MEDIA & NEWS COVERAGE
2024

Walla Walla Summer Theater to Continue Idalee Huston-Fish’s 38 Year Legacy of Performing Arts Excellence by Inheriting Her Long Standing Studio Space

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WALLA WALLA, April 12, 2024 – The Walla Walla Summer Theater Group (WWST) is excited to announce that they will be carrying forward the exceptional legacy of Idalee Huston-Fish and her 38-year history of providing exceptional arts leadership. The Dance Center of Walla Walla, under Huston-Fish's direction, will be closing its doors, but WWST, a nonprofit organization, will be assuming the space and continuing the tradition of offering students professional level performing arts opportunities by transitioning her long standing dance studio space into a musical theater conservatory and rehearsal space that will offer classes, camps, workshops, and showcases in the disciplines of acting, singing, dance, and other varieties of theatrical and technical art forms.

WWST initially focused on the revitalization of the Amphitheater at Fort Walla Walla Park but experienced significant demand for their locally produced performing arts events and accessible educational opportunities. The limited capacity of a 250 square foot classroom hindered their ability to meet this demand effectively. Enter the partnership with Idalee Huston-Fish.

Under this arrangement, WWST will move into the current location of The Dance Center at 129 E. Alder, which is ten times larger than the space they are currently operating in. Kaup expressed his gratitude, stating, “We are so grateful that Idalee was able to partner with us to make this transition happen. It will allow us to accommodate larger class enrollments and provide more opportunities for students to excel in their performing arts journey.”

Idalee Huston-Fish sees this transition as a new chapter in her journey. While closing The Dance Center, she will continue to serve as a strategic advisor, ensuring the continuation of professional dance training through the dedicated Dance Center teachers. She remarked, "This move creates exciting opportunities for the future growth and continuation of performing arts in our community. As the Walla Walla Summer Theater was the reason I came to this community in 1976, this transition feels like a perfect full circle for my legacy."

“Idalee was one of my most influential mentors as a young performer growing up in the valley. We first met in the 1993 production of The King and I. Subsequently, she choreographed many of my peers and I in several productions. Ida instilled in all of us a deep respect for the arts and an understanding of the discipline it takes to become great within your artform.”

Huston-Fish also emphasized the impact she has had on many students over the years, instilling in them a deep respect for the arts and discipline. In a heartfelt letter to her current and former students, she expressed her gratitude for being able to share her love of ballet and the empowerment it brings. She will now focus on her personal well-being and spending quality time with her family.

The transition to WWST taking over the space at 129 E. Alder is made possible by the generous support of building owner Charles Potts, who has subsidized space for artists in the community by continually offering rental space to arts organizations far below market value. Kaup and Hutson-Fish expressed their gratitude for his long-standing support.

The final performance hosted by The Dance Center will be Coppelia, directed by Caleb Leitch, at Cordiner Hall on June 1st, with the studio officially closing on June 9th. WWST will assume the space on July 1st and will soon announce their summer and fall programming, including classes, workshops, and camps. Their professional mainstage production of Disney's Beauty and the Beast will open at Cordiner Hall on August 9th and run through the 17th.

For more information, please contact:

Tyson Kaup
Executive Artistic Director
Walla Walla Summer Theater
tyson@wallawallasummertheater.org

About Walla Walla Summer Theater Group (WWST)

The Walla Walla Summer Theater Group is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the cultural identity of Walla Walla through locally produced performing arts events and accessible educational opportunities. Their mission is to revitalize the Amphitheater at Fort Walla Walla Park while providing exceptional performances and fostering a love for the arts within the community.

www.wallawallasummertheater.org

Idalee Hutson Fish. Photo Credit: Steve Lenz

Idalee Hutson Fish and Tyson Kaup. Photo Credit: Steve Lenz

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

Walla Walla, February 9, 2024 – Walla Walla Summer Theater (WWST) is excited to announce the launch of its latest initiative aimed at sparking children's creativity and advancing their appreciation for the performing arts. Our renowned local theater group proudly introduces "A Little Bit of Magic," a touring production tailored for elementary school children. Under the esteemed direction of Whitman Professor Emerita Nancy Simon and with production led by Kaelyn Pyke, this tour is set to deliver the wonder of theater straight to the school environment.

Embark on a delightful journey with "A Little Bit of Magic," a play that embraces the splendor in diversity and affirms the distinctiveness of every child. This captivating performance seeks not only to amuse but to also bolster the Character Strong program, reinforcing fundamental values such as kindness, bravery, and compassion.

Tyson Kaup, WWST's Executive Artistic Director, was motivated to revive a program akin to the Walla Walla Community College tours which once profoundly impacted him as a youthful actor. “In 5th grade, I witnessed “Beauty and the Beast” in my school, a touring show brought by JoAnne and Lisa Rasmusen. It was so engaging that I joined the tour the following year as a performer. That experience opened my eyes to the dedication behind touring productions. As we’re aware some kids have not been to a theater, we’re excited to bring the magic of theater to them."

This initiative is partially supported by an Art Builds Community (ABC) Grant from ArtWalla, along with generous private contributions from the community. Participating schools are also encouraged to contribute, ensuring the success of this endeavor.

"The power of theater extends beyond entertainment; it enriches understanding, fosters empathy, ignites imagination, and yields joy. It's a present that continues to enlighten," remarks Director Nancy Simon. "Over fifty years in local play production have allowed me to witness young talents like Tyson Kaup mature into professionals who are now passing on their passion. It's heartwarming to recall how local theater has profoundly influenced individuals from various walks of life. I eagerly anticipate reaching out to a new generation through this platform."

Interactive performances will allow students to connect with vibrant characters and engaging stories, performed by a passionate troupe. These events are more than mere performances; they are instrumental educational experiences that complement the Character Strong curriculum.

Producer Kaelyn Pyke reflects, "Theater provides a space where individuals, young and old, can feel recognized and spurred on. Introducing this tour to schools represents a significant step in offering children access to this invaluable art form. We hold a strong conviction that exposure to the arts early in life is crucial for well-rounded learning. Integrating entertainment with profound life lessons is an honor for us."

WWST is excited to bring this program to schools in Walla Walla and neighboring communities, including Dayton, Waitsburg, Prescott, and Milton-Freewater, with hopes of making it an annual tradition.

The WWST Group's School Tour kicks off on March 25 and is open to all elementary schools in Walla Walla and nearby areas until April 12. To learn more, make booking arrangements, or discover how your school can be a part of this remarkable journey, please contact Kaelyn Pyke at kaelyn@wallawallasummertheater.org.

We invite you to join us in implanting "A Little Bit of Magic" into our children's hearts and minds, crafting a memorable experience that resonates well beyond the performance.

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**For Additional Information, Please Contact:**

Kaelyn Pyke

Chief DEI Officer and Director of Youth Programming

Walla Walla Summer Theater Group

kaelyn@wallawallasummertheater.org

www.wallawallasummertheater.org