Guest Blog post from Jerry Dreessen:
Kitsap Forest Theater has been a great way to spend time with my family. I can't think of any other place in the Northwest where a dad, mom and kids can spend time camping out in the woods, meeting other interesting people AND performing on stage together.
Both my wife and I had theater experience before we met, and after we got married it only seemed natural to introduce our kids (we have 3 of them) into theater. When our oldest son landed KFT's role of “Beast” in Beauty and the Beast, he shared his experiences with us and suggested we give it a try. With our daughter in elementary school, it seemed like a great chance to go through the experience and the four of us were together on the set of The Sound of Music.
We have been in a few other shows since then too, and the experience is always the same; great people, great hiking (and great food), and a chance to “live outdoors” for a few weekends - along with building memories with the rest of the cast, as well as my wife, sons and daughter.
You’ll need to experience what a truly unique opportunity this is first hand. I personally invite you to audition as a family for one of the Kitsap Forest Theater shows. You'll build a unique bonding experience with your family, as well as fond memories to share over a lifetime.
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!