Our Mission Statement

 Kris Fry

Kris moved to Newport in August, 2013 with her daughter and their dog. She has been volunteering at POPA since 2014. As concessions manager, Kris has been working to feature local products, Kris is responsible for creating unique drink recipes and hand crafted liquors. She has been a board member since 2017 and looks forward to many more years.

 John Connelly 

John is a recent transplant from the Seattle area.  He discovered the playhouse during an open audition for the War of the Worlds radio play and has been a part of the theatre ever since.  He is an aspiring playwright, actor and director.   With a background in I.T. and Project Management, John acts as Technical Director for the playhouse.  His goal is to ensure that the theatre grows into a regional theater and that the arts are shared with as many people as possible. He looks forward serving the community as a board member of this wonderful little theatre 

Jackie Davis

   Hi, my name is Jackie Davis. I have lived in the area with my husband for 24 years. We have 4 daughters and 2 grandkids. I’m a cosmetologist, have had my license for 19 years. I have loved theater since I was in the 6th grade. I minored in college in theater. My favorite roll I have played was Juliet in “Romeo and Juliet”, ( the balcony scene) in college. I also played the ghost of Christmas present in “The Christmas Carol” with POPA. I have helped at the theater on and off for several years with costumes and make-up. I love to sew and love theater! 

Nikki Hendrickson

Hi! My name is Nikki Hendrickson. I have been married to Jeff Hendrickson for 17 years. I have been a licensed cosmetologist for 30 years. We have a 16 year old daughter named Joy that I homeschool. Mine and my husband's combined families have lived in Pend Oreille County for four generations. Pend Oreille Playhouse is a positive place for everyone and I have seen my daughter build self-esteem through drama. I encourage everyone to come, experience and support this wonderful program.

Terri Tomlinson

Terri  is an actor, director, and writer who specializes in research and performance of the works of Gerard Manley Hopkins. In addition to theater, Terri enjoys cooking for her friends and family and loves being a grandma. Previous favorite roles include Penelope Pennywise in Urinetown, as well as Tamora in Titus Andronicus. As a new resident of Chewelah, Terri is grateful for the warm welcome she has received at the Pend Oreille Playhouse, and she looks forward to contributing whatever skills she may possess to furthering our mission of bringing high-quality Theater to the Newport area.

Charlene Rawuka-Stigall

 Charlene Rawuka-Stigall has been passionate about classical voice and theater for over a decade. Her journey began with private voice lessons and continued at the Sandpoint Music Conservatory, where she spent eight years performing in student recitals and musical theater productions. She also interned at the Conservatory, working with the children's choir and summer camp program. A highlight of her time there was participating in the El-Sistema program in Mexicali, Mexico. Charlene continued her classical voice studies at Santa Monica College, performing in various operas. After earning her associate degree at SCC, she is now pursuing a bachelor's degree in education at Eastern Washington University. Theater and music have always been central to Charlene's life, and she is thrilled to share her love for both at the Pend Oreille Playhouse. She is deeply committed to community involvement and looks forward to contributing to local arts initiatives, fostering a love for music and theater in the community, and inspiring the next generation of performers. 

Kaileb Monk

Kaileb started community performing arts around 3rd grade, where he had his first lead role in a Christmas play. By his Senior year, he had been in lead and supporting roles in dozens of POPA productions, such as; Fiddler on the Roof, The Music Man Jr, and Iolanthe. In 2012, Kaileb graduated from Eastern Washington University majoring in History, also commissioning as an Officer into the Army Reserve. After nearly a decade of living in Spokane and Post Falls, in 2017, he moved back to his hometown of Newport and began pursuing a career as an electrician. In 2023, Kaileb was tricked by his [devious] cousin, Emily, into playing two roles in the POPA One-Act-Play festival last Fall. After 16 years away from theater, Kaileb found he still had the knack for it. Kaileb lives in Newport with his wife, Caroline and three kids. When he’s not acting, Kaileb tries hard to not get electrocuted, but more than that he enjoys gaming, motorcycling, and especially camping and kayaking with his family. 

Barbara Bell

Barbara Bell is a retired instrumental director of forty years. Her most recent accomplishment as music director of 'The Wizard of Oz' resulted in a sell-out run. Previous to that show, she was instrumental in the Playhouse's success for 'Matilda, the Musical" leading the charge with her musical expertise. She wants to thank the community for its continued support of this valuable resource. 

 Paulina Staab   

 Paulina Staab is a lifelong resident of Newport and graduate of Newport High School. She went on to study theatre and performing arts at the University of Idaho and has been a dedicated performer ever since. Local audiences may remember her standout roles as Elle Woods in Legally Blonde, the Musical and Glinda the Good Witch in The Wizard of Oz, along with many other performances that highlight her passion and versatility on stage.

As much as she loves performing, Paulina’s true joy is in inspiring the next generation. Having been shaped by remarkable directors in her own youth, she is committed to paying it forward as the Playhouse’s Youth Educational Director. She believes theatre builds confidence, creativity, and community—and she is humbled to lead POPA youth in discovering their voices both on and off the stage.

Proud wife to Nathan and mom of three daughters, Paulina is honored to combine her love for family, theatre, and community into her work with the Pend Oreille Playhouse.