COTTAGE GROVE – Theater can be a transformative experience for students, fostering personal growth alongside academic development.
“Theater, for many students, can be a place to not only grow academically but personally. Creativity, empathy, and self-confidence are just the beginning of what theater can do. It changed my life for the better; I hope I can do the same for others,” says Maya Burton, executive director at Storybook Theatre (SBT) in Cottage Grove.
Burton discovered her passion for theater in a fourth-grade production of “Little Red Riding Hood.” “Doing that class project sparked a newfound joy in me for learning. Before that class project, I just couldn’t connect in the classroom. Afterward, I was regularly placed in advanced classes. Storytelling showed me that I was more than capable. It launched me into a love for learning,” she recalls.
In addition to her role at SBT, Burton serves as executive director of the Opal Center for Performing Arts and teaches summer camps and in-school programs.
This year, through the Students on Stage program, SBT produced “Unfabled” at Dorena School, “The Giant Play” at Lincoln Middle School, and “Don Quixote’s Mini Adventures” at Harrison Elementary School.
Looking ahead to the 2026-2027 school year, SBT is expected to collaborate again with Harrison or Bohemia Elementary School, Lincoln Middle School, and Dorena School.
“I think theater is important for all functioning communities,” Burton said. “But Cottage Grove in particular is limited in its options for theatre arts education. Storybook Theatre takes away the obstacles of finding transportation – we work directly with schools so we can be where the students already are – and funding. During the school year, students can learn with SBT for free, and in the summer we have a simple scholarship process that is open to all.”
Burton co-directs the program with Lexi Chipman, who graduated from the Cornish College of the Arts in 2016 and has since gained professional theater experience across Seattle. Invited to become managing director at SBT in 2021, Chipman, who holds a master’s degree and is certified in Drama and English, finds fulfillment in her work and also substitutes at Cottage Grove High School.
“I love Storybook and have continued to love the program through the late nights, the early mornings, the hot glue burns, and every bit of blood, sweat, and tears we donate to every show, because of the impact it has on our students,” Chipman says. “I have worked with multiple students who start their first program with us and they have a very hard time making eye contact with strangers, they shut down often, they are missing a lot of school, and they are generally struggling to find joy at school and in life. I have seen those same students establish friendships that have lasted years. I have heard their family members and teachers tell us they are communicating better and their confidence has grown exponentially. And maybe most importantly, I hear from them that they love doing shows with us because doing them brings them so much joy.”
For the summer program, Burton will teach and direct a Mini Camp for ages 7-10, alongside STB board member and volunteer Brande Stacy. She will also direct the Main Stage Camp for ages 11-18, working with Lexi Chipman. The assistant director is Ceo Caturegli Kent, who once participated in the camp as a child. Darcy Rust, well known for Cottage Theatre productions, will serve as the choreographer.
Rust is a former camper who returned as an adult, reflecting on her experience: “I have fond memories of working with Lexi and Maya when I was in the camp, so when they reached out to me a couple of years ago to choreograph ‘SpongeBob the Musical,’ I knew the experience would be great.
They both have so much knowledge of theatre, but the thing that makes Storybook stand out the most is how wonderful they are with the students. They encourage them while also pushing them out of their comfort zone to learn more. Working with them on their shows is a wonderful experience that I look forward to every summer.”
The Mini Camp is set to start on July 5, with registration closing the day before. The Main Stage Camp begins on July 19 and is full; only waitlist spots are available. Scholarships are available; interested families can email Burton at [email protected] to request an application. “No family has ever been denied a scholarship request,” she assured.
Chipman encapsulates the mission of SBT: “There are so many things I could say I love about Storybook, but I think the biggest reason I continue to love working for Storybook is that every program prioritizes bringing joy to our students, our audiences, and our community. And in today’s world, too often joy is in short supply.”
The Mini Camp will feature a performance of “Puss in Boots” on July 11 at Cottage Grove Public Library. The Main Stage Camp will perform Shrek the Musical Jr. on Aug. 14 at Cottage Grove High School.
