SJCT Honors Past and Looks to Future with New History Panel

Madelyn Busse and Bobby Ryan show the new history sign at SJCT – Contributed photo

“An Island of the Arts,” the newest Town of Friday Harbor history panel, can be seen on the corner just outside San Juan Community Theatre. The sign celebrates the significance of the arts to Friday Harbor history and reminds us of its importance to the community’s bright future.

San Juan Islanders have enjoyed theater since the town’s beginning. During the Pig War, soldiers prized a rare night of theater in town and islanders loved getting together for live entertainment. Responding to actress Helen Hayes’ challenge: “With all this talent on this island the least you can do is put a roof over their heads,” there was a successful campaign in the 1980s to build the current theater building. “From the very beginning there has been a dedicated community supporting the performing arts,” said SJCT Board President Madelyn Busse. “That’s how our Theatre got started and that’s how it continues to be a vibrant part of island life.”

SJCT’s Executive/Artistic Director Bobby Ryan, who has been with the Theatre for two years now, says understanding that history and just how significant the Theatre and the arts in general are to so many in this community, has helped him to create a vision for SJCT’s future. “It’s about honoring and celebrating the past while at the same time creating new and fresh programs,” said Ryan. “Mindful of the various demographics and interests on our island, we are constantly asking ourselves how this can be an artistic home for everyone here and for those who visit.”

Part of that vision has included a renewed emphasis on education for both adults and children, as well as more partnerships with other island arts organizations and individuals.   Two of the newest projects include Up Close, which teams SJCT with composer and pianist Grisha Krivchenia to bring to stage stories of the elderly and islanders who are in hospice care. The new Original Works Project brings together playwrights, actors and directors for a summer of workshops and classes that culminate in the presentation of 10-minute plays in September.

Ryan and Busse say they take the “community” in San Juan Community Theatre very seriously and are dedicated to expanding arts opportunities on the island while honoring its history and traditions.

For more information on SJCT, visit www.sjctheatre.org.

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