The performing arts are a profound and essential part of every child’s education. Experiences in theatre, music, and cultural storytelling shape young people in ways that last a lifetime—building confidence, curiosity, empathy, and a deeper understanding of the world. At the Columbia Theatre Association, nurturing that growth is at the heart of our mission.

The Eloise Pepper Arts Education Fund honors the legacy of Eloise Pepper, a beloved teacher and cherished member of our community. Eloise believed wholeheartedly in the power of the arts to transform young lives, and she understood the magic of watching a child encounter live theatre for the very first time.

Through this fund, we are able to open the doors of the Columbia Theatre to thousands of children each year—offering theatre camps, the Fibre Federal Rainy Months Series, and hands‑on community workshops that spark imagination and inspire lifelong learning.

Your support keeps this legacy alive. Your generosity ensures that every child, regardless of circumstance, has the chance to experience the wonder of live theatre. Please help us continue this important work.

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

• Summer Theatre Camp—students in grades K–5 spend a week discovering the magic of live theatre. From their first audition to the final bow, campers learn what it takes to build a show together—gaining confidence, creativity, and new friendships along the way.

• Astronaut Academy—children dive into STEAM learning alongside scientists who bring their work to life. Through creative challenges, experiments, and teamwork, students strengthen their problem‑solving and critical‑thinking skills—all while having a blast exploring how science and imagination shape our world.

• Scholarships—We believe every child deserves the chance to shine. That’s why scholarships are always available, ensuring all young participants can take part.

• Rainy Months Series—a fun and educational program designed to create a shared experience for children and the adults in their lives. Thanks to support from the Eloise Pepper Arts Education Fund, we are able to offer free and reduced‑price tickets, ensuring families throughout our community can enjoy live theatre together.

• Free Theatre Workshops—inviting children to explore the magic behind the scenes—learning about sets, lighting, costumes, make‑up, improv, movement, and acting. Led by visiting directors from Missoula Children’s Theatre, these sessions welcome up to 60 young participants and are offered at no cost to families. Workshops are held at the Columbia Theatre, the Kelso Public Library, and the Longview Public Library.

• Annual Southwest Washington Symphony Children’s Concert—through our partnership with the SWWA Symphony, students from local school districts are brought together for a free three‑concert series each year. These performances introduce young audiences to the excitement of live orchestral music and enrich their arts education.

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.