Thursday, October 1, 2026
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Last week, Pacific Northwest Theatre and Assistant Director Alex Greene invited me to attend a rehearsal of “Mary Poppins Jr,” and allowed me to hold group ...
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With a multitude of festivities taking place in Thurston County this weekend, there is something for ...
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By Rachel Benton
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7/10/25
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After enjoying the concerts suggested in “Recommended itinerary for Thurston County (part one)”, I invite you to join me in the audience on Sunday for two free ...
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By Rachel Benton
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7/10/25
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As the national news gets worse, I have become reliant on the arts to not only cheer me up but remind me of the power and influence we can still have in ...
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From the announcement of the new season at the Washington Center of the Performing Arts to Ballet Northwest’s Young Choreographers Showcase ...
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By Rachel Benton
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6/25/25
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Entering this week, I carry a sense of resounding hope. This hope is inspired by the many ways our community is partnering together to lift up important causes and ...
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By Rachel Benton
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6/18/25
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Once upon a decade ago, I stood on the stage of the James Koval Center at North Thurston High School (NTHS) and performed with all three of NTHS ...
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By Rachel Benton
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6/12/25
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The air in Thurston County is changing as we transition from spring to summer, students graduate, and arts companies close their 2024-25 ...
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By Rachel Benton
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6/4/25
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I always expect incredibly diverse and high quality art in Thurston County, and I love that our artists always keep their creations interesting and ...
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By Rachel Benton
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5/28/25
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Imagine you're competing in a spelling bee and the judge gives you the word, “Art.” Reading it right now, the task seems easy, but nerves take over and you need to ask ...
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By Rachel Benton
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5/21/25
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What I cherish about the arts scene in Thurston County is the sense of originality that electrifies its core.
This week’s column celebrates the originality displayed in Olympia Little …
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By Rachel Benton
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5/14/25
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Growing up as a choir person, I will never forget the words to the song “Part of that World” from Disney’s “The Little Mermaid.” I remember countless moments when we …
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By Rachel Benton
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5/8/25
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Ah Arts Walk. This was just the breath of fresh air our community needed! The weekend was vibrant, the atmosphere warm, and the surroundings colorful and full of cheer. I engaged in many of the …
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By Rachel Benton
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5/1/25
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Last week, I had two entirely unique experiences in the arts scene of Thurston County. On Saturday, I had the opportunity to watch a rehearsal for Studio West Dance Theatre’s production of the …
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By Rachel Benton
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4/24/25
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What an honor to be a writer for Olympia Family Theatre’s (OFT) 6th annual “Tales Told in Ten” (TTnT) event on April 12. For those unfamiliar with this Olympia tradition …
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By Rachel Benton
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4/17/25
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Classical music as a genre is admittedly an acquired taste, but I wonder if more people would enjoy it if they sat in the audience for a ...
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By Rachel Benton
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4/9/25
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From everything I have personally observed, the artist community of Thurston County is filled with friendship.
Recently, I’ve noticed performers doing favors for one another and showing up …
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By Rachel Benton
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4/4/25
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Stepping into the Bayview School of Cooking last Thursday evening, I was eager for adventure and ready to explore something new in the ...
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Last week, I was blessed with the opportunity to speak with Dan Colgan of Capital City Chorus (CCC), who has a free show, “Brahms and Mozart,” happening ...
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By Rachel Benton
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3/27/25
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Recently, I have found a unique spot in the audience that gives me a bird’s-eye view of the incredible ventures happening in Thurston County ...
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By Rachel Benton
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3/20/25
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