Our History

Our History

1994 — The Beginning

In early 1994, Louise Mills, one of the founders of Bainbridge Light Opera (later to become Bainbridge Performing Arts), persuaded her friend Michele McCrackin to direct and perform in an independent production of the 1926 Broadway comedy, The Play's the Thing by P.G. Wodehouse. Louise raised money to rent the Bainbridge High School auditorium for three weeks in March '94.

At the end of a successful run, Louise hosted the cast and crew for dinner. She addressed the group: “Well, our show made money — and I want to ask you all what you think I should do with it: I could give you all a share of it, which would be about $50 apiece; or … we could start a new theatre company!” The decision was unanimous and Island Theatre was born.

The first board members were: Mary Braden, Steve Buechler, Kate Carruthers, Michele McCrackin, Louise Mills, Steve Nicolet, and Cynthia Sears, with Steve Stolee serving as its first president.

1995 — It’s Official

Island Theatre became a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation in 1995 and produced its first play, Blythe Spirit by Noel Coward, directed by Ron Milton. Crimes of the Heart by Beth Henley followed. In the summer of 1995, IT staged two outdoor productions: Love Letters by A.R. Gurney and a musical revue, Love Songs.

1996–1997 — Radio Shows

IT produced two live radio shows titled “On the Air: From the Golden Age of Radio” under the direction of Frank Buxton. IT’s big break came in 1998 with its collaboration with the Bainbridge Public Library to present bi-monthly staged play readings. Those productions continue today, along with YoHo play readings in private homes.

Today

Through it all, IT has operated with an all-volunteer board, a minimal budget, and without its own theater, giving rise to its motto: “Can we rehearse at YOUR house?” In 2012, IT launched the Ten-Minute Play Festival to showcase plays by playwrights from throughout Kitsap County. The TMPF typically draws over 50 entries.

Island Theatre productions are free to the community, with donations gratefully accepted. Since its inception, IT has presented close to 200 plays.

Our Board Members

Steve Stolee

Jason Erickson

Stephan Golux