Hidden Gems of the PNW – Kitsap Forest Theater

June 19, 2026

History

The Kitsap Forest Theater, tucked within a 460-acre Rhododendron Preserve in Bremerton, WA, is one of the oldest nonprofit community theater groups in the nation. Founded in 1923 by The Mountaineers club, it is famous for its open-air stage, terraced forest seating, and natural forest spotlights

Key Milestones in its History

1916: Early mountaineers began performing short plays and pantomimes. Actors moved from clearing to clearing with the audience trailing behind.
1923: The Mountaineers Players officially formed with a rehearsed production of Robin of Sherwood. This launched a tradition of unbroken spring performances that continues to this day.
1926: Designed by William C. Darling, the permanent outdoor amphitheater was built. The venue is heavily intertwined with the surrounding nature; the “roof” is the open sky, the wings are made of cedar bark and moss, and natural light filters through the tree canopy.
1928-1930s: The troupe exploded in popularity following acclaimed productions like Alice in Wonderland, prompting the Seattle Chamber of Commerce to request special public showings.
1943-1946: The only interruption in the theater’s history occurred during World War II, when productions were temporarily suspended.
2007: The theater expanded its schedule to include a summer production alongside its traditional spring show, allowing more families to enjoy the venue.
Today: Now operating under The Mountaineers Players, the organization puts on several major family-friendly musical productions each season. Patrons reach the stage by embarking on a scenic, quarter-mile hike through the woods.

I remember my family enjoying Brigadoon when I was a kid. And then I brought my kids to see Sound of Music and more when they were young.

Frozen

The opening show for the 2026 season was Frozen. I spent a wonderful Sunday afternoon with my sister, my nieces and my great nieces enjoying an outstanding production. The little girls in our party loved the show and they knew all the songs.

It’s a quarter mile walk from the parking lot to the amphitheater

Frozen set and special effects were amazing

Watching a quality production, surrounded by forests with the open sky above is a treat in itself. But there is so much more. Exceptional performances by volunteer actors, fun and colorful sets, and outstanding costumes and special effects. Each of these things making the production well worth the ticket price of $22 for adults.

After more than 100 years, the Kitsap Forest Theater is one of the oldest non-profit community theaters in the nation. The dedication and commitment it takes to keep this quality theater going is amazing. You really should check it out.

What’s Next?

Frozen’s run ended on June 14th. But the fun continues through the summer with two more great shows so you should get your tickets soon. Coming up;

Oliver (another one of my favorites) will run July 25, 26, August 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16; 2026 – 2:00 pm

Miss Holmes will run September 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 19, 20; 2026 – 2:00 pm

Hidden Gems of the PNW – Kitsap Forest Theater

It’s time to make a trip to Kitsap Forest Theater…for the first time or to reminisce from your childhood. Advance tickets are available online. A great non-profit, family friendly, nature loving arts organization right in your own backyard. See it again, or for the very first time.

The acoustics in the forest were surprisingly good

Thanks for reading my post Hidden Gems of the PNW – Kitsap Forest Theater. See last week’s post Hidden Gems of the PNW – Old Town Bellevue here. Come back next week for more fun and fabulous Hidden Gems of the Pacific Northwest.

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