Craterian Theater at the Collier Center for the Performing arts

Craterian Performances’ youth theater program, the Teen Musical Theater of Oregon (TMTO), presents “Moving On: TMTO in Concert” at 7:30 pm Friday, September 27, with eight high school seniors performing Broadway show tunes and reflecting on what’s ahead in life after graduation. The one-night-only revue features stars of past TMTO shows Tori Anderson, Reid Arthur, Isaac Cosand, J.D. Day, Amanda Duste, Adam Lohman, Alyssa Monning and Kelsey Tidball.

“People often ask what these kids plan to do after high school, if they’re going to continue singing, dancing and acting in college theater programs or elsewhere,” says Stephen McCandless, executive director of Craterian Performances. “We want to give them a chance to tell their own stories—with songs and reflections—and share what being on stage has meant to them, and a bit about their dreams for the future.”

TMTO is a fully staged, afterschool and summer youth theater program produced year-round by Craterian Performances. TMTO programs are complex and professionally produced by the Craterian staff as well as expert designers (lighting, scenic, and costumes) from around the community. Each show takes approximately three months to bring to the stage. Since 2008, the productions have included Oklahoma, Broadway II, Once on This Island, Will Rogers Follies, Howlin’ Halloween, Seussical, Hello Dolly, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Charlie Brown Christmas, Pippin, The Music Man, Miracle on 34th Street, The Drowsy Chaperone and this summer’s Tarzan. In the past 5 years, attendance for TMTO shows has topped well over 20,000 people of all ages.

“Moving On” will feature songs from such Broadway hits as Hairspray, Jersey Boys, Matilda, and Shrek. “This concert is tailor-made to these fabulous performers we’re celebrating, many of whom have grown up in the TMTO program and on the Craterian stage,” says show director Cailey McCandless. “We are so proud of everything they’ve accomplished during their TMTO years and are thrilled to offer a show that not only lets them strut their stuff, but welcomes the community into their lives as well.”

Tickets for “Moving On: TMTO in Concert” are $12, and can be purchased at the Craterian Box Office, 16 S. Bartlett St, Medford, by phone: 541-779-3000, or online at www.craterian.org.

The intent of TMTO is to give every participant the chance to shine like a star, by providing them the same Craterian production resources enjoyed by professionals. They learn professional, Broadway-style choreography; they learn vocal technique and the fundamentals of acting. The result is that participants learn what it is like to work in an environment where maturity and professionalism are expected, they take pride in their accomplishments because the outcomes are impressive, and audiences get to enjoy a first-class and affordable presentation. In addition, young people in the audience who, seeing the success of other kids on stage, may aspire to get involved in the arts.

About Craterian Performances

Craterian Performances is the nonprofit organization that owns and operates the Craterian Theater at the Collier Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Medford. Originally a vaudeville theater opened in 1924, the building underwent a $5 million renovation in the mid-1990s to become a state-of-the-art, multi-purpose community facility. Generous support from individuals, businesses and foundations helps Craterian Performances provide high-quality cultural entertainment and educational opportunities for all ages.