YOU CAN BE A CARTOON CONTEST! WIN A WALK-ON ROLE!

| King County News - Fresh Juice for the Northwest

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Have you ever thought about doing voice-over work for cartoons?  What if you were able to not only add your voice, but also your character-likeness?  “Meet the Mascots” is the new cartoon series being produced in Seattle, Washington and set to debut in 2017, and this is your chance to make a starring appearance!

No Experience Needed!

Creator David Toledo is giving fans the chance to win a “walk-on” role in an upcoming episode of the cartoon-animation series “Meet the Mascots”.

Every Saturday between November 12th – December 17th, 2016 Meet the Mascots is offering fans the opportunity to appear in an episode as their own custom cartoon character; complete with that fan’s own voice.

Meet the Mascots will create a unique character based on the winning contestants likeness based on photo’s provided by the winner.

First step; watch the video!  The pilot episode of Meet the Mascots is available for viewing on YouTube and VIMEO.

DIRECTIONS:

1. The pilot episode of Meet the Mascots is available for viewing on YouTube and VIMEO.  (Video links are at the bottom of this page!)

2.  Email MascotCartoons@gmail.com with CONTEST in the subject line.

3.  Answer the following questions in the body of the email;

a)  Why is Ribbie (the Moose) upset with Jelly (the Monkey) at the beginning of the show?

b)  What does Richie (the Bird) tell Blitz (the Dog) he smells like?

c)  What political figure does Jelly meet at the audition?

d)  What is the name of the band holding auditions?

4.  Include your name, age, city, email, and phone number.

* Drawings will be held every Saturday between November 12th and December 17th.  Winners will be notified by email. Please only enter once from your email.  All entries will remain in the pool for the duration of the contest.

** Winners do not receive any monetary compensation for their participation in this project; neither the contest, the cartoon, nor for providing their voices for the cartoon.

*** Winners must complete and return the Appearance Authorization Release form.

PDF:

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WORD:

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**** Winners under 18 years of age must have parent/guardian permission to participate.

http://www.MeetTheMascots.com

sponsored by: http://www.UnifiedOutreach.com

WEST SEATTLE GETS ANIMATED

| King County News - Fresh Juice for the Northwest

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October 19, 2016 – The Alaska Junction District of West Seattle is known as an Artist hub so it’s no surprise that it’s home to one of Seattle’s favorite cartoonists, David Toledo. David is the Program Manager for the Unified Outreach youth-arts program which has operated for nearly 2 decades and regularly teaches a summer and winter break day-camp with a focus on cartoon animation.

meet-the-mascots-cartoon-david-toledo-seattleDavid’s current project is called “the Mascots” which when completed will be a 30-minute animated feature scheduled to debut at the 2017 Emerald City ComiCon.  As with most 30-minute cartoon programming the time will be divided into 3 individual cartoon shorts averaging about 10 minutes each.  The first 10-minute episode titled “Join the Band” is currently viewable at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTUZ60sbfR8

 

 What’s the cartoon about?  

The Mascots are 4 friends dealing with peer pressure, girl troubles, and trying to make the “team”. It’s everything you’d expect in the lives of your average, all-American, teenage…. Animorphs?

the-mascots-cartoon-able-fader-meets-jelly_david-toledoDavid says “Everyone is familiar with the superstar mascots that strut their stuff through the world’s biggest sports arenas – bringing smiles to children and firing up the fans in the stands! But have you ever wondered about their lives outside of the spotlight? Life BEFORE they made it to the main stage?”

David Toledo is the Creator, Writer, Illustrator, and Animator of “Meet the Mascots” and also voiced multiple characters who appear in the Pilot Episode including the (4) Leads. Joining him for the pilot episode is a small group of voice-over talent that includes some very well known artists in Seattle’s hip hop community.

Meet the Voices featured in the Pilot Episode:

credits end MASCOTS

robert-anderson-dj-icemanRobert Anderson (DJ Iceman) has been a DJ for 33 years. originally from Brooklyn, New York; he’s been a staple in the South Sound Music scene since he moved to Tacoma Washington in 2007. He is a proud member of 206 Zulu and has been a Wu-Tang DJ since 2011. you can currently hear him on Wednesdays at 7 pm on www.wild1radio.com on his “Sure Shot” radio show.

 

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Clayton Bragg (C-Dogg) is a rapper and video-blog host living in Edmonds, Washington (just north of Seattle).  Born in Des Moines and raised in Snohomish County, Clayton graduated high school in 2009 as a proud Panther.

