The Prom, a musical that has since been turned into a Netflix film, tells the story of a Lesbian who wants to take her longtime girlfriend to prom but is prevented by the PTA and other students. Meanwhile, Broadway stars try to insert themselves in the situation to gain positive publicity.

Scott B. Randall, the founder of Red Curtain and the show's director, says he wanted to choose The Prom "because of the Queer storyline, and it's also a very entertaining show. I think we have a responsibility [to tell Queer stories]. Washington is more or less a safe place to be a Queer person. So therefore, I think that the onus rests on us to use that and to use that voice and to use our security to help hopefully spread out through the rest of the country through examples. I just want to see kids that can continue being themselves and not have to worry about that fear of being in the closet and what it's going to be like to come out," said Randall.

This inclusive sentiment rings true for the organization's mission as well. Red Curtain's website states that it is "committed to increasing accessibility and appreciation of the visual and performing arts for students, artists, technicians, audiences and patrons in the Snohomish County area through education, productions, and exhibits."

Ella Byerly, musical director of The Prom and former summer star at Red Curtain, emphasized the importance of theater as a mirror of current events. "Because while it may be happening in the real world, some people don't take the time to read the news or do anything. But people do take the time to go see movies or go, like, see shows. And so I think it's really important to represent that. So that way it reaches an even broader audience and helps that go further beyond just what's in the news and what's being spread," said Byerly.

The Summer Stars program is an annual immersive theater experience for local teens aged 15 through 19. The key to the success of the shows, according to Randall, is rehearsing intensely before premiering the musical theater production to the public.

"We wanted to create a program that challenges students to move beyond what they're learning in their high school programs," Randall said. "We take on more difficult scripts... things that kind of get them more prepared for professional or semiprofessional or collegiate theater, whatever their goals might be to move forward."

This method has ensured that people who start out as performers at Red Curtain keep coming back. In addition to Byerly, stage manager Jackson Zimmerman and actor Sami Burton are also former summer stars now working on the show.

"I got into this theater my freshman year of high school back in 2018, '19, when we did a production of Cabaret," Byerly said. "Then I continued to do [a show] called Something Rotten here and then a production of 9 to 5. And then I've just kind of worked doing volunteer stuff here at Red Curtain. I just really love the show, so I asked Scott if I could interview to be a part of this production."

Getting involved with Red Curtain Foundation
Although The Prom in the foundation's limelight for the summer, Red Curtain offers classes and shows for people of all ages, all year round.

During the month of August, Red Curtain's offerings include courses in biomechanics training as well as a Shakespearean course with a side of beer from local breweries.

"We love bringing in new people in our space, whether it's artists or technicians or audience members or whatever it is," Randall said. "We love growing our community and that's how we do it; by getting new faces in here."