Tucked away in the forest west of Bremerton, the Mountaineers Players of the Kitsap Forest Theater offer one of the oldest and most unique theater experiences in the state.

Actors and production staff travel from both sides of the Sound to just off of Seabeck Highway NW to perform their production of “Bend in the Road, The Anne of Green Gables Musical.”

The play will conclude the 99th season for the Mountaineers Players, which has performed almost every year since 1923. The only exceptions were 1943-46 due to World War II and 2020 due to COVID-19.

The first-ever show, “Robin of Sherwood,” was special because the audience was led from clearing to clearing, from scene to scene, as there was no central stage.

Actor Walt Foster, who plays Matthew Cuthbert, said, “They had a spot where Robin Hood first encountered Little John and had the battle on a log over a creek.”

Actor Becca Gray, who plays the lead role of Anne in this summer’s production, has performed outdoors before, and in past experiences, “There’s actually a built stage, so you’re on a stage, but you’re in the woods. This is like your stage is the woods.”

The earthy foundation, the surrounding trees and moss, and the blue sky above all make up the grounds that serve as the Kitsap Forest Theater’s natural amphitheater, built in 1926. The environment can provide a magical element to the shows.

Actor Carol Stanley, who is playing the mother this year, said that in her time with the theater, she has seen several instances of such magic. “Sometimes the sun comes out at the best time, or the clouds go across at the perfect moment, or birds start singing along, or even planes fly over,” she said.

The setting can also provide challenges. Director Trina Williamson said one was keeping a show running without the element of darkness, which indoor theaters can use to change things such as scenery and mood.

“We have to adjust accordingly,” she said. “The audience has to realize that if somebody leaves the stage, the scene’s over. The furniture starts to leave and all that kind of stuff. In a regular theater, you have that luxury of being in the dark, and people don’t see anything, and all of a sudden, the lights come up, and we’re in a new place. Here, you see that.”

Producer Gala Lindvall said that technology such as a sound system became more necessary for certain shows. “When I first came, they didn’t have mics. They just projected,” she said. “We did ‘Into the Woods’ in 2011, and people said you can’t do it outside because they have these duets and people said it’ll never work. Well, we said we could do it. So that’s when we bought our sound system.”

Also, the show must go on rain or shine, which can mean adapting to extreme conditions. Opening weekend saw temperatures in the 90s, for instance.

“We’ll also offer to spray some of the audience members that feel they need it,” she said. “Sometimes, we provide ice if we have extra to the audience, and we just try and keep everyone as cool as possible. You’ve got to make it due, but it’s hard when you’re in Victorian wear. It does not breathe.”

Williamson, even though this is her first show directing with the Kitsap Forest Theater, said that everyone has worked well together. “I don’t think I’ve had more fun doing a show than I have doing it here,” she said.

Gray agreed as this was her first show with KFT as well. She said, “Everyone here is so encouraging and so sweet…They’re truly here because of their passion for theater.”

The theater will be releasing its schedule for its centennial season soon following the conclusion of Bend in the Road, which will have its last performance Aug. 21. Those interested in theater are encouraged to audition. Foster said the experience is worth it and is a great way to test out the waters of theater.

“I hate to put it this way, because it does depend on the show,” he said, “but most of the large-cast shows, if you want to be in the show, you’ll be in the show. I mean, you may not get the part you want. My first thing was a chorus member. It’s a great thing for anyone that wants to dip their toe in.”

A view of the stands from the stage area in the Kitsap Forest Theater.

Cast member Carol Stanley sprays down the stage area to prevent dust from flying up at the actors and the audience.

The entrance to the Kitsap Forest Theater leads the audience on the beginning of a downhill hike to their seats.