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 Our
Mission
To educate, entertain
and enrich the lives of young audiences.
The History of NWCT
Formed in 1993, NWCT
is a healthy nonprofit and one of the largest children’s
theater companies on the West Coast. Centrally located in the
historic Northwest Neighborhood Cultural Center, our facility
includes a 450-seat theater, classrooms,
and administrative offices.
Productions
Each season, NWCT offers
five family-oriented, thought-provoking shows on our mainstage featuring adult
actors and designers working beside talented young actors. In
choosing the season, we look for scripts with literary merit,
relevance to local school curriculum, and appeal to audiences
of diverse ages, genders and ethnicities. We create guides to enhance the educational impact of the plays, and provide
“Talk-Backs” and workshops for school audiences.
In addition to a mainstage season, we offer two TeenStage productions especially geared to older teen audiences.
 Theater School
Our year-round theater school offers Skills classes and Playlabs for ages 4 1/2-18, an internship program,
and summer employment/volunteer opportunities for teens.
Outreach Program
Off-site classes and production support are available to local schools
and programs that serve at-risk youth.
NWCT ‘Second Stage’ Programs
NWCT Second Stage programs offers advanced training to students with the experience,
talent and desire to continue through a combination of advanced theater classes, workshops
and performance opportunities, mounted against the backdrop of main stage shows. Through
Second Stage training, student performers study and work with adult theater practitioners,
providing professional theater experience using new and established works, and highlighting
the unique abilities of the cast. Participation in Second Stage programs is by audition or
special invitation only. See below for more specific information about Kid’s Company
NW, KidsPro NW, Teens NW and Interns NW.
Kid’s Company NW
Kid’s Co is NWCT’s ambassador group to the community! Kid’s Co is an
advanced performance workshop that teaches professional skills, flexibility and self-confidence.
These talented performers take musical reviews to festivals, events, retirement homes, schools,
and more. It’s an important arts training ground for intermediate and advanced students,
an opportunity to work closely with theater professionals, and a very special ensemble that
provides a close-knit, supportive peer group for cast members. Performers range in age from eight
to fourteen years (or through freshman year). Four performing troupes are selected each season,
two for the holidays and two for spring. Approximately eighteen children per troupe.
Kid’s Company NW is a tuition-based program.
Directors: Carolyn Newsom, NWCT Education Director and
Kelly Stewart, NWCT Education Assistant
KidsPro NW
KidsPro NW is an exploratory training program for the performing arts designed to give young
performers access to professional artists, expectations, and educational and performing
opportunities. Through specialized instruction, advanced workshops, excursions, and
performance opportunities members can develop confidence in performing skills, vocabulary,
and theater awareness. Weekly workshops allow members to explore the wide world of performing
arts, interact with professional guests and participate in hands-on training. Members range
in age from eleven to fifteen years. Students choose the KidsPro level, workshops, events
and outings that fit with schedules and needs. KidsPro NW is a tuition-based program with two
levels; Basic KidsPro Level I: The World of Theater, and Acting Intensive KidsPro Level II:
The Serious Young Actor.
Director: Suezann Kitchens, NWCT Instructor
Teens NW
Teens NW provides talented students with performance opportunities as part of their ongoing
training as theater artists. In addition to honing performance skills, students cultivate a
sense of responsibility, commitment, and ensemble. Students take part in discussions regarding
story, concept and collaboration for a range of challenging and rewarding performance experiences.
Commitment is for one term/project at a time. Three projects per year; fall- Twilight Tales
(original scripts in homage to the popular Twilight Zone series); winter and spring
projects to be announced. Performers range in age from ages fifteen to eighteen. Teens NW is
a tuition-based program.
Director: Sarah Jane Hardy, NWCT Artistic Director
Interns NW
Interns NW is a unique six-month intensive certificate program in theater arts. Selected
young people ages fifteen to nineteen will gain hands-on experience in a variety of theatrical
disciplines while working with NWCT staff and guest artists. Internships combine experience
both onstage and backstage with advanced instruction allowing young people to explore a range
of theater arts in a focused, professional atmosphere. Interns are selected by audition, written
application and recommendation, and interview. There is no program fee for Interns NW.
