Leavenworth Summer Theater collaborates with residents to host travelling performers

LEAVENWORTH – This month, a number of residents will open their homes to talented actors from all over the U.S. who will perform at the Leavenworth Summer Theater this season. 

“We do have a lot of local talent, which we're really fortunate [to have], but we're doing three full scale productions. We need more people than that. And it's highly competitive, so it’s really important that we can make finding accommodation happen,” said Executive Director Christy Shearer.

The Leavenworth Summer Theater will be putting on three shows in its 31st season: “The Sound of Music,” “The Little Mermaid,” and “Carousel.” According to Shearer, there will be 55 contracted actors performing with the theater this summer, many of which are in multiple shows. Out of those, about 20 actors are traveling actors, coming from places as far as Arizona, New York, and Tennessee.

“For people interested in careers like me, summer stock theaters are that opportunity to get professional experience while still being in school. And so I've worked really hard to try to fit that in, and really put effort into submitting as many auditions as I can,” said Sophia McCutcheon, a University of Arizona dance and biology major performing in all three shows.

McCutcheon was one of 250 performers who auditioned for the Leavenworth Summer Theater this year, an amount just under last year’s record 255 auditions. According to Shearer, the theater has grown in popularity throughout the country over the last decade, due to its longevity, competitive contracts, and quality performance reputation – including national recognition from a 2023 Washington Post feature.

“[I’ve] spoken to many people who've worked there in the past, and they spoke really highly of the theater and just the environment they've created…I've already heard from several people that maybe don't know the theater, but know the city, and know the town, and they just say it's just the cutest town,” said McCutcheon.

After signing contracts in March, Shearer helps the artists make connections with a network of community members interested in hosting an actor, with each situation varying by location, arrangement, and cost. 

“Some people just really get excited about having a traveling artist. And for some people, it brings in a little revenue…And we have had really great experiences, and people are happy to welcome our folks back, which is great. And I think part of that comes because we're trying to hire great people that are also talented,” said Shearer.

Coming from so far away, McCutcheon reached out to Shearer for help with housing, and was connected with volunteer host Betsy Fradd.

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“One of the main reasons we moved to Leavenworth was because of the arts, and especially Leavenworth Summer Theater…Each [production] is so special – the backdrop of the mountains, the energy of the actors, the live orchestra, it's all magical,” said Betsy Fradd.

Prior to moving, Fradd would see the theater reach out to the community for housing year after year.

“I always thought, ‘Oh, if we moved over here and we had an extra room, I would love to be able to do that,’” said Fradd.

Now a resident, Fradd reached out to Shearer about offering a low-cost room in town. McCutcheon and Fradd connected, discussed expectations, and set up a lease agreement. Since, the two have stayed in touch, discussing packing lists, logistics, and grocery needs.

“She was so sweet. She sent me a bunch of brochures and flyers of just information about the area and things you can do, because she knows my family is coming to visit…She sent flyers for promoting the shows as well for them to have, so she’s been awesome,” said McCutcheon.

However, as the Leavenworth Summer Theater has attracted more talent and audience members, it has also faced more challenges in securing housing for its artists. In 2021, many of the hosts on the theater’s list opted out due to COVID-19 concerns. When the theater reached out the following year, many had lost interest in hosting, said Shearer. At the same time, affordable rental options became harder to find.

“We've had lots of people – we're so lucky – who have just over the years been super generous and welcomed people into their homes. But it's just gotten harder and harder as the housing situation in the area has gotten more complicated,” said Shearer.

The theater and its traveling actors have been creative with different housing options, such as trying college dorms, finishing out lease agreements, arranging RV spots, and booking short-term rentals by the month. The theater also tries to offer a competitive stipend for the actors to support their living expenses. According to Shearer, many of the artists are “gigging actors,” and are used to getting creative about their housing. However, she worries that high rent prices could push out talented actors who cannot afford them.

“I don't think that's fair…But we can't increase our ticket prices to increase the stipend enough to cover what rents have gotten to in the area. We try to keep our ticket prices affordable so you can bring your whole family…That's really important for us, and I think for the community,” said Shearer.

Those interested in helping with actor housing next year may reach out to the Leavenworth Summer Theater for more information. Tickets for this summer’s productions of “Carousel,” “The Little Mermaid,” and “The Sound of Music” are currently on sale.

Taylor Caldwell: 509-433-7276 or taylor@ward.media