Teens write, organize, edit, and direct their stories—the entire rehearsal process.
We differ from other youth organizations because of our focus. We allow underserved youth to tell their stories through song, dance, or comedy. They engage wherever they feel most passionate. Performing, working behind the scenes, or telling their story through drawing. RP asks youth what they would like to learn within the story process, then makes it possible.
The process of writing and staging their stories strengthens their ability to connect. Audiences then gain an understanding of children who are usually seen as “acting out.” It also provides a broader range of universal life skills.
Raise morale by providing youth with an educational experience. Encouraging them to continue the path toward higher education.
Enhance their educational development. By engaging in group-skill building, children establish communication and interpersonal skills.
Find a voice. With bold honesty, children build resiliency. In a nurturing class setting, children can be themselves without judgment.
Improve their writing and project development skills through the staging of their stories. This improves their writing, reading, and public speaking. Useful for any future professional.
Connect with the community. We are opening up a dialogue with the audience with talkbacks after performances. We give voice where there has been silence.
As the program grows each year, so does the cultural access. Cultural diversity and artistic expression promote understanding, support, and connectedness throughout the community.
Our leaders, guest artists, and board include people of all backgrounds. Our youth-board diversifies the ages of our leadership team.
Rachael Himsel earned a BA in musicfrom DePauw University and a master’s in art education from Indiana University.Rachael is also a mental health advocate and co-founded Project STAY, a suicideprevention organization that focuses on training people inpeer-to-peer intervention and using the arts for self-expression. She isthrilled to be part of the current Creative Revolution and helping childrendiscover and develop their talents at Rogue Pack.
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Kayla is an actress, improviser, and teacher. She holds a BA in Theatre and likes to find creation in everyday life. She enjoys dabbling in standup comedy and writing. And is excited to join Rogue Pack as a teaching artist.
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When not ironing her husband’s tube socks or flossing her cat’s teeth, Myronie loves watching others succeed and fail at improv. She has her Master's in Spiritual Development and when not acting, loves to direct productions for local theaters. Her last role on stage was playing Auoda in Around the World in 80 Days just before quarantine started.. You might also spot her in the occasional commercial thanks to her agent. Her greatest joy comes from helping people finding their own voice.
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Is the Executive Director and founder of Rogue Pack. She holds a BFA in Theatre from NYU and a Masters in Education from San Francisco State. Ann has taught children and adults throughout the world, including Spain, Chile, South Africa, Bosnia, and Herzegovina. She has taught storytelling workshops and performances for underserved populations in the Portland Metro area since 2009. She served on the board of Soroptimist International and Echo Theater. Currently she sits on the board of the SMBA.
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