July 2, 2014

Whidbey Children’s Theater has been a magical home-away-from-home for Whidbey youth for over 30 years, from its earliest beginnings in Martha Murphy’s backyard to the iconic WCT Barn, the Porter Building downtown and its current home next to Langley Middle School.

Last night, WCT honored some of its most influential figures—Martha Murphy, founder and director, and the Porter family.

WCT resided in the Porter Building in downtown Langley for over nine years and the support, generosity and giving spirit of the Porter family was instrumental in the continued success and longevity of the organization. Executive Director Cait Cassee presided over the unveiling of the newly named “Porter Family Lobby.”

The event continued with the dedication of its main classroom space to the program’s founder, Martha Murphy. This space, now called “The Martha Murphy Barn,” was named in honor of those early years of true grassroots theater. The organization has been a community favorite, ever since Martha created it 30 years ago.

There were joyful alum in attendance who spoke of how Martha had created a space that was pivotal to their childhoods and formative years, and enthused current students who spoke to how the program is still shaping lives today. Martha beamed and spoke fondly of her memories, and marveled at the fact that WCT alum are now enrolling their own children in the program!

WCT is so proud and grateful for the love, support, and spirit of generosity embodied by these individuals and the Whidbey community as a whole.

To find out more about Whidbey Children’s Theater, or their current production of “Puss in Boots,” visit them at www.whidbeychildrenstheater.org.