Woodinville High School Theatre Company 3.49

Since the WHS Theatre Company was founded in 1983, it has been under the direction of three influential instructors. Hjalmer Anderson was the company's first director. Hjalmer set a strong reputation for the department by producing outstanding shows through the whole school year. Hjalmer now represents the Woodinville Reperatory Theatre as Co. President and Artistic Director. He has directed over 200 productions at Woodinville High School. Some of his favorite were "Death of a Salesman, "Look Homeward Angel", "The Crucible" and "Rumors". His most memorable musicals were: "Kiss Me Kate, "West Side Story", Guys and Dolls", "Fiddler On The Roof" and "Oklahoma!". Hjalmer directed at Woodinville High School for twenty three years, until he stepped down in 2006.

After Hjalmers left, Leslie Herlich took over the department as the new director. Her students like to call her "H." H received a Bachelor of Arts in Theater Arts degree from SUNY Geneseo, where she also received certification in drama, speech, and English. For 3 years she taught at the International School of Stockholm, and for another 17 at Holy Names Academy in Seattle, Washington. After leaving Holy Names, H managed to teach four more years at Mt. Si High School before finally coming to Woodinville in 2006. From 2000-2002, Mrs. Herlich honorably served as the Washington State President of International Thespians. One of H's most admirable memories is taking her students with her to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Europe. Before stepping down, Mrs. Herlich was awarded Outstanding Educator by the Fifth Avenue Theater. Her daughter handed her the award as her students cheered her on with much pride.

Recently, Josh Butchart has taken over the department. Josh is new on the scene and comes here after teaching for 7 years at Beverly Hills High School. "The Beast" has a Masters degree in Educational Leadership and Policy from the University of Washington. He truly is a young master of the theater, and has done work with all sides of it. Yet to produce his first show, the department is ecstatic to see what he will be able to do.