Clayton was born with conical heart defect and cerebral palsy, but that has not stopped him from pursuing his love of music.  You can follow C-Dogg on twitter at handicapbragg, or at https://www.youtube.com/user/rappercdogg.

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Christina Virgillo-Emery (Mz. Music Girl) is a DJ at Zulu Radio and can be heard at www.kbcs.fm or on 91.3 fm.

Born and raised in Culver City (L.A.), California, Mz. Music Girl moved to Washington State in summer 1995, and became a member of 206ZULU in 2005. She enjoys music, turntablism, traveling,  arts & crafts,  sports, and many other things!

 

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Cinnamon Rosa the founder of Village Keepers; a youth-focused outreach program in Tacoma, Washington; and a  Food Equity Leader for the Puyallup Watershed Initiatives Just & Healthy Food System.  Cinnamon’s role within the “Meet the Mascots” project also includes script consultant and character development.

 

 

faderAble Fader is veteran Hip Hop DJ, Music Producer, Event Promoter, Mobile DJ, Graphic Designer, Web Developer and Recording Artist. Able has been creating art within Hip Hop culture since 1987 and DJing since 1994. He is founding resident of (((THE JAM))) a popular Hip Hop club night on second Fridays at Vermillion on Seattle’s Capitol Hill as well as HOME SLICE a monthly showcase of local NW Hip Hop talent at Seattle’s historic The Crocodile. Able collaborates actively with many of Seattle’s most respected artists and is a member of both 206 Zulu and the Filthy Fingers United producer collective. http://fade.graphics
Music/Mobile DJ Website: Thubba Thubba: http://thubbathubba.com

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Additionally, there will be plenty of opportunities for local artists to partner on the project as it moves forward. There is a Facebook page where updates will post; as well as open-calls for voice-over artists, cosplay actors/actresses, and others interested in being part of the program.

FACEBOOK PAGE:

https://www.facebook.com/SeattleMascots/posts

VIDEO CLIP:

UNIFIED OUTREACH YOUTH ARTS PROGRAM

www.UnifiedOutreach.com

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EXTRAORDINARY BREAKDANCING CLASS OPENS IN WEST SEATTLE (AND IT’S FREE!)

| King County News - Fresh Juice for the Northwest

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Every Monday from 3:30-4:30 pm West Seattle kids are invited to the Youngstown Cultural Center at 4408 Delridge Way SW to learn the basics of breakdancing with local b-boys Sammy Tekle and Robert Eyerman. Students don’t need experience and everyone is welcome.

Both Sammy and Robert learned the art of breakdancing from local dance legend Jerome Skee Aparis; a member of the World Champion Massive Monkees breakdance crew. Sammy and Robert’s group the VPC Dog Pound have also made a name for themselves by appearing at Seattle’s “Dance This!” at the Paramount Theater. Additionally, Sammy has most recently been seen at the Grammy’s dancing behind Macklemore during the opening segment featuring Macklemore’s song “Downtown”.

Both Sammy and Robert are well respected instructors with a number of local community organizations and charities including ArtsCorps, Rectech, ARC, and Unified Outreach. But our favorite part of the story is that Sammy and Robert both got their start breakdancing at the same location that they are now teaching classes. Nearly 10 years ago both beginning taking classes at Youngstown.

To register for the FREE class please click here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/breakdance-classes-with-dog-pound-crew-tickets-27710259131?utm-medium=discovery&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&aff=escb&utm-source=cp&utm-term=listing

SammyLOOKING FOR AN ADVANCE CLASS? There is also an additional advanced class from 5:30-6:30 pm that costs ~$60/month. The proceeds will go toward an end-of-year field trip to an out-of-state event that Sammy and I will be sponsoring. All ages welcome.

If you’re a teacher, parent, or anyone closely involved in the life of a youth, I urge you to share this post with as many of the other teachers/parents, and especially with the youth. Spread the word – let’s impact the next generation together.

YOUNG WOMEN FIND EMPOWERMENT THROUGH ARTS IN WEST SEATTLE

| King County News - Fresh Juice for the Northwest

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Unified Outreach has been actively engaged in youth arts programming for nearly two-decades; and for the past 10 years has provided an eclectic catalog of unique programs from the Ginomai Arts Center in West Seattle’s Alaska Junction neighborhood.

