Kathleen McKenty
When I’m not outside following my bliss gardening, there’s nowhere else I’d rather be than supporting “The Thumb”. Besides many years of volunteering in various community groups, I have a background in Theater and Art from Fairhaven (WWU).
Kathleen McKenty’s thoughts on the Thumb!
The concept of a community performing arts center, with an emphasis on children’s theater, evolved out of the movement toward art for all. Rather than the limited view of art for a few, of separation and elitism, the Thumbnail follows the modern tide of freedom, the movement toward racial integration, women’s and children’s liberation, gay liberation, community political involvement, power to the people. The Thumbnail grows out of the history in theater of happenings, street and guerilla theater, “agi-prop” (agitation propaganda); and out of the corresponding art movement that came to respect folk art, fiber and fabric art, children’s art, etc. At the Thumbnail, the musical theater and creative movement interact with word (poetry, story, word play). Audience participation breaks the barriers and invites anyone who wishes to explore and express their uniqueness. There’s care and creative nurturing of the young, old and in-betweeners. All these things and more are what make the Thumbnail Theater truly a “cozy home for the performing arts” in Snohomish. I say hurray! This place really represents interdisciplinary arts in a non-threatening, better yet, down-right friendly small-town style. It’s just what we needed to make this place a real home sweet home.
Alina Bartell
I am the owner of Natural Clothing Co and a strong supporter of community efforts. In the past I have helped establish a successful non-profit tutoring center in Central Seattle, taught mentally handicapped children to ski, assisted several non profit organizations with anti-drug and human rights campaigns, and am an avid environmental activist. I consider artists the true soul of society and our culture. I believe that it is a privilege and a responsibility for all of us to support and nourish the arts, especially in tough economic times. I invite you all to become ‘A Friend of the Thumb!’
Cyndi Elliott
I’ve seen this little idea of ‘community arts center’ grow in leaps and bounds in the past couple of years. With the world so unsettled we need to connect with our neighbors, friends and community. That is what this little theater is all about. When you walk in those 4th street doors for a performance, the lobby welcomes you, as you enter the auditorium you’ll discover how unique and special this little thumbnail of a theater is. You’ll feel like you can reach out and touch the performers and in many instances, you can. On any Tuesday night you can step into a joyous, friendly group of folk dancers. On any Thursday you can have a voice, guitar or piano lesson and on Friday nights you can put those lessons to work at the Open Mic. If you don’t want to perform then come sit and enjoy an evening of humor and down home talent. Friday afternoons you and your children can attend Jeanne Whitney’s Drama Club or my Advanced Drama or Puppeteering classes. Fun for everyone. Sundays the theater is host to either a Second Sunday Song Syrcle or a Storytelling Circle. And this is just the beginning! This is YOUR center for the arts and it is here for YOU. Tell us what you are looking for and/or would like to teach. The Thumbnail Theater welcomes your ideas and your help. It takes a village to raise a community performing arts center.
Greg Deer
My involvement in the Thumbnail Theater goes back to 2009 when I began bringing my grandchildren to performances of The Imagine Inn with Cyndi Soup. At the same time I became aware of the Friday night Open Mics and began participating in performances myself. Since 1970 I have been a semi-professional musician, playing folk, country, rock and roll, and big band jazz. I have been gratified to be part of the “Thumb Family” a “thumb-a-lum” as they say, and want to contribute my experience in the arts and business toward sustaining this valuable community asset and resource. I also host the Second Sunday Song Circle. Join us!
Lindsay Douglas
Presently serving as Treasurer of the Board, I am is a founding member of Tim Noah Thumbnail Theater. I volunteer in a number of ways for the theater, act as a principal puppeteer for The Thumbs Up Puppeteers Imagine Inn performances and create some of the puppets (Gus Puppy being my favorite) and props for those shows. Previously I was a preschool teacher for many years and was actively involved on a PTA Board and the Local Board of the League of Women Voters. I have always been a strong supporter of the arts in education. I’ve even started piano lessons in the last few years. Perhaps you’ll hear me play some Friday in the future. Only when I’m ready as there is no pressure here at The Thumb.
Tim Noah
Dawn Madsen
Lisa Utter
