Making it happen in Olympia
Originally Published on The JOLT News on June 25, 2025
From the announcement of the new season at the Washington Center of the Performing Arts to Ballet Northwest’s Young Choreographers Showcase, I am inspired by the shows currently being produced and offered in our area. I am equally in awe of the wonderful people, like actor and writer Xander Layden, who are investing in and making art for our community.
The Center announces the 2025-26 season: subscribe!
All secrets are revealed: the Center’s 2025-26 season is now available on its website. This season looks truly amazing! I learned more about this season at the 2025-26 season preview event this week, where Executive Director Jill Barnes guided the audience through the next season with humor and pure joy.
Fan favorites including variations on “God is a Scottish Drag Queen,” the Stunt Dog Experience, Pink Martini, Cirque Mechanics and the Naked Magicians will be returning this season.
The Silent Film, Adventure, Comedy Underground, and Black Box Jazz Series will continue to thrive this season. New and exciting events include (but are not limited to): “Serial Killers with Dr. Scott Bonn,” “Dirty Dancing in Concert,” An Evening with Fran Lebowitz and “Wizard of Oz On Ice.”
During the event, Deputy Director Jocelyn Wood discussed some of the ways the Center is investing in the next generation and low-income families with the Arts Education & Community Program. This program provides $10 tickets to low-income and electronic benefit transfer (EBT) families, student rush tickets for $10 day of performances, and creates free student matinees of upcoming shows.
Marketing and Sales Director Tineke Raak reminded the audience of some of the benefits that come with subscribing. My personal favorites are: 15% off ticket prices, 10% off tickets for guests, as well as presale access for special engagements.
More information on subscriptions and their benefits can be found here.
Review: Ballet Northwest’s Young Choreographer’s Showcase
Once again, the students and community at Ballet Northwest exceeded my already high expectations. With a total of 17 different numbers all choreographed by students, this showcase displayed both the dedication and the insane talent of our youth. Every work was inspiring, but these were some of my personal favorites:
The performance titled, "Eleanor Rigby,” reminded audiences of the message behind that song, and why it remains relevant today. Choreographer Sela Bell added in all of these little tidbits and movements that really added nuance to the piece.
“Angel,” choreographed by Dakota Lamb, had a spy thriller meets dystopian reality vibe. The hairs on my arms stood up and I tried not to blink afraid I might miss the drama of what was happening on stage. The lighting, music and costuming only added to the suspense Lamb created.
“Ties,” choreographed by Sydney Smith, had astounding emotional depth and a relatable storyline about the transition from youth to maturity, naivety to knowing, innocence to guilt. I cried watching this one, and that is rare for me.
I cannot wait to see what these talented students offer at next year’s showcase. Learn more about Ballet Northwest here.
Interview with Xander Layden
Over time, I have become a huge fan of Xander Layden’s acting, and when he agreed to speak with me, I was over the moon!
Layden has been acting in Thurston County for 15-plus years, working with a wide variety of local companies and shows. Along with acting, Layden is a playwright whose script, based on “The King in Yellow” by Robert Chambers, was produced by Theater Artists Olympia and directed by Pug Bujeaud about a year ago.
When asked why art is so important today, Layden gave an answer that truly resonates: “Art is so much more than just an anesthetic — art is something you turn to after a hard day and can be joyful, comforting, and ubiquitous at all times. It’s bound up in everything … it is a part of us.”
At the end of our conversation, I asked Layden if he had something he wanted to say to you dear readers.
This is his message:
“It’s been a great joy of mine to enjoy the beautiful artistic community that we have all created over the years here in (Thurston County). I love how varied and large it is for its size, and I want to see it continue to grow and flourish. It takes a lot for any show to go up, and I am so grateful to the people that are showing up and making it happen, whether that’s on the audience, production or building facilitation side.”