The performing arts is a profound and important part of any child's education. The impact of a cultural and artistic education is life-long, adding enjoyment, depth and meaning to both personal lives and professional work as adults. This is why the Columbia Theatre Association has made it part of our mission.

 THE ELOISE PEPPER ARTS EDUCATION FUND is named after Eloise Pepper, a well-loved teacher and dear friend to the community. Eloise strongly believed in the benefits of the arts for children and there is nothing is more amazing than watching a child experience live theatre for the first time.

 Through this fund, the Columbia Theatre is able to bring the joy of live theatre to many children each year with theatre camps, the Fibre Federal Rainy Months Series, and community workshops.

Please help us continue this legacy…

Some of the programs the Eloise Pepper Arts Education Funds makes possible:

• Summer Theatre Camp—a week-long theatre camp for grades K through 5th that immerses a child in all aspects of creating a live performance—from audition to performance.

• Astronaut Academy—a program that exposes children to science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) by interacting with scientists working in the field. Astronaut Academy focuses on problem-solving and critical-thinking skills through a fun hands-on and collaborative environment.

• Scholarships—Scholarships are always made available, so that every child that wants to join has the opportunity.

• Rainy Months Series—a fun and educational series that emphasizes a shared experience of both the child and the adults in their lives. With funds from the Eloise Pepper Arts Education program, we can offer free and reduced tickets.

• Free Theatre Workshops—Children are introduced to elements of theatre production including sets, lights, costumes, make-up, improv, movement and acting. Up to 60 children attend classes taught by directors from Missoula Children’s Theatre. Workshops are free and take place at the Columbia, Kelso Public Library and Longview Public Library.

• Annual Southwest Washington Symphony Children’s Concert—Partnering with the SWWA Symphony, we are able to provide a free three concert series each year for local school districts.

More about Eloise Pepper:

 Mrs. Pepper was born October 1, 1927 in the small farming community of Solen, North Dakota. When she was born, she was so tiny that she slept in a shoebox near the oven to keep warm, her family was not sure she would survive infancy. However, the tiny Eloise was made of tough stuff and survived not only infancy, but childhood in the Great Depression, motherhood, 39 years of teaching, a mugging on a trip to South America, breast cancer, and a stroke that curtailed her beloved travels.

 Mrs. Pepper is remembered by her family as being very frugal, modest, and one to save her money long before it became fashionable to do so. With her thriftiness and economy on a teacher's salary, she was able to provide generous contributions to her community, including the Columbia Theatre.

 She brought her family to many performances at the Columbia Theatre and in Portland so they would have an opportunity to experience live performances. Whether in the classroom, the home, her church or the theatre, Eloise Pepper was passionate about life and learning.