Our Philosophy
Empathy
Empathy is the cornerstone of all human interaction. The ability to put yourself into someone else's shoes and truly understand where they're coming from is the only way we can find common ground and begin to cooperate. It is also the starting point for any actor's work. In order to play a character, an actor must be able to empathize with them first. Teaching acting is teaching empathy.
Imagination
Everything that was ever invented had to be imagined, first. By encouraging and developing the imagination, we are opening minds to bigger, better possibilities. Before you can do it, you have to dream it. Inspiration rarely strikes without preparation. Preparing minds to receive inspiration is the first step towards building a better world.
Cooperation
Anything worth building, from the pyramids, to the Golden Gate Bridge, has been built by people working together. Teamwork is a fundamental skill in every facet of society, and the theatre is a place where learning to put aside your differences and work together in harmony is not only necessary, but can also be fun and extremely rewarding.
Community
The theatre is a magical place where people from all walks of life, personalities, and worldviews can join together in a common experience that often transforms lives. Working together towards a common goal is one of the most effective ways to form a bond between people. The people we are surrounded by influence how we think about ourselves, the world, and life. Forming a community that works together and lifts one another up is essential for a healthy society. Here at Wanderlust TheatreWorks, the quality of the environment we foster is just as important as the quality of the art we create.
Our Story
Artistic Director, Amy Knickerbocker, has been making theatre her entire life. From church and school plays, to coercing her siblings to perform a play she wrote, to countless community theatre shows growing up, Amy practically lived and breathed theatre as a child. In college, she intended to minor in theatre, but her university closed the drama department after her freshman year, so she formed a drama club and produced and directed four shows during her remaining time there. During the pandemic, she founded Virtual Theatre 2020, an online community theatre company, as an answer to the need for a creative outlet in her community during the shutdown. Over the past decade, or so, Amy has observed a need in the Kitsap area for access to affordable, high-quality professional performing arts, and arts education. Wanderlust TheatreWorks is her answer to that need.
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When Amy approached Executive Director, Audrea Fink, with her idea, she jumped at the chance to get involved with such an exciting endeavor. Audrea brought her brilliance and business experience and expertise, to balance Amy's artistic enthusiasm. Together, they make an ideal team to bring Amy's vision to life.
Our Vision
Theatre education is important because it teaches empathy, compassion, focus, cooperative skills, teambuilding, public speaking skills, and a plethora of other important life skills. However, it can be expensive, and difficult to access, especially if local schools don't have an existing drama department. The skills and personal development opportunities that are available through theatrical training are advantages that students are missing out on, without access to free or affordable options.
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Our program will bring affordable, high-quality, professional theatre performances and classes to a community, with the goal of educating and uplifting the public, as well as bringing assembly presentations and free workshops into the Title 1 schools in the area.
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We are also working on building an Amphitheatre on a beautiful ridge in Lorewood Landing- which overlooks the bay in Belfair, Washington. We have many plans for the space, including summer camps, performances, and the possibility of renting the space to local community theatres for a low cost.
Meet the Team
Amy Knickerbocker
Artistic Director
arts@wanderlusttw.org
Audrea Fink
Executive Director
admin@wanderlusttw.org
Dorian Hunter
Treasurer
info@wanderlusttw.org