August 21st Unified Outreach hosted their annual Youth Fashion Expose; a free community event which provided a top-shelf catered dinner and a raised runway with 20 models showing off the latest designs by Seattle Designers Carlisa Minnis and MAC Fashion House.

But behind the scenes is where the magic happens. The fashion show is part of a work-training program created by Unified Outreach that teaches Middle and High School students the skills necessary to deliver a high end event such as this. Student are trained on a variety of Adobe software programs used to design brochures and flyers, create music mash-ups, and edit photos and videos. Students also learn to construct the raised runway, provide staging ambiance, and operate the sound & lighting board.

april-toonThis year, Unified Outreach Regional Manager for Nevada, Mrs. April Goode returned to Seattle to assist with the 2016 program. April has been active with Unified Outreach for over a decade, serving as Chief of Operations in Seattle before moving to Las Vegas in 2013.

“The reason I am back in Seattle is because I love this program. Of all the different classes we offer this one is closest to my heart because we are not only exposing kids to new artistic mediums, but we’re teaching them how to use those skills out in the real world” April says.

cd-coverThe program, visualized and launched in 2010 by Unified Outreach staff; was presented to Mayor McGinn at a series of town halls. The following year Mayor McGinn and the city began funding the Office of Arts & Culture work-readiness grant program; which provides Unified Outreach and other local Charities with funding to assist with program costs and to provide each youth with a monetary stipend.

April says that she has personally seen lives changed by the program. “We build artistic skills, we focus on resume building, educational tracks, and networking opportunities. But we also focus on team building, communication, and breaking down barriers. All of this comes together to build positive self-esteem; which is the greatest gift we can give our kids”.

And the proof can be seen in the instructors themselves; many of which began the program as students and have now returned to give back to the program that they love.

darrian-splashDarrian started attending classes over 10 years ago, participating in music, dance, and video programs; where she co-hosted the Unified Outreach/SCAN Television program “What’s Good Seattle, the Shop 206”. Today she teaches classes in Fashion/Runway Event Management, as well as summer day camp Cartoon Animation and Video Production programs.

Isis first walked the catwalk six years ago at the pilot work-training program in 2010. This year was her first in the role of Instructor. “I really feel like I identify with the kids in the program. And it feels really good to share the things I’ve learned over the years.”

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kiel-splashKiel has been participating in Unified Outreach classes for as long as she can remember. From traditional drawing and painting, to contemporary dance, cartooning, music, and video. This year was her first as a program instructor for the Cartoon Animation Summer Day Camp.

Karla participated in the work-readiness program in 2013 and this year returned as an instructor for the Runway program. Now 18, Karla is also using the contacts she made through the program to pursue her own career in Fashion and Design.

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Unified Outreach Co-Founder David Toledo stated that it’s only natural that Unified Outreach would have strong leaders such as April and the previously mentioned students-turned-teachers.

“The Unified Outreach program was really inspired by my mother Alice; who in the early 1980’s opened a food bank from the steps of our own home. Mom was so creative, with a “lead by example” attitude, and a fearless advocate for kids, seniors, those with special needs, and really anyone who needed help. And my sister Diana Toledo-Palmer is the same way. She’s such a great example and inspiration for me. She’s a leader in the community; active in so many community organizations and working so hard to make West Seattle a better place for our children”, David Said.

Unified Outreach is located in West Seattle. More information is available at www.UnifiedOutreach.com

West Seattle Reign of Fashion Showers Audience with Creativity

| King County News - Fresh Juice for the Northwest

Reign of Fashion WallFashion Flyers

The creativity and passion of youth was on full display at the August 21st Unified Outreach Fashion Expose’ in West Seattle.

Kiel backOn stage were 20 aspiring models broken into two groups; the Little Royals were first-year models ages 5-10; followed by the Reign of Fashion models who ranged from 13-18 years old.  For many this was the first time they had ever walked a runway; but designer Carlisia Minnis from MAC Fashion House spent time with the models during the weeks leading up to the show to be sure that they were comfortable strutting their stuff on the catwalk.Karla stage

Behind the scenes were youth from the Unified Outreach program which consisted of teams of youth ages 13-18 who planned, designed, and delivered the 1 hour program. These teams consisted of Facilities/Stage Set-Up/Sound & Lighting, Promotions/PR/Marketing, Photo & Video Production, and Stage Management/Models/Runway.

