What is Rising Stars?
Rising Stars is a two-week Musical Theater Summer Program at Port Gamble Theater, where students who are passionate for Musical Theater receive expert training in music, movement, and acting.
Throughout the two weeks, participants engage in mock auditions, workshops, masterclasses, choral rehearsals, dance rehearsals, and skill-building activities designed to strengthen technique, confidence, and performance ability. The program culminates in a dazzling showcase performance on Saturday, August 15 at 2:00 PM, where students share their hard work with family and friends.
Our Mission
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Our Mission
Rising Stars exists to nurture young artists and uplift professional ones—creating a space where talent is cultivated, artists are valued, and the energy of inspired teaching ripples outward to enrich the whole community.
Our Team
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Our Mission
Our faculty and staff are dedicated local theater professionals who are passionate about nurturing growth in young artists. With extensive professional experience, advanced training, and notable achievements, they bring both expertise and inspiration to the classroom. Their diverse backgrounds allow them to cultivate a rich, supportive le
Our faculty and staff are dedicated local theater professionals who are passionate about nurturing growth in young artists. With extensive professional experience, advanced training, and notable achievements, they bring both expertise and inspiration to the classroom. Their diverse backgrounds allow them to cultivate a rich, supportive learning environment and ensure that every student receives high-quality, top-tier instruction.
Application info
Application info
Application info
Space is Limited!
Submit a completed application and/or Scholarship Application to education@portgambletheatre.com by July 1, 2026 to be considered for the 2026 summer program.
Still Curious? More Info:
Who:
Our faculty and staff are dedicated local theater professionals who are passionate about nurturing growth in young artists. With extensive professional experience, advanced training, and notable achievements, they bring both expertise and inspiration to the classroom. Their diverse backgrounds allow them to cultivate a rich, supportive learning environment and ensure that every student receives high-quality, top-tier instruction.
What:
Rising Stars is a two-week Musical Theater Summer Program at Port Gamble Theater, where students receive expert training in music, movement, and acting.
On the first day, students arrive prepared with an audition song and monologue from a dream role. They participate in a round of mock auditions, which are recorded to establish a starting point and benchmark for growth. Students also take part in a mock dance call.
Throughout the two weeks, participants engage in mock auditions, workshops, masterclasses, choral rehearsals, dance rehearsals, and skill-building activities designed to strengthen technique, confidence, and performance ability.
On the final Friday, students record a second mock audition to showcase their growth and progress. This recording may also serve as a professional audition tape for future opportunities.
The program culminates in a dazzling showcase performance on Saturday, August 15 at 2:00 PM, where students share their hard work with family and friends.
When:
Important Dates:
- August 3–14, 2026 | 9:30 AM–3:30 PM, and August 15, 2026 | 12:00–4:00 PM
Calendar Break Down:
- Monday, August 3: Mock Auditions (come prepared with a song and monologue from a dream role)
- August 4–13: Workshops, masterclasses, choral and dance rehearsals
- Friday, August 14: Mock Auditions Round 2 & Showcase Dress Rehearsal
- Saturday, August 15: Student Showcase at 2:00 PM (Student call time: 12:00 PM)
Why:
The flame that keeps Rising Stars burning bright was first sparked backstage during Port Gamble Theater’s production of A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder. In the midst of that show, something magical became clear: Kitsap County is filled with extraordinarily talented performing artists—and when those artists are given the support they deserve, the results are transformative.
A small team—Charis Ifland, Nina Pollachek, Ila Faubion, and Amanda Fish—came together with a shared vision: to create a program where professional artists are paid living wages and students receive the highest quality training possible.
We believe that when teachers and artists are genuinely supported, they are able to fully realize their potential. In turn, they channel that energy into creating a meaningful, rigorous, and effective curriculum—one that not only serves students, but extends outward to enrich the entire theater community.