For Mill Creek residents and longtime friends, Jane Neff and Mark Lewis, theater has never been about applause. It’s about people. It’s about creating a place where someone can laugh, cry, connect, and believe, whether they’re sitting in the audience, stepping onto a stage for the first time, or simply looking for a place to belong. That philosophy has guided them for more than two decades, with Jane serving as the Founder and Artistic Director of The Attic Theatre since 2003 and Mark as the Founding Managing Director since 2004. Today, it continues to shape the company’s exciting new chapter.

After The Attic Theatre was founded in 2003, Jane and Mark spent years building a highly respected and reviewed theater company. From large-scale musicals such as The Sound of Music and The Wizard of Oz to acclaimed dramas including Sense and Sensibility and Shadowlands, The Attic Theatre became a hallmark for outstanding theater in the area. Then, like so many other arts organizations, everything came to a halt during the pandemic.

During this time, Jane relocated to Tennessee, while still keeping a foothold in the Seattle area. Mark retired from his business career, but neither ever lost their passion for theater. When Jane returned to Washington, they reconnected. “I don’t believe in goodbye, but auf Wiedersehen,” Jane said. “Until we meet again.” And they did.

Two years later, The Attic Theatre is thriving once again. Producing exceptional theater and building relationships are at the forefront of every production. While the company’s mission remains the same, this new chapter includes an enhanced focus on involvement in the community. “We’re about building relationships,” Mark says. “With our actors, our audiences, and our community.”

That philosophy is evident in every decision they make. As a semi-professional, community-based theater company, The Attic Theatre provides stipends to actors and technical staff. It also has a board of directors that includes original founding members as well as new community leaders. It’s about recognizing the value of artists and honoring the work they pour into every performance.

The response has been overwhelming. Actors have shared that they’ve never experienced another theater company so intentionally focused on creating genuine relationships instead of simply producing a show. For Jane and Mark, that’s exactly the point. They aren’t interested in putting on a production and sending everyone home. They want people to feel connected long after the final curtain falls and excited to return to audition for future productions.

Both bring decades of experience to that vision. Jane began performing professionally at just nine years old in Chicago before earning advanced degrees in theater and speech communication and later teaching theater at the college level. She has been directing for more than 35 years and was also the on-air film critic for KOMO’s long-running daily show Northwest Afternoon. She was later named one of Seattle’s Women to Watch. Although she spent years performing, directing has always been where her heart truly belongs.

Mark’s journey couldn’t have started more differently. As a shy high school student, he accidentally enrolled in drama instead of speech class. That unexpected mistake changed the trajectory of his life, eventually leading him to professional theater, national tours, time studying in London, and years developing as both an actor and director. Together, they have discovered that great theater isn’t simply about polished performances. It’s about creating experiences that stay with people.

One story still resonates deeply with Mark. After a production of It’s a Wonderful Life, a woman approached a staff member and shared that she had planned to end her life that evening. She decided to attend the play first. After watching the performance, she realized there was still hope. “You never know how you’re going to impact someone,” Mark says. Moments like that reinforce why the arts matter.

Jane and Mark believe theater has the power to heal, inspire, and bring communities together. The Attic Theatre is a member of seven chambers of commerce and Rotary, and its leaders remain involved with other community organizations throughout the area. They envision a future where Mill Creek has an even stronger arts presence, making quality live theater accessible close to home instead of requiring families to travel elsewhere.

They’re equally passionate about developing the next generation of artists. The Attic Theatre has participated in the annual Theatre Puget Sound auditions since 2004, connecting the company with performers throughout the region. Whether someone dreams of acting, singing, directing, building sets, or working backstage, Jane and Mark want The Attic Theatre to be a place where new talent is welcomed, mentored, and encouraged. “Inclusion is huge for us,” Jane says. “We have a big tent. Everybody belongs.”

That welcoming spirit extends beyond experienced performers. They’re just as excited to meet someone auditioning for the first time as they are to work with seasoned professionals. Their mission is summed up in four simple words that appear on every program and business card from The Attic Theatre: Laugh. Cry. Connect. Believe. Those words are more than a tagline. They are the promise Jane Neff and Mark Lewis hope every person carries with them after experiencing The Attic Theatre.