In our first Ross Ragland Theatre story we celebrated the theatre’s history and the local dedication behind it. For this story we met with Executive Director Curtis Peoples again to learn more about the programs that keep its legacy alive for the next generation.
The theatre celebrated its 35th anniversary in 2024, marking more than three decades as a beloved gathering place in Klamath Falls, Oregon. It remains a place where youth can learn, grow, and discover the arts alongside neighbors, mentors, and friends. Today, the theatre serves roughly 10,000 young people each year through a wide range of educational programs.
Curtis emphasized how community support is essential to sustaining these programs. “It’s a struggle right now to keep arts alive. Theatres are closing and failing across the country. We always want to make an appeal to challenge other businesses to match what our granting agencies are doing. If we can’t continue to get the funding, there is always the possibility that we have to cut those programs. We want to keep inspiring growth through education and the performing arts.”
One of these programs is the theatre’s annual Spring Break Camp, officially launched in 2019. Each season, about 25 students participate. The small group size allows for hands-on learning, personal attention, and a strong sense of belonging, according to Curtis.
No two years of Spring Break Camp are alike. The theatre has collaborated with the Missoula Children’s Theatre, giving participants the chance to learn their roles throughout the week and perform a full play at the end. Other years, the camp has partnered with programs that explore topics from farming to magic, blending education and imagination. The theatre has occasionally offered discounted movies during spring break as well, although rising film costs have made this challenging to sustain.
The theatre also offers youth audience matinees that feature lively and interactive performances designed to spark curiosity. A longtime favorite is Astronaut Academy with Janet from Janet’s Planet. The one-woman show combines music, puppetry, humor and multimedia elements to introduce STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) concepts in a memorable way. Janet, an award-winning TV host, has a unique talent for helping young audiences experience the excitement of science and space.
Local grants make these opportunities more accessible. Support from organizations, including the Avista Foundation, helps offset expenses so more children are able to participate.
“When we support programs like this, we’re helping give kids room to try something new, discover what sparks their curiosity, and connect with the community traditions that make the local area special. Experiences like this can genuinely shape how a young person sees themselves — and when that confidence branches out into families and neighborhoods, the whole community grows stronger,” said Kristine Meyer, Avista Foundation executive director.
Ragland’s connection to the broader community extends even further. Kingsley Field, the local air base in Klamath Falls, influences one of the theatre’s longterm goals: encouraging young people to imagine a future in aeronautics. “We’re always working to break the cycle of poverty and thinking about what we can do to get them excited about advanced degree programs. You might spark a student to become a pilot or an engineer,” says Curtis.
The impact of these programs is easy to see. Families return year after year, and many adults who grew up participating now bring their own children, continuing the Ragland’s tradition of community learning. “Kids are always looking for something to do. By encouraging kids to participate at an early age, it inspires them to come back as adults. And lifelong supporters bring their kids.”
The cycle continues: curiosity grows into confidence, confidence builds community, and community leads back to the Ragland.
At Avista, we recognize our unique position gives us the chance to contribute in an impactful way and make a real difference in people’s lives. Since 2002, the Avista Foundation has made grants totaling over $17 million to organizations that support vulnerable and limited income populations, education, and economic and cultural vitality. The foundation is a separate, non-profit organization established by Avista Corp., and does not receive funding from Avista Utilities’ customers through rates. For more information on grant applications and geographical areas covered, please visit avistafoundation.com.