Bellevue Civic Theatre

History:

Bellevue Civic Theatre has lived up to the mission established before the first light hit our stage: Provide professional theatre with an emphasis on contemporary, classical and musical comedy. The success of the theatre is a dream come true for Artistic and Managing Director Kent Phillips and his Associate Artistic Director, Alyson Soma. They opened Bellevue Civic Theatre in 1999 with the Seattle hit “Angry Housewives,” a small budget and their fingers crossed. Several years later, the hits keep coming, the budget has grown and good actors and directors, a skilled crew and loyal season ticket holders have replaced any crossed fingers.

A non-profit corporation, Bellevue Civic Theatre is dedicated to providing entertaining and compelling theatre for the Eastside. Phillips has found many, audience pleasing shows to fit this mission. Bellevue Civic Theatre has brought well-known favorites such as “The Gin Game,” “Steel Magnolias” and “On Golden Pond” as well as lesser known gems like “Party of One,” “Standing By” (Northwest premiere) and “Catch Me If You Can” to the stage. In its third season, Bellevue Civic Theatre tackled Andrew Lloyd Weber’s blockbuster “Jesus Christ Superstar” directed by Phillips himself. “Superstar” was a huge hit with the Eastside audience, filling every seat in the house and establishing Bellevue Civic Theatre as a strong participant in the Seattle theatre community.

One very important aspect of Bellevue Civic Theatre is that it is the only professional theatre company in Bellevue with a unique combination of Equity and community actors in each of our shows. Bellevue Civic Theatre has a tier two contract with Actor’s Equity Association, but also employs the best and brightest of the local, non equity talent. Two years ago Bellevue Civic Theatre signed an agreement with IATSE to ensure the best quality of set designers and craftsmen.

The best qualities in an organization, however, start at the top and Bellevue Civic Theatre is proud of its founder and Artistic and Managing Director Kent Phillips. Half of one of Seattle’s most popular morning shows, Kent and Alan on STAR 101.5, Kent also co-hosts KOMO ABC 4’s top-rated show Northwest Afternoon and often acts and directs at various theatres throughout the Pacific Northwest. He has worked hard to ensure Bellevue Civic Theatre’s future and continued success.