Auditions open in July for Masquers’ ‘Anastasia the Musical’
SOAP LAKE — The Masquers Theater will hold auditions for “Anastasia: the Musical” next month. Auditions will take place at 6 p.m. July 17 and 2 p.m. July 18, according to an announcement from the Masquers Theater. Children 7 and older and adults of all experience levels are encouraged to audition. All roles are available, according to the announcement. Those auditioning should be prepared to sing songs listed in the audition material packet – ideally one associated with the role they are pursuing – and will also participate in a cold reading. Auditions will be recorded as part of the casting process.
BASIN EVENTS: June 19-27
COLUMBIA BASIN — School is out, and summer officially arrives this week. Here are some ways to make the most of the season. June 19 Soap Lake Food & Folk Festival Live music, local food, workshops, craft vendors, family activities, and community gathering. Hosted by Friends of the Lower Grand Coulee in partnership with Cloudview Farm and Soap Lake Creative District. Free and open to all ages. Soap Lake Creative District Friday, Cloudview Farms Saturday. Info: tinyurl.com/solawafff.
EVENTS: July 2026
COLUMBIA BASIN — July will be bright, hot and filled with fun. Once the Fourth of July hoopla is over, there are still plenty of things to do. Here are a few suggestions, starting with a couple of end-of-June events.
BASIN EVENTS: July 3-11
COLUMBIA BASIN – This weekend will be loaded with Fourth of July observances in most of our communities, and then there’s plenty more happening afterward. Here are some things to check out.
BASIN EVENTS: July 10-18
COLUMBIA BASIN — Whether you soak up the sun or the air conditioning, there’s something happening to suit you in the Basin this week. Check these out.
Improv camp coming to Moses Lake
MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake students can immerse themselves in the world of improvisational theater at a new camp coming in August. “It’s an entry point for 7- to 18-year-olds into theater and improv comedy,” said Columbia Basin Allied Arts Director Shawn Cardwell. “They’ll go through the games and the thought processes behind improv acting.” The week-long camp, called Yes, And Academy, will take students through four different classes with multiple instructors, where they’ll learn scene work, devising, improv fundamentals, and performance through fun, interactive improv games and exercises, according to an announcement from CBAA, which is collaborating with MG Teams of Spokane to produce the camp. Students will get to explore a variety of games and activities tailored to their age group, according to the announcement. Classes will be 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday, with a lunch break. Students should bring their own lunch, according to the announcement.
BASIN EVENTS: July 24-Aug. 1
COLUMBIA BASIN — It’s hot and smoky outside? This is the Columbia Basin. We’re used to this. Here are some chances to get out and have some fun no matter what the sky looks like. July 25 Christmas in July at the Market Who says you have to wait until December for holiday cheer? Stroll through decorated vendor booths, shop amazing local makers and growers, enjoy holiday-themed fun, festive music, sweet treats, and surprises for the whole family. Wear your favorite Christmas shirt, Santa hat, or holiday outfit. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at Moses Lake Farmers Market, McCosh Park, 401 W. Fourth Avenue. Info: www.farmersmarketml.com.
BASIN EVENTS: July 31-Aug. 31
COLUMBIA BASIN — Those lazy days of summer don’t have to be so lazy you can’t get out and enjoy some fun around the Basin. Here are a few ideas for August.
Masquers announce ‘Anastasia’ cast
SOAP LAKE — The Masquers Theater has announced its cast for “Anastasia: The Musical,” which will open in October. Emma-Jean Wydur will play Anya, a young woman with amnesia who may or may not be the youngest daughter of the Russian Tsar Nicholas Romanov II, who was executed with his family in the Russian Revolution of 1917. Ben McLain will appear as the con artist Dmitry, and Jeremy Hansen will play Vlad, an exiled Russian aristocrat. Alec Lobe will be the Bolshevik general Gleb. Christie McLain will be the Dowager Empress, the grandmother of the real Anastasia, and Auti Kirk will be her lady-in-waiting, the Countess Lily. Other members of the Romanov family round out the ensemble.
BASIN EVENTS Aug. 14-22
COLUMBIA BASIN — The third week in August is coming up, and we all know what that means: the Grant County Fair, Miner Services Demo Derby and Moses Lake Roundup Rodeo. But that’s not all that‘s happening this week. Check out these options as well.
