Over 20 years of teaching, performing, learning . . .and growing

Vision

Since before the beginning of history, storytelling has always been, and still is, one of the most important skills shared by all cultures. At META, our vision is to utilize dramatic and musical theatre to give young people tools to better understand themselves and their culture.

Mission

META is an acronym for:

MULTICULTURAL
EDUCATIONAL
THEATRE
ARTS

At META, we strive to:

01.
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Provide opportunities for any and all youth wanting to explore the arts and the very important cultural perspectives that only the arts can provide.

02.
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Seek and retain the most talented teachers and trainers we can find to coach our aspiring performers and stagecraft technicians.

03.
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Produce shows that encourage our young performers and technicians to discover their full theatre potential - no matter their age, training level, or past experience.

04.
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Give every audience an unsurpassed entertainment experience by performing at our absolute best.

Unsurpassed Theatre Experiences

Process

How do actors really become the character? Where do we start?

Being on stage is easy when you have a director that can make you look and feel good. Say a kid is playing a hero, or a villain, or maybe a quirky comedian. That kid will find, when they really dive into those characters, she will start to feel like those characters. It’s actually quite amazing. For just a moment while they’re onstage, that kid isn’t playing the hero, he is the hero. Through expressing a different side of themselves, the actors explore emotions and awareness they’d never had before. For some kids, all it takes is one show, or one character, to open there eyes to something beautiful inside themselves.

META directors provide quality training in movement (poise, athleticism, and pattern), voice and speech (breath, language, intonation) and psychology (thought, emotion, relationship) to help the actors tell the story of the play. META’s expert instructors and directors try to make being on stage really fun. Our directors work to ensure that even the most serious scenes, tackling some of life’s toughest issues, are safe environments where our young actors can take it step by step.

Actors with good direction and structured training can quickly begin to master some of these areas, playing a vital role in a shared ensemble that ultimately delivers great performances to every one of their audiences.

Impact

Over the past 20 years, META has produced over 30 plays and musicals providing several generations of young actors opportunities to grow their theatre skills, their cultural knowledge, and their self-confidence. Actors leave META with public speaking and active listening skills, which lead to creative and collaborative individuals. Yes, several of our actors have played on Broadway and other “big” stages in the theatre and film industry. Other META’s thespians have traveled abroad on relief efforts or have gone on to teach internationally. Some have even used their skills to pursue political careers to help change our world. The common thread among many of our Alumni is that life after META includes a trajectory of self-actualization, and proven leadership qualities.

Our Current Board of Directors

META is an all-volunteer, non-profit 501-(c)(3) corporation providing local youth with theatrical training and high-quality performance opportunities since 1997. Our board members come from a wide variety of backgrounds including theatre, education, and business. Sharing a love of theatre, we give ourselves the task of finding shows that feature young performers alongside seasoned actors, lead by experienced production teams. We strive to create experiences for underserved youth to help provide them with the building blocks for personal development: the thrill of artistic endeavor; the knowledge that without hard work, there is no art; and the sense of team they find in meeting the very difficult challenge of creating a play. Beyond theatre, we’re buoyed and motivated by study after study demonstrating that students involved in the arts consistently do better academically and average 100 points better on their SAT scores than non-arts students.

Mathew Wend - President…has been working behind the scenes of theatre since November of 2011. His first show was Rent as a spotlight operator and still gets made fun of to this day for his business casual wear. From there, he quickly worked into mos… — **Mathew Wend** *- President*
…has been working behind the scenes of theatre since November of 2011. His first show was *Rent* as a spotlight operator and still gets made fun of to this day for his business casual wear. From there, he quickly worked into most aspects of show production and became a stage manager, which he's done non-stop. He's averaged three shows a year and is able to tackle and stage production problem with aplomb. His goals now are to raise the bar on production and technological advances in local theatre to move us closer to professional quality from front of house to back. He's spent a decade working with nonprofits in development and volunteer management and recruitment. Coupled with his experience in the IT field, he is able to bring the latest in technology to shows and bring in the people power to make the shows happen.

