ABOUT TACOMA MUSICAL PLAYHOUSE

Tacoma Musical Playhouse (TMP) was founded by Jon Douglas Rake in January 1994 to fulfill a need in Tacoma for a theater company dedicated to the uniquely American art form of musical theater. From its earliest days, TMP grew through Jon’s artistic vision, the support of the community, and the extraordinary depth of local talent throughout the South Sound.

For more than three decades, Jon’s leadership shaped the artistic identity, standards, and spirit of Tacoma Musical Playhouse. Alongside his longtime partner and TMP Music Director Jeffrey Stvrtecky, Jon established an artistic foundation that brought consistency, ambition, and quality to TMP’s productions and helped cultivate generations of performers, musicians, designers, technicians, volunteers, and audiences.

Jon Douglas Rake passed away on December 30, 2025, marking the end of an extraordinary era in TMP’s history. Jeffrey Stvrtecky retired in May 2026 after decades of artistic leadership and service to the organization. Their influence remains deeply woven into Tacoma Musical Playhouse, and the organization continues forward committed to honoring the legacy they created while building the next chapter of musical theater in Tacoma.

From modest beginnings at Annie Wright’s Kemper Center, followed by performances in a church basement, TMP eventually found its permanent home at the Narrows Theatre. Today, the 387-seat theater serves as a gathering place for artists and audiences from throughout the region.

Over the years, Tacoma Musical Playhouse has earned national and international recognition for its productions, including national honors for The Addams Family. What began as a local theater company devoted to musical theater has grown into one of the region’s leading community arts organizations, while remaining rooted in the artists, volunteers, patrons, and supporters who make its work possible.

In 2013, Tacoma Musical Playhouse completed a $1.2 million renovation of the Narrows Theatre, significantly improving both the audience and production experience. The project relocated the orchestra from the audience seating area to a dedicated orchestra loft, lowered the stage by 15 inches to improve sightlines, expanded the stage, and added a new sound system.

More than three decades after its founding, TMP continues the work Jon began in 1994: bringing people together through musical theater. As the organization enters a new era, it carries forward the artistic standards, sense of community, and love of the art form that have defined Tacoma Musical Playhouse from the beginning—while creating new opportunities for the artists and audiences who will shape its future.

TMP's MISSION

Our mission is to enrich the community through exceptional musical theater experiences that inspire, cultivate creativity, and foster lifelong learning. Through accessible performances, educational programs, and meaningful opportunities for artists, audiences, and learners, we build an inclusive community where people of all ages can grow, belong, and thrive through the transformative power of musical theater.

TMP's VISION

To be the region’s leading community musical theater, known for exceptional artistry, lifelong learning, and inclusive experiences that enrich lives, inspire connection and pride, and create opportunity for all.

TMP's VALUES

Enrichment - We believe musical theater enriches lives. Through inspiring performances, meaningful educational experiences, and opportunities for personal growth, we foster creativity, connection, joy, and lifelong learning for individuals and our community.
Excellence - We are committed to the highest standards in artistry, education, and service. We pursue excellence in every production, program, and interaction, continually striving to create exceptional experiences for audiences, students, artists, volunteers, and staff.
Inclusion - We create a welcoming and accessible environment where all people feel valued, respected, and empowered to participate. We are dedicated to removing barriers and ensuring that our theater reflects and serves the diverse communities of South Puget Sound and beyond.
Creation - We celebrate the power of imagination, collaboration, and artistic expression. We cultivate opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to create, perform, learn, and contribute to meaningful theatrical experiences that inspire and connect.
Integrity - We act with honesty, accountability, and respect in all that we do. We honor our commitments, steward our resources responsibly, and uphold the trust placed in us by our audiences, supporters, artists, students, and community.