ELGIN — The Elgin Opera House Youth Actors (OHYA) brought home a collection of accolades from the 2026 Junior Theater Festival West, solidifying their reputation as a rising force in youth musical theater. The group’s performance of “13 JR.” earned them the Excellence in Dance award, a testament to their dedication and artistry, at the festival held in Sacramento, California.
The Junior Theater Festival West celebrates student-driven musical theater programs, drawing participation from over 60 groups representing more than 20 states, as well as Canada and Recent Zealand. OHYA’s success underscores the thriving arts community in Northeast Oregon and the impact of programs dedicated to fostering young talent. The festival provides a platform for young performers to showcase their skills and receive feedback from industry professionals.
According to a press release, Producer JTF New Zealand, Emma Bishop, praised OHYA’s energy and choreography, stating, “This group embraced the strengths of the whole group! The energy from the secure go was palpable and left me wanting more. The choreography was also awesome — the link back to cheer with dynamic lifts and levels added to the energy throughout.” Kikau Alvaro, the artistic director at the Children’s Musical Theater San Jose, echoed this sentiment, noting, “There was super strong choreography from this group and I loved their function from beginning to end. I can tell this is a super disciplined program where they prioritize featuring fabulous talent and really pushing the limits of choreography! Super fun and authentic performance of the material.”
Award-Winning Performance and Individual Recognition
OHYA’s Artistic Director Terry Hale and Music Director Jeannette Smith lead the youth performance program, which brings together students from across Northeast Oregon. The group’s commitment to theatrical training and stage experience clearly resonated with the judges at the festival. The Elgin Opera House, under Hale’s direction, has become a regional hub for arts education, and performance.
Beyond the group award, several individual performers were also recognized for their outstanding contributions. Henry Wadner and Lily Troutman were both named Junior Theater Festival All-Stars, a prestigious honor reserved for exceptional performers. Colt Johnson received the Outstanding Individual Performance award, further highlighting the talent within the OHYA program.
Adding to their success, Johnson, Lyla Davis, Rebecca Austin, and Macie Bergette all received call-backs for an upcoming special project designed to promote musical theater in schools. This opportunity will allow them to share their passion and skills with a wider audience and contribute to the growth of the arts in education.
The Elgin Opera House: A Regional Arts Leader
The Elgin Opera House has a rich history, revitalized over the past two decades through the efforts of Terry Hale and his wife, Stephanie Hale. As reported in 2019, the Hales’ dedication transformed the Opera House from a neglected building into a thriving community attraction. Terry Hale has served as Executive Artistic Director for 17 years, producing over 65 major productions and introducing hundreds of young people to the world of theater. He was also awarded the Freddie G Fellowship, recognizing his outstanding contributions to theater education.
OHYA’s success at the Junior Theater Festival West is a direct result of the strong foundation built by Hale and Smith, and the dedication of the young performers themselves. The program provides valuable training and performance opportunities, fostering a love of the arts and building confidence in its participants.
What’s Next for OHYA and the Elgin Opera House?
The Elgin Opera House continues to be a vibrant center for the arts in Northeast Oregon, with upcoming productions including Agatha Christie’s “And Then There Were None” and Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “Oklahoma!” Details about these performances and other events can be found on the Opera House’s website. The continued success of OHYA and the Elgin Opera House promises a bright future for the arts in the region, inspiring the next generation of performers and audiences.
We encourage readers to share their thoughts on this exciting news and support the Elgin Opera House and its youth programs. What impact do you suppose arts education has on young people in our community?
