This week, and every week: arts news by humans, for humans
The Puget Sound’s weekly roundup of arts, culture, and community | January 9 to 15, 2026
We may not be the creators of the art you see on stage across the Puget Sound, but that doesn’t mean we are any less committed to bringing you original, honest, and relevant content focused on that art. As technology rapidly pushes forward with systematic and impersonal content, with AI at its center, I prefer a more personal touch. Which is why I’d now like to step into the spotlight and introduce myself as the voice of this newsletter…
Hello, I’m Ciara. And while that sounds eerily similar to a certain virtual assistant on your phone, I assure you, we’re different—even if my own phone can’t distinguish between “Hey, Ciara” and “Hey, Siri.” Unlike that eager helper, I have been involved in the performing arts since childhood. First as a performer; then as a team member at Encore, where I work closely with arts organizations every day; and this past winter, as an assistant director for a community play.
I wouldn’t dare say this experience makes me a tastemaker or the final word on what is worthy art—no one can do that for you. All I’m here to provide is options. Whether your fervor lies in a lively concerto, a dance performance, or a staged comedy, everyone needs a little boost in serotonin these days. Going to see a show won’t fix all life’s problems, but it can make bearing them a bit easier.
Which is where myself and Encore come in: to help connect you with a performance that lights a spark in your soul. Thank you for subscribing to an artistic (and non-robot) led, local newsletter.
Until next week. — Ciara
On the Stage
A Beautiful Noise
Musical Theatre | Broadway at The Paramount
January 13 – 18 | Tickets
Created in collaboration with Neil Diamond himself, A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical is the uplifting true story of how a kid from Brooklyn became a chart-busting, show-stopping American rock icon.
More Events
- Bernstein & Rachmaninov | Seattle Symphony | Now – January 10 | View Print Program
- The Heart Sellers | Seattle Rep | Now – February 1 | View Program
- Open Captioned: January 15
- 9 to 5 | Village Theatre | January 10 – February 8 | View Program
- SHe Said | Intiman Theatre | January 14 – February 1 | Program Coming Soon
Next Line
- There are new leaders at Seattle Opera. This week they announced three new leaders across varied departments: Blaine Inafuku is the next Director of Artistic Administration & Planning, while Sara Litchfield and Lokela Alexander Minami will be Co-Directors of Programs and Partnerships.
- Seats are selling quickly for the first New Works presentation of 2026 at Seattle Rep. On February 5, playwright Kirsten Potter will present a reading of their new play, Unraveling.
Subscribe to our Beyond the Stage newsletter for the best news and events from the Seattle area’s performing arts scene, every Friday.