Amanda Wilson - Vice President……has been an ardent champion of education for two decades. Currently, she supports K12 educators as an education technology implementation specialist. She has been a high school science teacher and trained teachers at … — **Amanda Wilson** *- Vice President*
……has been an ardent champion of education for two decades. Currently, she supports K12 educators as an education technology implementation specialist. She has been a high school science teacher and trained teachers at the collegiate level. In addition to serving as Vice President of META, Amanda is also the Tulip Festival Street Fair coordinator in downtown Mount Vernon. She believes public education, community outreach and inclusivity are vital to a healthy community.

Susie Pollino - Secretary…is currently a Senior at Western Washington University studying Sociology and Political Science. Susie has been involved with META and other community theatre in the Skagit Valley from a very young age. When she's not on ca… — **Susie Pollino - Secretary**
…is currently a Senior at Western Washington University studying Sociology and Political Science. Susie has been involved with META and other community theatre in the Skagit Valley from a very young age. When she's not on campus or working on theatre productions, you'll likely find Susie serving up the best margaritas in the Valley over at Mexico Cafe. Susie is overjoyed by the opportunity to serve on the board of an organization that has played such a large role in shaping her creative growth and is excited to continue META's mission with the next generation of young artists.

Aviathar Pemberton - Director…is a green builder and owner of Warm Homes Construction who has long been a community activist. He is the President of the Evergreen Land Trust, a group that devotes itself to creating eco-friendly communities. He volun… — **Aviathar Pemberton** *- Director*
…is a green builder and owner of Warm Homes Construction who has long been a community activist. He is the President of the Evergreen Land Trust, a group that devotes itself to creating eco-friendly communities. He volunteers with many community organizations from the Kiwanis Salmon BBQ to helping the public schools.
Aviathar has been involved in the local theater and arts community for 40 years. As a musician he was Rivertalk’s keyboardist for 16 years and he played with the National Band, a ten-piece Seattle based dance band. He volunteers and runs stages at festivals throughout the west coast such as the Oregon Country Fair, Meltdown and the Future Festival. His work with theater began when his children were in the first META play *The Pirates of Deception Pass*. He then was the Music Director for his wife Teresa Vaughn’s plays with “I Can Fly Productions” such as the sign language version of *The Wizard of Oz, Honk, The Wiz* and many more. He was the Music Director for *Cabaret*. He has also done set construction for many local theater groups.

Emily Hall - Director…has had the great honor of being part of Skagit Valley Theatre since she was in middle school. She loves acting as well as dancing and choreographing. Being part of the META board has been such an eye opening experience to see … — **Emily Hall** *- Director*
…has had the great honor of being part of Skagit Valley Theatre since she was in middle school. She loves acting as well as dancing and choreographing. Being part of the META board has been such an eye opening experience to see how theatre runs behind the scenes. She is so humbly proud to be a part of META and the META mission. When not on stage she is a Musical Theatre major at Western Washington University.

Diana Becerra Ayala - Director…is currently a senior at Skagit Valley College and is majoring in Communications with a double minor in Linguistics and Film. Diana found her love for acting and theater during her time at Mount Vernon High School, she… — **Diana Becerra Ayala** *- Director*
…is currently a senior at Skagit Valley College and is majoring in Communications with a double minor in Linguistics and Film. Diana found her love for acting and theater during her time at Mount Vernon High School, she's had the joy of working with META and other theater companies in the Valley for close to a decade. In her off time, you'll find Diana obsessing over anything Marvel related, engrossed in a new TV show that her boyfriend recommended, or failing at playing video games. Diana is a proud employee of North Casade Family Physicians, helping keep the Valley safe and healthy. Diana is honored to be apart of an organizationthat strives to help showcase the diverse talent that our community has to offer.

