When we removed everything from the kitchen of Kitsap Cabin to replace the floor we realized it was a great opportunity to upgrade the kitchen to make it more sanitary and more leak-proof. The previous kitchen had water leaks from the old refrigerator, plumbing, sinks, drains and faucets. After finding an infestation of carpenter ants in the floor, we realized that after fixing the floor, we needed to make sure that water stayed where it was supposed to.
After much research, we found Dan McNeely, owner of Skilfab Sheetmetal Co., who agreed to fabricate a custom 10' sink island - welding custom sinks to the counter to make a seamless one-piece unit that contains 5 sinks and an undershelf - staying within our tight budget. 
His company also fabricated a custom stainless steel prep table to replace an old wooden one, and a stainless steel counter to replace an old unsanitary tile counter. He did excellent work and we are so thrilled to show off our new kitchen!
We also have a new commercial range hood fabricated by Great Sun Corporation. This installation required the removing of a window and re-siding that part of the cabin. Jeff Slater of JMS Roofing Services accomplished that along with doing the roof work for the hood and helping with carpentry as we put the kitchen back together. Greg Fairley of Spectrum Electric did the electrical work.
Along with the professional work in the kitchen, this remodel took a village of volunteers to move and remove items, help install cabinets and doors, paint walls and trim, and clean and organize the cupboards and pantry. Steve Hamilton, our caretaker, installed the new lights for the kitchen.
A huge thank you to all of the Mountaineers Player volunteers for their countless hours of service - and to all of the professionals who did first class work to transform a leaky old kitchen to a brand new sparkling one. Our volunteer cooks - who cook meals for the many cast and crew who stay overnight while rehearsing and performing at the Kitsap Forest Theater - will be thanking you everytime they cook.
The Mountaineers received grant money for upgrades on the Kitsap Forest Theater property (thanks to the Kitsap Branch and the Keta Foundation for the funding). New signage on the property was one of our projects. Thanks to Mountaineers Players' volunteers Gardner Hicks, Scott Baker and Steve Bozorth for help in putting the signs in place, and thanks to Alvord Signs for the beautiful signs. 
As with all of our projects, it takes volunteers to make it happen. From digging holes to trimming wood to buying supplies, we rely on a village of worker bees to keep this property running.
We would like to eventually sign every building with new signs when we have new funding.
Since I was 17 years old, Kitsap Forest Theater has had my heart. My first show was Shrek, where I played Teen Fiona. I have played many other wide variety of roles under the trees since then, including Ariel (The Little Mermaid) and Peter Pan (Peter Pan). Most recently, I was seen as Amy in Little Women, The Musical, which was one of my favorite roles I’ve done with an extremely special cast. Every role has been challenging and demanding in its own way, but none more so than LeFou in Beauty and the Beast. 
LeFou has also challenged my actor brain in a significant way. Taking a classically male role and making it female has been challenging, but very rewarding. I worked with our wonderful music directors, Mark and Nancy, to find ways to help the song fit in my vocal range. I worked with our director and choreographer to make my movement more feminine, but not overpowering. I also worked to create a unique dynamic with Leif, who plays Gaston, which is altered when LeFou is played as a woman. In addition, I have been challenged by the energy that it takes to play LeFou. I am an extremely energetic person, and even more so when I’m on stage. However, as a Drama teacher myself, I also am exerting a lot of energy all day at work. This role has taught me a lot of about self-care and being able to understand when and where to conserve energy so that I have more energy to place toward a different area. 
This theater is truly a special place and will have my heart forever. It has brought me some of my closest friends, taught me a lot about what I’m capable of, and given me some of my most favorite memories. I feel lucky to have spent so many years both watching and performing in shows here. There is nothing quite like the Kitsap Forest Theatre, and I hope you’ll come join us this summer!