David Toledo, one of the event organizers said, “The entire behind the scenes crew was made up of teens from 13 to 18 years old from the work training in the arts program. It can be hard to grasp the magnitude of what these kids were able to produce; especially when you consider that many had no experience of this sort just 4 weeks ago.  But tonight they did the sound and lighting, facilities, photo and video, stage set up, and everything else to deliver this flawless event.”4Culture Red Carpet Unified Outreach

Credit was also given to the program instructors April Goode, Edward Dumas, and Isis West-Goode; as well as the SYVPI counselors Nani, Lensy, Merry, and J’Quai who provided additional support to the kids during the 4 weeks of classes.

In the audience was a mixture of both local and national personalities, sports stars, political figures, media personalities, major advertising agencies, and merchandizing and department store buyers; provided the youth an excellent opportunity to network with industry leaders and local heroes who were available for the meet & greet following the show.

The annual event is made possible with a financial grant from the Office of Arts & Culture, a technology grant from 4Culture, and a facility usage grant from West Seattle Christian Church.  Once all of the funding is in place Unified Outreach partners with the staff at SYVPI and SW Family Services to recruit youth ages 13-18 to participate in the program.

The work-readiness-in-arts partnership was created during the Mike McGinn mayoral era;  a result of Unified Outreach members engaging Mayor McGinn at art-related town halls.  Unified Outreach presented the idea that the City wasn’t doing enough by simply funding arts classes; but that kids need networking opportunities, as well as education and career tracks once the art class/workshop has ended.  Mayor McGinn was receptive and in 2011 the City launched the work-readiness grant program.

TKG Dance CrewAnd on Sunday, August 21, 2016 the Unified Outreach non-profit youth arts Charity took work-readiness programs to a whole other level with a custom designer fashion show that would put some industry-level entertainment companies to shame. The event was hosted by local celebrity Sammy Tekle, with music performances by Ali Rahimi, dance routine by TGK Dance Crew, and featuring a fully catered dinner by Goode Girls.

In addition to the custom design outfits by MAC Fashion House; this year Unified Outreach also welcomed Lu LaRoe who provided the outfits for the Little Royals.Runway walk

The Unified Outreach Work-Training in the Arts program returns in 2017. Visit http://www.UnifiedOutreach.com for details.

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The buffet and desert selection was provided free by Goode Girls Catering.

The event was held a the WSCC Exhibition Hall at 4400 42nd Ave SW.

 

For further information please visit www.UnifiedOutreach.com, email UnifiedOutreach@hotmail.com, or call 206-371-1139.

 

Local High School Wins National Hip-Hop Championship

| King County News - Fresh Juice for the Northwest

Beamer Group

The Todd Beamer High School dance team took first place in the Championship large hip-hop division at last weekend’s USA National Competition in Anaheim, California. Dancers from across the country competed, and the Titans’ early morning performance earned them a place in the finals along with two other teams.

Their outstanding show as finalists that evening led to their first-place championship win.Beamer point

This is the first national championship for the team, and it’s a big win for a Titans dance team that has placed second and third in prior competitions.

“We’re excited to bring home this championship title to Federal Way and Todd Beamer High School,” said coach Valicia Valiani. “The team has worked hard this year and deserves this win and national recognition.”

Beamer Kiel groupThe win in California makes the team undefeated this year as they head into the state championship competition this weekend in Yakima.

Their season tops off with the team’s 13th annual dance showcase, the Beamer Breakdown, on May 6-7 at Todd Beamer High School (35999 16th Ave. S., Federal Way).

The Todd Beamer High School Dance Team holds eight state championship titles.

The 24-member team is coached by Valiani. The assistant coach is Teddy Bakke, and team captains are Josh Moran, Layne Hardin and Natalie Smith. The team’s hip-hop routine this year is choreographed by Daniel Cruz.

In addition to performing in local and national competitions, the team has performed at half-time during a Seahawks game, participates in the local dance community and performs at school and community sports events and activities.

Beamer Breakdown

Originally Published at “http://www.federalwaymirror.com/community/373593461.html#”

If You Have One Of These Old Seattle Rap Albums It May Be Worth Thousands!

| King County News - Fresh Juice for the Northwest

P. Lagiarist

ESBMay 29, 2016. Got old Seattle rap albums collecting dust on a shelf somewhere? Maybe you already reclaimed the space and they’re sitting in an attic long-forgotten. Hopefully you didn’t throw them out, though, as it turns out there might be quite the market for some old Seattle Rap records. Modern engineering practice for music releases and re-releases tends to include adding or editing the original playlist from the original album version. While some people (squares) don’t mind or even enjoy these changes, real Seattle OG’s believe the original cut is worth spending the additional cheddar.

