Can you put it in a sentence?

Originally published on The JOLT News on May 21st, 2025

Imagine you're competing in a spelling bee and the judge gives you the word, “Art.” Reading it right now, the task seems easy, but nerves take over and you need to ask for it in a sentence.  

Here it is: Thurston County was filled with vibrant art last weekend.  

 Forget this spelling bee — relax and read about my experiences with Olympia Family Theatre’s (OFT) “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” Studio West Dance Academy’s (SWDA) “Track City,” and Lindsay Quella Kara’s performance at the Lacey Fun Fair.  

OFT’s 'The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee'

I mentioned this show to a few friends and kept getting the same question: “Wait, you went to a spelling bee?” Yes and no: I went to a production of a broadway musical that takes place at a spelling bee.  

 The vocal and acting abilities of this cast was of Seattle quality, and the entire production could have easily sold tickets at The Paramount or 5th Ave Theatre had it been staged there. Thurston County, this show is a gift and a reminder of just how talented our artists are; missing out on this would be entirely regrettable.  

 The set design was filled with bright colors, the costume design was thoughtful and perfectly set the stage for what you would expect this show to be like, and the stage direction made you feel part of the bee rather than just watching it.  

 Competition builds character, and this show was filled with characters! Each was quirky and embarrassingly relatable — if we weren’t them growing up, then we knew them. Watching their nerve-wrecked journey to victory made me reminisce about my youth and previous competitions, and it was therapeutic to laugh and cry with them.   

 Every person involved in this production deserves their own round of applause. Their passion was felt and their dedication is what made this show so incredible.  

 This show is playing until June 8, but I have a feeling it is going to sell out fast. Make haste and buy your ticket here. Then after you have seen the show, buy your souvenirs here.  

 SWDA’s 'Track City' 

A practically sold out event, SWDA’s "Track City" was without a doubt the most happening and lively celebration of hip-hop dancing I have ever been to. The lighting was bright and colorful, the “uniform” had a tasteful swagger, and their dancing was on a professional level.  

 Track City had a combination of large ensemble, small group, duet, and solo performances, and the program was perfectly designed to keep audiences intrigued.

Choosing a favorite among these performances is difficult because they were all superb, but I love the way duet dancers innovated Otis Redding’s classic, “Try A Little Tenderness.” Good music lives on throughout all generations, and my heart was encouraged seeing the dancers jam out to Duckie’s favorite song ("Pretty in Pink" anyone?).  

 Never have I ever heard an audience maintain such steady applauding throughout a performance. I am not exaggerating when I say that I almost couldn’t hear the music at times because of the vibrant cheers erupting from the audience; it was exhilarating. The students at SWDA completely deserved this praise from the audience.  

 Going to any SWDA performance is like eating the most fresh and satisfying dessert. I invite you to join me in the audience at their upcoming Spring Showcase. There are five opportunities to see it on May 31 and June 1. Buy your ticket here. 

 Who knows, maybe you can join them on stage one day. Begin your dance journey with their summer programs with choices for all ages.   

 Lindsay Quella Kara at the Lacey Fun Fair 

What a joy it was to join The JOLT team at the Lacey Fun Fair. I loved meeting new people and listening to the music that filled the air, especially that of Lindsay Quella Kara. Quella Kara’s music is a delightful mixture of indie & folk with occasional splashes of other styles.  

 I found Quella Kara’s voice very soothing in the midst of the fair’s chaos. She performed both original songs and covers of familiar favorites that the audience sang along to.

Perhaps, world peace is found in groups of people singing in unison? In between songs, Quella Kara shared stories and connections with the audience; her heart for the community was keenly felt.  

Quella Kara plans to release her single “Endless Summer” this summer. You can stream all her music on Apple Music and Spotify.  

https://www.thejoltnews.com/stories/intheaudience-can-you-put-it-in-a-sentence,20012