Lindsey Pollino - Director…is a School Psychologist for the Bellingham School District. She is an alumnus of the University of Washington and Seattle University. She first discovered theater at age 8 when she was cast as a member of the Lullaby Leag… — **Lindsey Pollino** *- Director*
…is a School Psychologist for the Bellingham School District. She is an alumnus of the University of Washington and Seattle University. She first discovered theater at age 8 when she was cast as a member of the Lullaby League in “The Wizard of Oz.” Since then, Lindsey has played the roles of Evilene in “The Wiz” and Lucy in “Snoopy.” Lindsey joined META to support education through community theater, and is proud to be part of META’s mission. In her spare time, Lindsey enjoys eating mozzarella sticks, taking naps, and petting her cats, Shanboy and Flossgirl.

Noteworthy Alumni & Ambassodors

Here's just a few of the ongoing stories that META is proud to be connected with…

Zach & Nathan Hamer

"We grew up outside of Mount Vernon, WA and first discovered META Performing Arts in our early youth through a flyer advertising a forthcoming show. Encouraged by our parents, we attended the auditions excited, but unprepared. Uncertain of what to expect; we were welcomed and inspired by the staff and members of META. After a successful first production, we were hooked and stayed involved with META for the remainder of their youth. Our musical and artistic skills were cultivated during their time with META aiding to the formation of our band, KUINKA (formerly Rabbit Wilde)." - To this day, Zach and Nathan collaborate with META on various projects, from music videos to music festivals.

Falon SierraEver since I was 3 years old I have been singing and performing and I still remember the day that my mom asked me if I wanted to do a musical with META - “How to Eat Like a Child”. I remember saying, “I already know how to eat”, haha. Li… — **Falon Sierra**
Ever since I was 3 years old I have been singing and performing and I still remember the day that my mom asked me if I wanted to do a musical with META - “How to Eat Like a Child”. I remember saying, “I already know how to eat”, haha. Little did I know that would be the beginning of the rest of my life. Ever since my first musical I have been drawn to the stage, always wanting to be in the spotlight. When I turned 18 I started to get serious with my music. I decided to step away from musical theater and step into the Alternative R&B/Soul world. Summer of ‘16 I released my first E.P “Beauty in Danger”, it tells the tale of my life in 2016. Now I am performing all over the west coast and I am currently in the amazing competition SOUNDOFF! If I am to win it will open a lot of doors for me in the music world. But I do believe that I would not be where I am if I didn’t get the discipline and training that META and musical theater gave me so many years ago.

Waylon Johnson"Theater is something indescribable. But if I had to explain what it meant to me, I would say it's almost like a force. It moves people, and creates something huge out of something small, and anyone can possess it. The true secret to t… — **Waylon Johnson**
"Theater is something indescribable. But if I had to explain what it meant to me, I would say it's almost like a force. It moves people, and creates something huge out of something small, and anyone can possess it. The true secret to theater is to let that force flow through you. My journey began in 6th grade, but has only begun to start in New York City. I have seen the highs and the lows of theater, but the fact of the matter is I love it. You don't just get up and move to New York on your own after high school if you didn't really want it. No matter how many people told me how hard it would be or that my dream was too big, I told them they need to dream harder, that they didn't work hard enough. So my advice to anyone pursuing a career in the arts is having Faith. The ingredients to a healthy career in theater happens to be the same for what it takes to put on a show. Faith in yourself, Faith in your team, and faith that it's what you're called to do. Never give up, and dream big."
*Follow Waylon on Facebook at Waylon James*

Rachel Kirkpatrick"I was very young when I first became involved in community theater. At that point in my life I didn't have many fears, but I am beyond thankful I was taught that performing in front of an audience shouldn’t be one of them. With ea… — **Rachel Kirkpatrick**
"I was very young when I first became involved in community theater. At that point in my life I didn't have many fears, but I am beyond thankful I was taught that performing in front of an audience shouldn’t be one of them. With each show, I became more skilled in areas of my life that I never imagined could apply outside of a dramatic scene on stage. Public speaking always came easily, (seemingly because if you can sing “Hard Knock Life” in front of a full house, you can probably talk to your class about the powerhouse of the cell, mitochondria), and I was given a chance to be a part of a strong community full of wonderful, talented people who helped me get to where I am today." - Rachel is currently studying at the University of Washington.

