Hi-Liners Musical Theatre in Burien, WA: Putting People Downstage Center Since 1966! Our productions, classes, workshops and camps are open to students ages 3 to 22. We are a non-profit youth theatre dedicated to providing professional direction to our young cast members to develop their talents with the backdrop of quality sets, costumes and a live orchestra, to give both the performers and the audience a genuine Broadway musical experience.

About Us:

Mission Statement

We are determined to preserve and advance the performing arts in the lives of the students in our community. We do that with the belief that involvement in the performing arts produces higher levels of achievement and life awareness in our young people. The ongoing volunteers and staff that are The Hi-Liners are dedicated to that end.

History of The Hi-Liners

The Hi-Liners began life in 1966 as the brainchild of William A Moeller, a teacher in the Highline School District, as a summer program. From 1966 to 1987 the program grew, becoming a year round, district-wide performing group that entertained audiences all over the Northwest with variety shows. In 1991, when the new Highline Performing Arts Center was preparing to open, the Hi-Liners and Mr. Moeller were again called to serve with a series of popular reunion shows in celebration of the new state-of-the-art theater. In 1994 the organization again felt called to bring professional values and quality to the young people of South King County and we began presenting one MainStage production each fall.

The Hi-Liners Today

All these years later The Hi-Liners has grown from one show per year to a full season of productions, classes, workshops and camps for students ages 3 and up. We believe that our students can present themselves professionally long before they enter the professional world. Our goal is not simply to produce the next Broadway star — our goal is to produce stellar citizens who enrich the community. Along the way, we contribute working professionals to the theatre community every year and we take pride in their successes.

DownStage Center Program

We begin our training with our education program, DownStage Center. DSC is focused on supplying a safe environment for self discovery and talent development in our young artists. There are classes, camps and productions for all school age children. DownStage Center offers affordable, low tech, high quality shows produced in a nurturing environment.

MainStage Program

As the students progress, they move into our MainStage program. As the name implies, MainStage is about learning theatre from professionals while expanding and perfecting the talents uncovered in DownStage Center. Auditions are competitive and not every student is cast. MainStage actors are expected to take on responsibility and assert themselves in the creative process. The shows are full-length Broadway shows such as Les Miserables, Into the Woods, and Mamma Mia. We have detailed sets, costumes and a live orchestra for these productions. We have been blessed with some of the best creative artists in the area as our production teams and directors. MainStage actors are learning from the very best.

More Info:

Our Director

Read about our Artistic Director: Kathleen Edwards.

Meet Our Teachers

Learn about our talented and dedicated teaching staff on our Meet Our Teachers page.

Board of Directors

View the current and emeritus members of our Board of Directors.

Policies & Procedures

View The Hi-Liners Policies & Procedures (PDF) regarding auditions, casting, non-discrimination and tuition.