South Sound theater veterans Scott Campbell and Maggie Knott are having a baby.

While that's not as juicy an item as it sounds, it's still terrific news for Tacoma. The newborn in question is a startup performance and education enterprise dubbed Tacoma Youth Theatre. Campbell was the (acting) managing director of two local companies, Lakewood Playhouse and Tacoma Little Theatre, and his resume boasts a pair of Emmy Awards. Maggie Knott was for 13 years the director of the youth theater program at Lakewood Playhouse. Together they boast hundreds of performance credits, together with demonstrated passion for theater education.

Campbell is known for a wide variety of shows, so I asked him what drew him to family theater in particular. "I really stress the values of self-esteem, respect, community, and collaboration," he said. "We want to rebuild a theater ethic for youth."

This will be Tacoma's first company dedicated to theater for young people.

"It's filling a niche," Campbell said, "to complement what everyone else is doing."

Lakewood Playhouse continues to offer summer theater camps under its new education director, Casi Wilkerson.

"The ultimate vision," said Knott, "is to create a fully-functioning, year-round theater company completely driven by youth. Young people will be acting, designing, constructing, painting, costuming, and eventually directing and writing."

Weeklong theater camp sessions will culminate in performances of customized literary adaptations including Peter Pan, Little Princess, and The Importance of Being Earnest. Future plans include whole seasons of plays created entirely by children and teens.

The company will operate out of the historic First Congregational Church at 918 Division Ave.

"We're in the church school," Knott explained.

She's referring to a 70-seat black box theater the group shares with Dukesbay Productions, another new company which made its debut with Anchor Baby in May.

"First Congregational Church is a great partner for small performing arts organizations," Campbell noted. "I can think of no better way of helping to save this historic church than infusing it with children and art."

The company's mission statement reads, "Tacoma Youth Theatre is dedicated to creating high-quality theatre entirely produced by young artists. The company strives to build community by emphasizing core values of self-esteem, empathy, responsibility, collaboration, creativity, and adaptability. Tacoma Youth Theatre provides professional expectations, resources, and mentors that lead young people through the exploration of multiple theatrical disciplines. This process works best in a nurturing, respectful atmosphere where unique individuals, ages 5-18, can discover the impact, success, and joy of theatre for themselves." The company offers partial and full tuition scholarships to qualified "campers."

"There will be a huge emphasis on quality," Knott said, "in both process and product. We have professional standards, and know better than to underestimate the talent and capabilities of young people."

Enrollment began June 13, and camp sessions will get underway July 16.

"I'm just really excited!" Knott exclaimed.

For more information, phone (253) 677-0531, or visit TacomaYouthTheatre.org.