This translates to listings on eBay for certain Rap records at astronomical prices. It’s unknown if these early Seattle Rap albums will reach the level of other Seattle musician’s such as Patrinell Staton’s “Little Love Affair” which sold for $3500; but we’ve seen several Seattle Rap albums such as original copies of the Emerald Street Boys early releases and Sir Mixalot’s early Nastymix singles regularly going for $500 – $1000. It is believed that Indie Seattle Rap records in particular might be valuable to collectors for other reasons. Local DJ and Hip Hop Icon JP Scratches says “Early Seattle Rap LP’s are a rarity. Finding an early eighties cassette tape from Seattle is hard enough; but finding records is nearly impossible.” Because of this, certain Seattle Rap collectors are convinced that these LP RECORDS are worth something.”

Seattle Rap Ebay

According to Seattle Hip Hop Historian and Legendary DJ Mr. Supreme, the “white-whale” of Seattle Rap is the rumored 2-copy pressing by Sir Mixalot contemporary “Baron Von Scratch”. If one of these copies was to ever surface there is no telling what sort of numbers the bidding might reach.

Chilly UPtownOn the hot investment list are pre-1992 LP Records by Seattle Rap Artists the Emerald Street Boys, Sir Mixalot (Nastymix label), Incredicrew featuring Chelley Chelle, Chilly Uptown, High Performance, Criminal Nation, Kid Sensation, and Moving Target featuring David Toledo/Dawny Toledo/Esera Mose.

While it’s possible some Rap records are indeed worth quite a bit, you may also be able to find some of the more heavily produced (aka successful) artist material (Such as Sir Mixalot, Edawg, and Kid Sensation) at a very reasonable price.

LIKE THIS? YOU MAY WANT TO VISIT “DEEPEST ROOTS, 30 YEARS OF HIP HOP IN SEATTLE

https://kingcountynews.org/2014/11/11/deepest-roots-30-years-of-hip-hop-in-seattle/

Hip Hop Royalty Theatrical Debute

| King County News - Fresh Juice for the Northwest
(Seattle, Washington) June 17-18, 2016 marks the highly anticipated return of Hip Hop emcee, producer, and organizer Danny “King Khazm” Kogita, with a double album release and theater production entitled “Diaries of a M.A.D.” The first show at the newly renovated Historic Washington Hall.

Diaries of a M.A.D. is an interdisciplinary installation, uniquely bridging music, cinema, and performing arts in an intimate exploration of struggle and perseverance. The album is laden with crisp snares, warm kicks, and dusty samples produced by members of Dev From Above, Third Eye Bling and Khazm and his beat crew, The Konstructicons. The soundscapes of this autobiographical essay paint a dark lacquer of social commentary.

The stage show produced by Olisa “Spyc-e” Enrico, is an artistic interpretation of how a biracial, disabled youth was able to overcome challenges in Seattle’s South end. An amalgam of Hip Hop, Japanese culture and disability awareness; the conceptual musical performances, blended with visual projections, dance and theatrical segments, push the boundaries of what is and what can be.

In 2003, King Khazm, along with his rap group- Cyphalliance, emerged onto the Northwest Hip Hop scene with exceptional response with debut album “Industreets.” A barrage of technological mishaps and life prevented the long awaited follow up album from seeing the light of day- until now.

One decade later, Living as a M.A.D. has been miraculously recovered, and after several months of extensive reconstruction, the album will finally be released. This sonically diverse project, recorded at Seattle’s renown Pharmacy, includes production by Jake One, Vitamin D, DJ Tre, Kitone, and others. The soundscape ranges from socially conscious lyrics to smooth melodic vocals.

Diaries of a M.A.D. and Living as a M.A.D. both release on Fresh Chopped Beats / MADK Productions and will be available at iTunes, Amazon.com and finer Hip Hop specialty stores.

For more information and announcements, visit www.freshchoppedbeats.com

King Khazm “Diaries of a M.A.D.” Theatrical Experience
June 17-18, 2016
Washington Hall
153 14th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122
Doors 7:00pm / Curtain 8:00pm
$25 General / $35 VIP / $5 Students 18 & Under
Tickets at BrownPaperTickets.com

 

WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE! THE LION KING COMES TO WEST SEATTLE

| King County News - Fresh Juice for the Northwest

 

 

Unified Outreach Lion King Stage

WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE! THE LION KING COMES TO WEST SEATTLE

By JP Scratches

May 21, 2016- The beloved children’s classic “the Lion King” came to life in West Seattle this weekend as the Lafayette Theater Group gave a 3-night performance featuring over 70 students in unique make-up and designer costumes.

