OLY ARTS Imagine you have five days to rehearse and perform the musical Les Misérables. Now add that you’re still a teenager and have little to no professional acting experience. It sounds overwhelming, but for 32 elementary, middle and high school students of the South Sound, it’s a welcome challenge. The …
by Molly Gilmore for OLY ARTS Apple Tree Productions’ summer season offers two musicals that aim to create a professional-theater experience for young actors and audiences alike. Seussical, based on the works of Dr. Seuss and starring youth aged 5-18, is the season’s big offering. “It’s really bright and fun,” said Apple Tree founder Heidi …
by Alec Clayton for OLY ARTS This summer marks the 36th season of children’s theater programs and performances by Creative Theatre Experience at Olympia High School. The program is run by Kathy Dorgan, drama director at OHS. Classes are offered in art, drama, music and other aspects of the performing arts. “CTE’s mission,” said Dorgan, …