Originally conceived by MFA Theatre students in Professor Jon Jory’s classroom at the University of Washington, Washington Ensemble Theatre was founded in May 2004 by 11 ambitious and profoundly fearless artists. Their first home, The Little Theater, was in the old Northwest Film Forum space at 19th Avenue East and East Mercer Street in Capitol Hill. The only bathroom in the tiny space was on stage, the seats were well-loved, and the architecture was cozy and compact. Nonetheless, it quickly became home for some of Seattle’s favorite theatre artists. In 2013, Washington Ensemble Theatre became a resident company at the brand-new 12th Avenue Arts, a multi-use facility operated by Capitol Hill Housing in the heart of Capitol Hill. With a completely new group of talented and ambitious artists running the company, it has flourished ever since. With the same can-do spirit that the small but mighty company was founded upon, the Ensemble continues to produce groundbreaking theatre unlike any other company in Seattle. Through collective leadership, fiscal responsibility, and progressive politics, Washington Ensemble Theatre continues to thrive while also nurturing that same ensemble model dreamed up by its 11 founders.
The Ensemble
Maria Manness, Managing Director
Ryan Dunn, Resident Graphic Designer
Elana Lessing, Ensemble Member
Antonieta Carpio, Production Manager
Amber Tanaka, Marketing Director
Andreya Pro, Ensemble Member
Andy Walker, Casting Director
Hannah Gibbs, Ensemble Member
Monty Rozema, Ensemble Member
Sasha Bailey, Director of Patron Services
Suz Pontillo, Company Manager
Nelle Tankus, Literary Manager
Board of Trustees
Pete Rush – President
Ashraf Hasham – Vice President
John Robinson – Treasurer
Corinne Smith – Secretary
Kelsey Von Stubbe
Angela Logan
Jérémy Jolley
Carrie Bierman