Directed by Joel Oltyan (with Assistant Director Diana Toledo-Palmer), and choreographed by Linda Filley Bentler; the show was a magical combination of beautifully delivered musical numbers, laugh-out-loud comedy, heartbreaking drama, and a stand up and shout inspirational finale.Zaz Raf

We are first introduced to Eliose Perkins who was perfectly cast as the quirky shaman Rafiki; who along with her sidekick Brennan Ryan, leads a 40 person plant and animal ensemble in a wonderfully choreographed opening number.

Unified Outreach Lion King Mufasa SimbaThe scene moves quickly from inspiration and heartwarming wonder to drama and suspense as Savannah Faber delivers a masterful performance as the villainous Scar, playing opposite of Mac Davido whose portrayal of the heroic Mufasa brought to the stage strength, confidence, and a lion’s roar that sent shivers down my spine. Joining these two artistic powerhouses was a stand-out performance by Jordan Palmer, who absolutely shined as King Mufasa’s advisor; the wonderfully witty Zazu. Jordan brought a sharp wit and great delivery to multiple scenes throughout the play and looked absolutely radiant adorned in a beautiful blue outfit which seemed to glow from the stage.

Scar Cave HyenasScar’s pack of hideous hyena’s are a joy to watch; as no group of scheming scoundrels has ever been so much fun! Riley Shipps, Frances Laughlin, Celeste DeRonghe, Austin Higgins, Cooper Guidry, and Lachlan Swanson work wonderfully together and would be hilarious in a hyena’s spin-off performance. Each actor brings confidence and charisma to the criminally callous cur! Wickedly delicious!Unified Outreach Lion King Backstage

Young Simba and Young Nala are played by Santi Cortez and Emily Oltyan who are adorable as best friends looking for adventure. Santi brings the bright-eyed wonder of Simba to life with wonderful musical performances and great interaction with both Mufasa and Nala. Emily Oltyan delivers a sassy, scene stealing performance which plays perfectly against Santi’s character.

Lion King Lionesses Unified OutreachThere was also a quiet beauty and calm confidence brought to the stage by Sarabi and the Lionesses; who float across the stage with the strength and power of a true pride. Adorned in flowing gowns, veils, and jewelry worthy of queens. This group of actresses are fierce and formidable, and took command of the stage with striking movements and poses. Outstandingly played by Avery Darwin, Audrey Quinn, Juliana Shilipeter, Grace Bodensteiner, Myah Arrington, Jasmine Brathwaite, Anna Clark, Ellie Gunlogson, Millie Hanson, Zhaiarah Holiday, Lucy LeBaron, Sophia Litton, Lola Personett, Audrey Quinn, Brooke Swanson, and Olivia Walum.

Hannah Bonsack gives a great portrayal of the older, teen-aged Simba, who is unsure of himself, but wants to do what’s right; still needing a little encouragement from Nala (now played by Kendall Horgan). These two do an excellent job of character development and the coming-of-age transition of Simba as he fights through his insecurities to become the rightful king; and share a beautiful musical duet along the way.

Pumba crew dance 2Stella Allen, Daisy Crabtree, and Rylee Malloy fired up the crowd as Timon, Pumbaa, and Jina (Simba’s friends). These three bring an incredible combination of comedy, talent, and energy that had me wanting to get on stage. They looked like they were having so much fun I wanted to join in!

The show was amazing from start to finish, with scenes flowing seamlessly thanks to the stage direction of Genevive Kostic and Kaya Hubbard; culminating in a 70+ on-stage student finale. The sheer amount of work put into the creation of the over 70 unique costumes is awe-inspiring. Designer Naomi Hayland, along with Kristi Brown, Jill Amsberry, and Nita Gillenwaters should be proud of what they have accomplished. With the artistry of Alexis Allen adding the finishing touches to each character with fun make-up designs individualized for each animal.

There is no doubt that we will see many of these young actors move on to greater roles as many have already mastered character physics, stage presence, and a wonderful command of comedy, drama, and action.

Great job Joel Oltyan and team! Thank you for allowing us to share in such a wonderful event!

Lion King Joel Oltyan Collage