March 9, 2026
This Week in the Arts
Coming up this week, I am so excited to publish two reviews of performances that premiered this weekend in my JOLT News Column. Be on the lookout for my review of Harlequin Production’s “The Foreigner” and Olympia Little Theater’s “Exit Laughing.”
To hear about these sooner, I invite you to subscribe to the JOLT News and or follow me on Instagram and Facebook, and invite a friend to do the same.
If you hear a story that inspires you, I invite you to share it with your friends and help spread the word about the incredible work in the arts in Thurston County.
Personal Reflections
Earlier this week, I saw a friend of mine at the Olympia Co-op, and she asked me, “Are you ever home?” Believe it or not, this is not the first time I have been asked this! I laughingly said, “I do get to spend time at home, but I am definitely out and about a lot!” Looking at my calendar, I saw that I had one performance a day for four days in a row and discovered she might have a point.
In another interaction this week, I was telling a friend I saw at a show how relieved I was to see her because I was not expecting to be alone that night. She told me, “Rachel, you are never alone.” She was right, when you are in the audience, you are never alone, and you never know what new friendships await you.
I pondered these two interactions for a while, and realized something: I am actually home often because I have found a home in the arts. I feel so fortunate for the many “homes” I have in Thurston County and for the deep sense of community the arts have brought into my life. I hope that you get to experience community like that too.
Remember, you are never alone, and if you ever feel lonely, please do reach out!
The Beginning of “Rachel’s Choice”
Every now and then, there are occasions where there are multiple stories that I care deeply about, but do not have the ability to write about in my JOLT or OLY Arts coverage for whatever reason. These moments broke my heart … but not anymore.
In addition to writing for the JOLT and OLY ARTS, I am going to occasionally self publish articles that I am very passionate about exclusively on my website under a tab called “Rachel’s Choice.”
With this opportunity, I will now also be able to cover events outside of Thurston County, expanding your horizons at the same time as my own.
This week, I published two Rachel’s Choice articles, one reviewing Olympia Family Theater’s “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus” and the other reviewing Timberline High School’s “Something Rotten.”
I Invite you to read both articles and buy tickets to both of these incredible shows.
Last week “In the Audience” at the JOLT News
Both articles within my column last week pulled at my heart strings and reminded me of the incredible talent of our young people here in Thurston County.
My article “High School Arts This Spring” highlighted all the upcoming high school band, choir, orchestra, and theatre performances I was aware of and invited readers to attend one high school show this season as a way of brightening their spirits and investing in the next generation of artists.
My review of the Olympia Dance Festival celebrated the innovations made to the festival this year, and highlighted the performances that spoke to me. I am in awe of the talent, dedication, and creativity of all the dance companies in our area.
I invite you to read these articles for yourself and make a plan to support any of these schools or companies in the near future.