Western Theatre Ambassadors Tour

Rich Brown directs a stellar cast of six WWU theatre students who will be performing short plays beginning with a gig at Seattle Repertory Theater.  The tour continues during winter term 2011 with productions at numerous high schools, colleges and theaters from Portland to Bellingham.  “It’s the best recruiting tool in the world,” says the tour’s Managing Director, Bryan Willis.  “Imagine you’re a theater student in Tacoma’s Stadium High School and you see a group of amazing theater students performing new plays.  And oh, by the way, they’re also touring to New York and England where they’ll be performing and also seeing shows.  This is such a talented ensemble – the tour makes a strong statement about what the WWU Theater Department offers.  It’s a unique opportunity.  ‘Unique’ as in ‘no one else in the U.S. offers anything like it.’” 

Last year's tour included performances at Seattle Repertory Theater, one theater in New York, and two theaters in England.  This will be the program's fourth year. 

The traveling ensemble will raise money for the trip by performing and also offering improvisation and Viewpoints workshops, led by Rich Brown.  “I’m excited for the opportunity for our WWU students to share their training with high school and college students in the region through performances and workshops.  And what a great way to highlight Pacific Northwest playwrights,” states Brown.

The 2011 Theatre Ambassadors Tour includes: Kyle Mitchell, Miguel Vila, Shawn Baker, Rachael Wachtveitl, Justin Shepherd, Alison Luhrs, and Sammy Scott as stage manager. As in past years, the ensemble will perform for audience members of all ages in diverse venues ranging from professional theatres in Seattle and Portland to high school auditoriums and vacation lodges up and down the I-5 corridor.

Students raise funds by performing the tour and leading workshops.  Other travel expenses are paid for by the students themselves, with housing provided by hosts in New York and England. 

Do you want to audition next year?  Please contact Rich Brown for more information at Rich.Brown@wwu.edu.

"Well, hello Hugh Jackman."
- 2009 Theatre Ambassador
stage manager, Kati Dawson,
upon seeing Hugh Jackman in
midtown NYC.

“It was a highly educational
experience, especially in terms
of learning how to work as
an ensemble and getting
a very in-depth look at
touring a show.” 
- 2008 Theatre Ambassador
actor, Harry Jamieson, reflecting
on his tour experience.

Contact Information

Rich Brown, PhD
(360) 650-7320
Rich.Brown@wwu.edu