Through the eyes of four passionate performance art directors, “Precious Little Theater” explores the transformative power of theater—unveiling how the arts foster connection, inspire personal growth, and bring communities together across all walks of life.

Documentary  .  2025  .  Feature
A North Forty Production / Wenatchee Valley Museum & Cultural Center

Synopsis

For 25 years, the Numerica Performing Arts Center has been more than a stage—it’s been the heartbeat of Wenatchee Valley’s cultural life. “Precious Little Theater” takes audiences behind the curtain to experience the magic of live performance through the eyes of four visionary directors who have found their creative home at the PAC. Their stories reveal how theater transforms lives, builds empathy, and strengthens community bonds in ways that no other art form can.

Through powerful interviews, intimate backstage moments, and electrifying performance footage, this film captures the passion and resilience of artists who bring the stage to life. Audiences will hear from a diverse cast of performers—from seasoned professionals to young dreamers—each sharing how the PAC has shaped their journey.

This documentary is more than a tribute; it’s a call to action. As arts funding faces an uncertain future, “Precious Little Theater” makes the case for why live performance must not only be preserved but championed.

Main Characters

To ensure a compelling narrative, the documentary will feature four of these five directors with powerful, resonant stories. Possible candidates include:

  • Jaime Donegan – Director of Hot August Nights and Follies - CONFIRMED

  • Nikolas Caoile – Wenatchee Symphony Music Director - CONFIRMED

  • Paul Atwood – Apple Blossom/School District Musical Directors

  • Melissa Port – Director of Fabulous Feet

  • Michelle McCormick – Executive Director of Stage Kids

Approach

Blending personal narratives with stunning visual storytelling, “Precious Little Theater” will immerse viewers in the creative process—from the first rehearsal to the final bow. Each of the four featured directors will provide a unique and personal perspective on the power of theater, while a chorus of performers adds depth and diversity to the film’s storytelling. By showcasing the PAC’s role as both a cultural pillar and a creative incubator, the documentary will leave audiences inspired, engaged, and eager to support the future of live performance.

Goals of Project

  • Share the positive impact that performance art has on community

  • Increase the community’s appreciation of the Performing Arts Center as place for people to perform and be entertained

What it’s like

The film draws inspiration from the Oscar-winning documentary, The Last Repair Shop, aiming to capture the same emotional depth and storytelling excellence. 

Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xttrkgKXtZ4

Timeline

The Numerica PAC’s 25th anniversary celebration kicks off in Fall 2025, where the film will have its world premiere.

Production will follow the directors and their productions throughout the first half of 2025, ensuring an authentic and immersive look into the creative process.

  • Wenatchee Symphony - February 20 - February 22

  • Apple Blossom Musical - Cath Me If You Can - May 1 - May 10

  • Stage Kids - Aladdin Jr. - May 28 - June 1

  • Fabulous Feet - Annual Recital - June 14

  • Hot August Nights - July 7 - August 24

Budget

Budget for this film is approximately $155,000.

Distribution Plan

The plan is to share this film as widely as possible. 

  • World Premiere - it will be the keynote event for the 25th Season Kickoff in September 2025. We plan to sell out at least two screenings of the film. 

  • Film Festivals - We then will submit this film to appropriate film festivals. 

  • Air on PBS - we will submit this film to be aired on regional public television stations, specifically KBTC in Tacoma and KSPS in Spokane. 

  • Streaming Service - will make this film available on an appropriate streaming service for anyone who wants to watch it.

Bonus Project / Stretch Goal - 15-minute Numerica PAC origin story

“Miracle on the Avenue”

Given adequate financial support, North Forty is also proposing to create an approximately 15-minute historical film that shares how the community came together to build the Numerica PAC in the late 1990s. This film will be told through interviews from the people who were there and made it happen.

Logline

Through firsthand interviews with those who made it happen, this 15-minute historical film recounts how the community came together in the late 1990s to build the Numerica PAC, showcasing the vision, dedication, and collaboration that brought this cultural landmark to life.

Timeline and Distribution

This film will be premiered at a special VIP donor event during the 2025-2026 season and then reside on the PAC’s website.

Budget

Budget for this film is approximately $45,000.