High school arts this spring

Rachel Benton

Recently, my mom and I stopped by our favorite local candy shop, Lolli Llama, and enjoyed a conversation with the co-owner Ryan DiCrescenzo (who lets me call him Candy Man).

At one point, we began chatting about high school arts and the memories made, and DiCrescenzo glowed with pride and joy as he described his children's experiences in the arts at one of our local high schools. DiCrescenzo’s joy was contagious, and it empowered me to write this column. 

Arts opportunities in high school have a tremendous impact on students, families and community members alike. I believe the arts should never be considered electives, but rather necessities to our classrooms and lives for everything they bring to our lives.  

Regardless of the overall quality of a performance, I always leave a high school production feeling energized, hope filled, inspired and cheery. Watching our young people thrive on stage is the best medicine for any doldrums.  

Let our students inspire you! I invite you, dear readers, to make a point of attending at least one high school production this spring.  

Your journey can start as soon as this weekend with two productions on tap: Timberline’s “Something Rotten” and A.G. West Black Hills High School’s “The Great Gatsby."  

You can read more about these shows and more below.  Most tickets are either free or are low cost. Most of the time, tickets are purchased with cash at the door, but sometimes will be available to purchase online.  

Timberline High

All performances will be held at the Timberline High School Performing Arts Center unless otherwise stated. The arts center is located 6120 Mullen Road SE in Lacey.

• Spring Musical: “Something Rotten” March 5-14, all shows at 7 p.m.. Purchase your ticket here.  

• Choir Concerts: March 16 at 7 p.m., May 27 at 6 p.m.. Both performances are at the Koval Center for the Performing Arts, 4155 6th Ave. NE in Lacey.

• Orchestra Concerts: March 17 and June 4 at 7 p.m. 

• Band Concerts: March 24 and May 20 at 7 p.m.

• Jazz Band Concert: May 28 at 7 p.m.  

• Timberline Spring Spectacular: May 12-14 at 7 p.m. 

River Ridge  High

All shows will be held at River Ridge High School, 350 River Ridge Drive SE in Lacey.

• Band Concert: March 19 at 7 p.m.  
• Spring Musical: May 28-30 at 6 p.m. (Show title has not been publicly announced).  
• Orchestra Concert: May 21 at 7 p.m. 

• Choir Concert: May 27  at 7 p.m.  

North Thurston High

All concerts will be held at the Koval Center for the Performing Arts, 4155 6th Ave. NE in Lacey.

• Orchestra Concerts: March 9 and May 18 at 7 p.m.  

• Band Concert: May 21 at 7 p.m.  

• Choir Concert: June 3 at 7 p.m. 

Capital  High

All performances will be held at the Capital High School Performing Arts Center, 2707 Conger Ave. NW in Olympia.

• Spring Musical: Disney's “Frozen” May 1-9 at 7 p.m. 

• Choir Concerts: March 10 and June 2 at 7 p.m. 

• Band Concert: May 28 at 7 p.m. 

• Orchestra Concert: June 4 at 7 p.m.  

Olympia High

All performances will be held at Olympia High School, 1302 North St. SE in Olympia.

• Spring Musical: May 7-16 at 7 p.m. (Show title not publicly announced).  

• Choir Concerts: March 17 and June 4 at 7:30 p.m. 

• Band Concerts: March 12 and May 28 at 7:30 p.m.  

• Jazz Band: May 20 at 7:30 p.m.   

• Orchestra Concerts: March 10 and June 2 at 7:30 p.m.  

A.G. West Black Hills High

All performances will be held at A.G. West Black Hills High School, 7741 Littlerock Road SW in Olympia.

• Theatre Production: “The Great Gatsby” March 6-7 at 7 p.m.

• Spring Musical: April 24-May 2 at 7 p.m. (show title has not been publicly announced). 

• Band Concerts: March 10 and  May 20 at 7 p.m. 

• Choir Concerts: March 12 and May 27 at 7 p.m.  

• Orchestra Concert: May 21 at 7 p.m.   

Tumwater  High

All performances will be held at Tumwater High School unless otherwise stated. The high school is lcoated at 700 Israel Rpad SW in Tumwater.

• Band Concerts: March 10 at 7 p.m. at A.G. West Black Hills High School, May 14 at 7 p.m. at Tumwater High School.  

• Choir Concerts: March 11 and May 20 at 7 p.m.  

• Spring Theatre Productions will include Senior Works and Student Works with dates to be determined.

Avanti  High

Performance will be held at Avanti High School, 1113 Legion Way SE in Olympia.

• Theatre Production: “Midsummer Night’s Dream” June 4 at 7 p.m. and June 5 at 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.  

Olympia Regional Learning Academy (ORLA) 

All performances will be held at ORLA, 2400 15th Ave. SE in Olympia.

• Theatre Production: “The Story of Snow White” March 26-27 at 6 p.m.  

• Spring Musical: “Arts Alive” May 8-16 at 6 p.m.

Rachel is a writer, arts advocate, performing arts enthusiast, and passionate about our beloved Thurston County. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in History and Political Science and minor in Music. You can enjoy more of Rachel's writings by visiting her website. All inquiries for Rachel can be submitted here.