Kitsap Children's Musical Theatre

Kitsap Children’s Musical Theatre (KCMT) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, semi-professional theatre production company for children, run entirely by parent volunteers. KCMT was founded in 2000 by Executive Director Kerby Criss to provide children in Kitsap County with the opportunity to grow and develop in the theatrical arts and perform onstage, as well as offer quality, wholesome entertainment for the community. KCMT encourages live-stage performance for youth, ages 5-18, as this type of experience has proven beneficial to personal development and success. KCMT puts on 3-4 Broadway-type productions each year, and insists on a G-rated atmosphere during rehearsals and a professional atmosphere during performances. Every child who auditions is admitted into the show, and leading roles are quadruple-cast to give more youth a chance to experience speaking parts and solos. KCMT’s Teen Staff is made up of veteran KCMTers, and do adult jobs from the planning stages all the way through show time. They are trained and respected. Some KCMT teens go on to paying jobs in theatre arts education or in the theatre industry. Others have become leaders in their communities and at work. KCMT is an extended family for everyone involved. Entire families, from parents to toddler siblings, are part of the KCMT family. We all work together for the same goal. It is common to see the older kids interacting with the younger kids. The parents are right in there with them as part of the Production Team.

Your donation provides KCMT with resources to ensure that our program thrives for years to come and also allows us to grant scholarships to graduating seniors; to provide low-cost matinee shows for community schools, senior centers, and others; and to offer leadership and mentoring opportunities to KCMT's teens.

Founder's Message By Kerby Criss: We love empowering others to create and help great ideas come to fruition. It’s why Kitsap Children’s Musical Theatre was founded by my family twenty years ago and what still drives us and over 200 KCMT volunteers to this day. Our cast members are exhilarated by their accomplishments in theatre. This creates life-changing fulfillment for them and brings abundant joy to our hearts. The world-class caliber of the productions is jaw-dropping for audiences, especially since it is far beyond what is normally expected from youth (ages 5-18). KCMT is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, run 100% by volunteers from the Kitsap community. We mentor over 120 youth per production with professional directing for three months of extensive rehearsals in drama, music and dance, and culminate in grand performances, adorned with custom-made costumes and elaborate sets. Donors and sponsors have an opportunity to support this unique organization, like none other, that offers kids and teens the chance of a lifetime by learning appreciation for the arts, as well as character strengths, work ethic and leadership skills. Generous support is needed and helps every child to shine!