Director: Sarah Jane Hardy, NWCT Artistic Director
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 Awards and Recognition
Portland Monthly Magazine, Light a Fire award
“Inspiring the Next Generation” (2007)
International Summit Creative Award
bronze medal for non-profit/government publication to Sucha Production, Inc. for NWCT's 2001-03 annual report (2005)
Publication in d'Artiste
a book of works by digital artists from around the world, artist Lee Moyer's poster for A Christmas Carol (2003)
Zeta Phi Eta Winifred Ward Award for Outstanding Children’s Theater,
American Alliance for Theater and Education (1996)
Outstanding Service to Oregon’s Children—Special Recognition Award
for free preview performances for disadvantaged youth, Foster Parents Association (1996)
Sunburst Award, Young Audiences of Oregon and Washington (1999-2000)
Portland theater critics Drammy awards:
“Oustanding Costume Design” Go, Dog. Go! Mary Rochon (2008),
“Best Performance by a Young Actor” (1996, two in 1997, two in 2001, 2006),
“Best Director” (2001, 2002), “Best Supporting Actor” (2001, 2007), “Best Set Design”
(2002), “Best Sound Design” (2005, 2007), “Special Award for Puppetry” (2001)
Portland Parent magazine Golden Bootie awards:
“Best Children’s Live Theater” (1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999),
“Best Acting School” (1995, 1996, 1997), “Best Live Theater Production” (1995, 1996),
“Best Radio Show for Kids” (1995, 1996), “Best Theater Camp” (1996)
 NWCT
Founders
Diane Carlsen (Volunteer Director)
holds a B.A. in psychology and a masters of education. She has
taught 30 years at Parkrose School District where she served
on district committees for strategic planning, multicultural
awareness and early childhood education. She
is a member of the site council in her building, and has experience
as a theater and education advisor for the PTA.
Judy Kafoury
(Managing Director) holds a B.A. in psychology and an
M.S.W. from Portland State University. She created child development
specialist programs for Portland Public Schools, helped found the
Multnomah County Child Development Center and the Youth Justice
Clinic, and was director of marketing and development for the
Portland Civic Theater.
Carolyn Newsom
(Education Director) holds a degree in psychology from
Warner Pacific College. An accomplished pianist, Carolyn serves
as musical director for many NWCT shows and numerous local theatrical
productions. She taught theater arts for Portland Public Schools,
Portland Repertory Theater, and Portland Civic Theater.
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NWCT Board of Directors
| Member |
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Areas of Expertise |
| Carolyn Sheldon, President |
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Founder, Child Development Specialist Program, Portland Public Schools |
| Stephen Kafoury, Vice President |
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Government relations, former member Portland School Board |
| Steven H. Hull, Secretary |
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Attorney, Stoel Rives LLP, business background |
| David Tucker, Treasurer |
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CPA, PhD, Professor of Business and Accounting, Concordia University |
| Diane Carlsen* |
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Education and education management |
| Judy Kafoury* |
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Non-profit management, education, marketing and development |
| Carolyn Newsom* |
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Small business management, music
education |
| Megan Shipley |
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Health professional, lobbyist, fundraising |
| Carol Streeter |
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Consultant, human resources, fundraising |
| Anne Talcott |
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Attorney, Schwabe, Williamson and Wyatt |
| Neville Wellman |
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Consultant, finance, fundraising |
| Doug Zimmerman |
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Creative Services Director, KPTV (Fox12) |
| *founding
members |
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Staff
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Judy Kafoury, Managing Director
judy@nwcts.org, 503- 222-2190 x 17
Sarah Jane Hardy, Artistic Director
sarahjane@nwcts.org, 503-222-2190 x 14
Carolyn Newsom, Education Director
carolyn@nwcts.org, 503-222-2190 x 15
Diane Carlsen, Volunteer Director
503-222-2190 x 10
Melody Bridges, Development Director
melody@nwcts.org, 503-222-2190 x 13
Michael Stirling, Capital Campaign/Development Director
michael@nwcts.org, 503-222-2190 x 26
Roger Monroe, Company Stage Manager
roger@nwcts.org, 503-222-2190 x 19
Paul Brown, Technical Director
paul@nwcts.org, 503-222-2190 x 19
John Ellingson, Resident Artist
johndavid@nwcts.org, 503-222-2190 x 22
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Wendy Reznicsek, Production & Rentals Manager
wendy@nwcts.org, 503-222-2190 x 21
auditions@nwcts.org, 503-222-2190 x 28
Mary Rochon, Costume Shop Manager
costumeshop@nwcts.org,503-222-2190 x 22
Matt Loehrke, Outreach Coordinator
matt@nwcts.org, 503-222-2190 x 20
Cindy Simpson, Office Manager
cindy@nwcts.org, 503-222-2190 x 23
Patricia Hanson, Box Office Manager
patricia@nwcts.org, 503-222-2190 x 18
Erica Anne Cafazzo, Audience Services Manager
erica@nwcts.org, 503-222-2190 x 16
Cindi Kinder, School Matinee Manager
cindikinder@nwcts.org, 503-222-2190 x 10
Barbara Bliss, Gift Shop Manager
503-222-2190 x 25
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College Interns
College students with a current standing of junior or senior, or who are part of a graduate studies
program can become Interns at NWCT. Opportunities for hands-on learning and application are available
in our Artistic, Production, Education, Administration and Development departments.
Internships are available year-round, with flexible schedules from 10 to 40 hours per week.
Internships are not paid, but most students receive credit through their educational institution.
Past NWCT Interns have found successful careers in the arts and beyond. Theater majors in
particular are encouraged to apply, but students from all disciplines are welcome.
For questions, or to be considered for an NWCT Internship, email a letter of inquiry and
resume to wendy@nwcts.org with "Internship" in the subject line.
Thank you for your interest in NWCT. We look forward to meeting you!
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