Elissa Pemberton

"As a kid I was very soft spoken. I looked down at the ground when I spoke and hated any extra attention. When I was 10 years old my parents randomly decided to put me into acting classes. I was terrified, I had no idea what I was expected to do in these "acting classes". I remember my first day perfectly, we were asked to dance around the room like we were a sea sprite. No one had any idea what that was so we all danced around like wild kids. That day my dad was late picking me up. So I just happened to be around for auditions for an upcoming show. Somehow I got a part in that show and continued acting with META Performing Arts for 18 years. It's amazing to look back now and think what a shy timid girl I was. Today I am an outdoor educator. I teach kids about the environment and help install a passion for the wilderness. Without theater I don't think I would have the confidence to speak in front of large groups of people, which is what I have to do for work. I also have a deep passion for traveling the world. I love meeting new people, learning new skills and volunteering around the globe. It can be scary to fully emerse yourself into an unknown situation in a foreign country. I have done this many times and have benefited greatly from it. During my 18 years in theater, I made lifelong friends, developed a relationship within my community and gained numerous skills. I am now a confident, outspoken, independent women who to this day loves dancing like a sea sprite." Eliisa's previous shows include: Pirates of Deception Pass, Wind of a Thousand Tales, Iris, The Kind And I, The Emperor's New Clothes, Fiddler on the Roof, and Fame.

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Jonathan Fine

"I’ve been doing shows consistently since middle school, either in school or with community theater (sometimes both!). It didn’t matter if my role was large or small, I wanted to be in it. Either way, you are a part of a community working together in a big way to tell a story, and having fun doing it. Everyone there has different lives, different hobbies, different backgrounds, varying levels of experience in theatre...but they all have one common goal, and that is to put on this show. I think that that is why such strong friendships are formed during shows, and so quickly. Everyone shares the same passion, and they are all helping each other to reach a common goal. It's a beautiful thing, and it's brought me lifelong friendships and great memories. A few times I've gone without doing a show for a few years, and it just calls to me. I yearn to get back into one. It's just too fun and brings me too much joy for me to stay away."

Nate WheelerI was a boy, who loved stories. I rode stars; dueled super villains; and became unconquerable. But others called me different, and I felt like a freak; so I kept my stories to myself. Then, a true friend came to me. She said, “an Amazoni… — **Nate Wheeler**
I was a boy, who loved stories. I rode stars; dueled super villains; and became unconquerable. But others called me different, and I felt like a freak; so I kept my stories to myself. Then, a true friend came to me. She said, “an Amazonian from META, with hair like fire and an epic passion, needs storytellers. Go to her!” I found my courage, and journeyed to this Amazonian. I told my story, and she said, taking me in her arms, “I will make an actor of you”. My life changed forever; I played roles from T.S. Elliott, S.E. Hinton and Shakespeare in front of thousands. Now as a young man, I stand a warrior, combating the insecurities that crushed me and give courage to those like me, the story lovers. Keep on being different my friends. Past performances include roles in The Outsiders, Romeo & Juliet the Musical, Once Upon a Mattress, CATS, Our Town, The Winter's Tale, Stand & Deliver, and in Mount Vernon High School’s award-winning Concert Choir.

Jessica Pauley

"I have loved theatre since I was six years old. It all began when a Missoula Children's Theatre couple came to my school. I was in first grade and quickly became captivated by the idea of performance. I began working with META, previously known as NW Children's Theatre. When I was ten and my first show with them was "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever". I found the technical side when I was 14, and continued to work with META all the way through high school. Ending on a high note of stage managing their production of Number the Stars my senior year.

Over the years people have asked me where it all began, and really, META provided the outlet for my creative drive. I was often told that majoring in an art was a bad idea because it can't support you, or that it was an unrealistic dream. But, through God's will, hard work, and determination today I can say that I have my BA in Theatre Production, have already completed a 14 month technical internship in Texas, and am currently working with a professional theatre in northern California. And I LOVE what I do."