"For me, the lasting lessons were given when I least expected them."

For over 35 years Oregon Children's Theatre has been entertaining, teaching, and inspiring young people through our productions and education programs; these experiences teach important, life-long lessons in safe spaces, where kids are challenged to grow both as performers and as individuals. 

YP alum Jamie Mack shared how her experience with OCT continues to drive her and move her forward to achieving her dreams: 

"My sophomore year of high school I was rejected from the Young Professionals program. I eventually made it into the program for my junior and senior years, but it is far easier to remember our rejections. The rejection taught me how to persevere. 

My senior year, I played Jo in Without Rule of Law directed by Andrea White. The show revolved around 5 preteen Doomsday "preppers." Throughout the rehearsal process and run of the show, immense love was discovered for the characters. Without Rule of Law showed me why performing matters to me. 

After graduating from the Young Professionals Company, with three semesters of college under my belt, I met with [YP Artistic Director] Dani Baldwin for a cup of coffee. We discussed the current happenings in the Young Professionals program, the ups and downs of getting a BFA in acting, and I was showed the new Hanna building. Although I was a fledgling out of the nest, Dani remained consistent in her interest of my well-being. Meeting with Dani over coffee reminded me that my connections at Oregon Children’s Theatre are eternal. 

Jamie Mack in WROL (Without Rule of Law), February 2022.
Photo credit: Briana Cerezo Photography.

Oregon Children's Theatre will teach your child the expected: how to find your light, how to project your voice to the back row of the auditorium, how to survive a tech week. But for me, the lasting lessons were given when I least expected them: how to maintain friendships and mentorships once I am no longer living in Portland, how to professionally communicate with directors and design teams, how to bounce back, how to love what I do even when I hate it, how to manage my time, how to support my peer’s work, how to be a part of a community. 

Without your help, these lessons will go unlearned by generations of young people. Consider donating so Oregon Children’s Theatre can provide a season of performances for Portland's children and adults."