The Magic 25: Mid 1970s-Early 1980s, Young Actors Program

The Overlook Acting Company was a summer program created through the Portland Parks Bureau in the mid-1970s originally facilitated by Elizabeth Hamler and Jeff Ditzler out of the basement of the Overlook House in North Portland. The Overlook House was a wonderful setting for an acting company to practice and learn with its large, lush garden. However the pied piper-like efforts of Director Jeff Ditzler quickly out grew the small space and he was invited to bring his talents and his Young Company to the IFCC.

Jeff was an amazing performer himself who took a very formal approach to his youth program giving his students an excellent foundation for learning. He used positive reinforcement with discipline to instill in his students professionalism and respect for each other. Students would take classes during the school year to learn stage management, makeup, set creation, as well as performance. The most dedicated and talented students were then chosen to participate in the summer program by serving on a student board and committees to steer the company. Throughout the year this group of kids age 10–18 would produce up to seven productions! The season would end with a student-organized award assembly modeled after the Oscars, where participants would dress up full feather to receive various awards commemorating the year’s accomplishments.

These youngsters grew up to be empowered, generous, creative people as you will see in upcoming Magic 25’s! It is easy to see the necessity of programs like these not only in invigorating young acting talent, but also to create good citizens for our community.

by Jay Hunt with former student Linda Brown

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