About
Ponderosa Players offers theater activities that include Intro to Acting, Ready, Set... Improv!, and private coaching on songs, scenes, or monologues. The program includes classes and performance opportunities such as intensives, workshops, and MainStage productions. Ponderosa Players offers pre-professional training for young theatrical artists.
• Ages: 7–14 years old
• Schedule: January 10–February 28 for Intro to Acting (registering ages 10–14); January 4–February 22 for Ready, Set... Improv! (registering ages 7–9 and 10–14)
Ponderosa Players was founded by Kisky Holwerda (she/her) and Dash Holwerda (he/they). Kisky received her BA in Drama from Kenyon College and studied under globally recognized instructors at the Stella Adler Studio, the British American Drama Academy, and Interlochen Center for the Arts. Dash has performed with honors choirs at Carnegie Hall and at the Sydney Opera House and has received awards in singing from NATS and Hal Leonard. Dash has collaborated with almost every performance company in Central Oregon over the last 16 years.
Ponderosa Players states that it provides a path to excellence in the arts by creating a professional and engaging environment that encourages growth and fosters the individuality of young creatives. The program states that it exists to foster the next generation of theatrical artists through pre-professional training, with students receiving this training through classes and performance opportunities including intensives, workshops, and MainStage productions. Ponderosa Players states that students are provided space to push the boundaries of their own skill, embrace their personal uniqueness, and prepare for a future in the theater industry. The program describes itself as an inclusive, vibrant space where individual differences are celebrated and people are treated with impartiality and respect, and it states that it does not discriminate in its practices or employment opportunities on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local regulations. Ponderosa Players also offers private coaching on songs, scenes, or monologues.
One testimonial from Robert Lenzi, who played Miles Tuck in the original Broadway cast of Tuck Everlasting, states that he was impressed by the talent of the young theater artists and by their kindness and generosity of spirit, and that Kisky and Grey created a space for students to enhance their craft and grow in a fun and supportive environment. Other testimonials describe Ponderosa Players as a valuable part of the community, note that multiple students have been part of its productions, and state that the program is a great addition to the community. Additional comments mention that children had a great time being part of the cast, performance, and community, and describe the environment as positive, safe, and fun.
Last updated December 27, 2025.
• Ages: 7–14 years old
• Schedule: January 10–February 28 for Intro to Acting (registering ages 10–14); January 4–February 22 for Ready, Set... Improv! (registering ages 7–9 and 10–14)
Ponderosa Players was founded by Kisky Holwerda (she/her) and Dash Holwerda (he/they). Kisky received her BA in Drama from Kenyon College and studied under globally recognized instructors at the Stella Adler Studio, the British American Drama Academy, and Interlochen Center for the Arts. Dash has performed with honors choirs at Carnegie Hall and at the Sydney Opera House and has received awards in singing from NATS and Hal Leonard. Dash has collaborated with almost every performance company in Central Oregon over the last 16 years.
Ponderosa Players states that it provides a path to excellence in the arts by creating a professional and engaging environment that encourages growth and fosters the individuality of young creatives. The program states that it exists to foster the next generation of theatrical artists through pre-professional training, with students receiving this training through classes and performance opportunities including intensives, workshops, and MainStage productions. Ponderosa Players states that students are provided space to push the boundaries of their own skill, embrace their personal uniqueness, and prepare for a future in the theater industry. The program describes itself as an inclusive, vibrant space where individual differences are celebrated and people are treated with impartiality and respect, and it states that it does not discriminate in its practices or employment opportunities on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local regulations. Ponderosa Players also offers private coaching on songs, scenes, or monologues.
One testimonial from Robert Lenzi, who played Miles Tuck in the original Broadway cast of Tuck Everlasting, states that he was impressed by the talent of the young theater artists and by their kindness and generosity of spirit, and that Kisky and Grey created a space for students to enhance their craft and grow in a fun and supportive environment. Other testimonials describe Ponderosa Players as a valuable part of the community, note that multiple students have been part of its productions, and state that the program is a great addition to the community. Additional comments mention that children had a great time being part of the cast, performance, and community, and describe the environment as positive, safe, and fun.
Last updated December 27, 2025.
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