The Western Washington Center for the Arts in Port Orchard is continuing to engage the community through performances and events while navigating a multi-year transition following the loss of its longtime downtown theater, per artistic director Rebecca Ewen.

Founded in 2002 as First Onstage Productions, the Western Washington Center for the Arts began renovating a historic 1918 building on the Port Orchard waterfront in February of that year, creating a 74-seat venue for live theater. After 23 years in the space, the organization relocated in 2024 to a temporary location down the street while work begins on renovating a new site at 624 Bay Street.

Ewen said the center averaged about six shows a year during that time and also offered youth programs, concerts, original works and improv performances. After the building was purchased by a new owner, environmental surveys revealed damaged soil beneath the structure, Ewen said. She said the property had previously been a gas station, and the remediation required an estimated $800,000 reconstruction of the soil under the foundation, leading to the building’s demolition.

“We were lucky enough to have one more year in there before we had to leave, and we had a fantastic final season,” Ewen said.

The organization has since relocated to a temporary space down the street, where it expects to remain for approximately five years. Ewen said the group is currently working with an architect and the city to build a temporary stage in the space, which will require approval through the permitting process.

Ewen said the current location is temporary because the property is slated for redevelopment once a new community center project is completed. She said the organization is actively exploring long-term options, working with commercial property professionals and seeking to remain in downtown Port Orchard.

Physically, the move has required adjustments. Ewen said the smaller space limits the types of productions the center can stage, particularly large musicals with extensive choreography. However, she said the organization’s mission and sense of community remain unchanged.

“The spirit and the love for doing theater and creating stories and entertainment together — that’s absolutely still there,” Ewen said.

While construction and permitting issues prevent performances inside the temporary space for now, Ewen said the center has remained active through off-site and outdoor events. The organization recently participated in Holiday on the Bay, performing on the main stage and leading community caroling at the event’s conclusion.

In October, the center hosted the Ghost Train event at South Kitsap Regional Park in partnership with the Kitsap Live Steamers. Ewen said the event featured themed vignettes along the train route, food trucks and family-friendly activities. The center plans to continue the event in future years.

The group has also participated in Mosquito Fleet Fest and created fundraising productions such as “Pirates and Pub Songs,” which combined music from The Pirates of Penzance with sea shanties. Ewen said the production is expected to return this spring.

Additional fundraising events include a Valentine’s Day-themed performance titled “Here’s to Love,” featuring love songs and a planned dinner component.

Ewen said occupancy permit issues required the organization to dismantle a previously constructed temporary stage, leading to redesigned plans now under city review. In the meantime, the center has rented performance space at Gathered by Josephine’s, where it staged the youth production “Spookley the Square Pumpkin.”

Ewen credited Gathered by Josephine’s owner, Samantha Smit,h for her support, noting the venue provided discounted rental space and assistance during the transition.

Because of space limitations, Ewen said the center has shifted away from full-scale musical productions and instead focused on smaller shows, musical reviews and fundraising events to maintain visibility and community connection.

“It’s important to keep theater and live performing arts in Port Orchard,” Ewen said. “We’ve been here for 20 years, and we don’t plan on going anywhere.”

Ewen said the organization has survived a recession, the COVID-19 pandemic and the loss of its building, and continues to rely on community support as it works toward a permanent future home.

City officials reviewed initial architectural plans for the temporary stage, Ewen said. She said additional revisions may be required before final approval and contractor hiring can move forward.