Welcome to Panther Playhouse!
Panther Playhouse is Kirkland Middle School's after-school performing arts company that creates two productions annually. The company belongs to the students and we permit as much control as possible while providing the structure necessary to assure a productive learning environment. We work in partnership with the school so we can assure every production is a positive catalyst to the participants' academic experience.
Below is a listing of the responsibilities to give you an overview of the process.
Parent Responsibilities
Review participation materials with your middle school student.
Make certain you both are able to meet the responsibilities.
Verify there are no known conflicts for "required" rehearsal dates.
Actors are required for every required rehearsal that is not labeled "crew only".
During the final (tech) week we will need all actors and crew for every rehearsal.
Attend the parent meeting one week prior to auditions.
Make any required payments.
You can pay online or by check to "KiMS PTSA".
We will never turn away a student for financial reasons.
Please contact producer or director for scholarship information.
Report all potential student rehearsal conflicts.
We can work around most conflicts but we need to be able to plan around them.
Set realistic casting expectations for actors.
We give every student an opportunity to shine no matter what role they receive.
Pick up your student from rehearsal on time and verify they have signed out.
Contact your student or parent producer if you will be late.
Actors and crew must take part in every performance.
Parent must chaperone two rehearsals for each student involved.
All parent chaperones must be a LWSD approved volunteer.
Parent must participate in one parent committee.
We highly recommend all families become a KiMS PTSA Member.
If you need financial assistance to become a member please contact PTSA Membership.
All parents working on tickets or concessions must be a KiMS PTSA Member.
After show closes, families will assist with closing procedures.
Striking set, transporting students to KiMS (for LWHS performances), restoring space to pre-show condition, putting away chairs / tables, and other duties as assigned.
"Being in the play is so much more than acting. It gives the kids a family within their school, and the bonds they make last forever. It's an experience they'll cherish their whole lives."
"The director ensures everyone feels included and gets a part fit for them!"
"This was such a positive experience for our middle schooler and he can't wait to participate in the spring! Love the opportunities, too, for parents to be involved."
"For parents, be prepared to volunteer more than you might expect. For students, be prepared to put other activities/sports/clubs on hold for a few weeks. They really do need your full participation to make this a success."
"Just do it. It is indeed a commitment but it goes by quickly and the kids learn to balance their schedules. The take away is worth all the sacrifice for any size role your child plays."
"Participating in the KiMS plays have given my child a sense of belonging and accomplishment that she would not have been able to experience if not for The Panther Playhouse productions. She is not interested in athletics and because of this opportunity she has discovered a group of students who appreciate her quirky and creative personality and connect with her so well. I appreciate that there are opportunities at KiMS for children that have a passion for the arts."
"Be ready to work. Be ready to play. It is a commitment, one of the best ones you and your child will make!"
"Great opportunity to make new friends."
"A great way for you and your child to grow in confidence, make friends, and have fun. I think it teaches kids the value of hard work and the pride they can feel when they accomplish something, not to worry about what others think so much and getting out there and doing your best and just having lots of fun working with friends who support you."
"I've seen an incredible increase in confidence in my daughter as a result of participating in this show. She's not afraid to speak (or sing!) in front of an audience, she's a better musician and dancer, she's made great friends, and she had so much fun she can't wait to do another show. Thank you so much for offering this amazing experience for our kids."
"So enriching. A terrific experience for our son."
"The Director has an amazing way of casting each child in his / her perfect role that showcases out their strengths and talents. The shows are great for families and the experience your child will get is second to none!"
“[Director] really knows how to connect and bring out the best in his actors! He’s been truly wonderful and the kids really enjoyed working with him!”
“Fantastic atmosphere for all children to bring out their talents. Funny and enjoyable productions suitable for all families.”
“[Director] has enormous patience and great understanding of this age group of kids. Truly talented in bringing out the strengths of each child.”
Local Performing Arts Opportunities
Studio East and Redmond Academy are wonderful organizations in our area that offer engaging performing arts education for young adults if you are considering options outside Kirkland Middle School.
