Motive Theatrics just concluded its first main stage production of Peter Pan, featuring adult actors and youth actors from many area schools. Ten shows over two weekends brought to life the magical adventures, comedy and mischief of Peter Pan, Tinker Bell, Captain Hook, Pirates, and the Lost Boys at the Tigard Grange. The two-hour show, complete with a 15-minute intermission, featured impressive vocals and choreography while transporting 75 audience members to Neverland. Cheering, laughter, and applause from attendees were abundant at each show. Hunter Holt (Twality Middle School), cast as a Lost Boy, said, “My favorite part was how well all the adults and kids got along, it made the whole show really fun. We sang, danced, acted, worked with puppets, and even had someone come in to help with dialect. It was such a unique experience.”
Motive Theatrics, a nonprofit organization founded in February 2024 by Tigard High School grad Xander Dean, brings the magic of theatre into the modern age. As Executive Artistic Director, Xander brings over 15 years of performing arts experience and a background in theatre education. He worked as Lead Teacher at Northwest Children’s Theater and as Performing Arts Lead at Willowbrook in Tualatin. Motive also relies on two lead teaching artists, Tabitha Wells-Benitez and Richie Stone, whose contributions have helped shape the organization’s vibrant educational programs. Motive Theatrics rents space at the Tigard Grange for their camps and productions, further solidifying the Grange’s legacy as an important community hub. When asked about Motive in the Grange, Xander shared, “We started Motive Theatrics to create a space where young people and adults alike could come together to tell bold, imaginative stories. The Grange has given us a home to do that. It’s not just a building, it’s part of the story we’re telling about community, creativity, and what theatre can be.”
The Grange celebrated its 150th anniversary last year, and has historically been a place for social events, rallies, and even musicals. It remains a community landmark, boasting a food pantry and event space.
In addition to productions, Motive Theatrics offers a variety of theatre camps for youth. Last summer, Motive hosted a full slate of camps, and they are continuing to expand their offerings this summer. These camps cater to children and teens ages 6-18 with Adventure and Production Camps.
Adventure Camp provides a week of imaginative storytelling where campers bring beloved stories and characters to life while creating their own theater magic. Each week is different and includes favorites such as Moana, Jedi Adventures, and Pixie Hollow.
For older kids, Motive offers Production Camps, which are two weeks long for youth ages 9-18, allowing them to dive deep into the world of musical theater. The camps focus on popular productions like Beetlejuice, Wicked, and Legally Blonde. At the end of each camp, participants showcase their talents with a final performance.
Xander added, “We believe in making theatre’s transformative power accessible to all, engaging youth and adults in creative learning. Our programs challenge students to grow artistically, fostering a lifelong passion for the arts through hands-on experiences and expert guidance.”
With exciting plans on the horizon, the future of Motive Theatrics is bright, and its story is just beginning.
For more information on Motive Theatrics’ program and performances, visit www.motivetheatrics.org.
