Edith Grace

In August of 2003 I learned what live theatre was for the first time, when on a whim my parents signed me up for Missoula Children's Theatre’s production of “Treasure Island” at The Liberty Theater in Dayton, WA. I was a last minute sign-up so there was only one “male villager” costume left (pictured below in the white pants, completely embodying “Male Villager #12 😂)

After years of not really having an interest in any school subject, sport, or extracurricular activity, my parents finally saw my passion - I was a performer. They always knew that to some extent. I would “perform” for them in the living room, I was always singing and dancing.

This weekend Missoula Children’s Theatre is back in Dayton at The Liberty Theater doing the same production of Treasure Island. When I saw that advertised I couldn’t help but tear up - this brought so many feelings rushing forward…

I went on to pursue theatre with Seattle Children's Theatre until I aged out, and continued my journey at The College of Idaho and received my BA in Theatre in 2015 (thank you Joe & Michael!)

I’m now 8 months pregnant with my first baby and I just taught my last kids theater camp with Idaho Shakespeare Festival for the foreseeable future. Additionally, I cannot fail to mention that I finally performed my dream role of Lady Macbeth with The Boise Bard Players this spring. So many firsts and lasts happening in the same year!

I’m not sure what the point of this post is, other than to be nostalgic, and acknowledge that life is changing, but theatre has always been a safe and constant place for me, and always will be.