The Little Theatre of Walla Walla is made possible by the efforts of Volunteers. Each month, we will shine a spotlight on an individual who helps create magic at the Theatre possible.
Volunteer Spotlight: Jacob Kuwahara
Jacob started volunteering at The Little Theatre in the winter of 2022. His first full show being The Lion in Winter at the beginning of 2023. Since then he has been in a total of 7 productions at LTWW in the capacities of actor, props, and director. He is currently on the directors track, meaning a guided program to be able to direct shows on his own at the theater. He has also led a summer workshop for beginners improv and is planning to do so again. Jacob is still dedicated to being as involved as his schedule will allow, taking on what responsibilities he can, having been a member of 2 of the committees at the theater already, Marketing and Season Selection, and helping to build the sets throughout each season. Jake has also been a part of other “non-season” shows and events, including a readers theater version of A Christmas Carol, and the theater’s inaugural Wine Dine and Death fundraiser event.
Jake is originally from the small town of Halfway, Oregon. In fact, “small town” is slightly overstating it’s size. While there he was active in sports, Student Government, and Speech and Debate. He qualified or went to state level competitions all four years of school in Speech and Debate. He attended Eastern Oregon University in La Grande, where he discovered his love for the art of theatre. His first show his Freshman year being One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, he was hooked, doing four shows that year alone, with many more to come. Graduating in 2015 with a Bachelor's Degree in Theatre Arts and a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications. Soon after he met his wife, who also has a passion for theatre and was studying in her own program at the time. They bounced around before finally landing in Walla Walla, falling in love with the town and it’s people. Especially after falling in with The Little Theatre.
Jake is passionate and committed in whatever endeavor he pursues. Outside of The Little Theatre he is an active member of his Union, stepping into the role of Shop Steward soon after joining. He was a member of his Union’s Election Committee, overseeing and facilitating the Union Elections for his Local. Jake also was a judge for his High School Speech and Debate District Tournament. He also works with other companies and troupes in the area, including Pendleton’s College Community Theater, Walla Walla Summer Theater, and Blue Hart Troupe, a local Shakespearean troupe.
Whenever asked “why do you do this theatre thing?” Jake cannot give a single answer. There’s so much more to it than just a simple off-hand remark. For him, he has a community. Some of his best and closest friendships have been forged with the catalyst of theatre. Some of the most intelligent and genuine people he’s ever met are thanks to his involvement with theatre. Walla Walla truly became “home” once he and his wife started volunteering with The Little Theatre. It’s a love and a passion that gives him a community, and a sense of belonging, as well as fulfilment. It’s his art and form of expression, as potent as a painter needing a canvas, or a sculptor clay.
Jake is looking forward to the future. Therein lies his next series of projects and shows. He hopes to see you there.