For the first time in six decades, local youth theater organization Hi-Liners Musical Theatre is changing its name, announcing this week that it will now operate as Highline Musical Theatre.
According to the organization, the new name reflects the broader community it serves throughout South King County and its vision for the future, while continuing its long standing mission of providing theatrical opportunities for young performers.
The organization also launched a new website – https://hmt.art – designed to help families and patrons more easily access information about tickets, auditions, camps, classes and ways to support the theater program.
“This rebrand reflects both our history and our future,” said Artistic Director Kathleen Edwards. “The Hi-Liners name carries six decades of memories, friendships, and tradition. Highline Musical Theatre allows us to strengthen our connection to the community we serve while continuing the legacy that generations of families have helped build.”
The group emphasized that despite the rebranding effort, its core identity and traditions remain unchanged.
“One of the phrases that has always defined this organization is ‘Once a Hi-Liner, always a Hi-Liner,’ and that will never change,” Edwards added. “No matter what name is on a website or a flyer, the relationships, experiences, and community that people carry with them will always be part of the Hi-Liners legacy.”
Hi Liners Musical Theatre has served generations of performers, families, volunteers and audiences over the past 60 years, becoming a longtime fixture in youth theater across the Highline area and South King County communities including Burien, SeaTac, Des Moines, Normandy Park and White Center.
“We wanted the new look to feel vibrant, creative, and full of energy — just like live theatre itself,” said Resident Musical Director Frankie Curry-Edwards. “The comic book-inspired design reflects the imagination, heart, and sense of adventure that our students bring to the stage every single season.”
The organization also thanked the many students, volunteers and supporters who helped build the theater program over the decades.
“To every student who found confidence under the stage lights, every family who spent weekends backstage, every volunteer who painted sets or sold concessions, and every audience member who believed in youth theatre, thank you for being part of our story,” the announcement said.
About HMT
The origins of what is now Highline Musical Theatre go back to 1966, when the organization was founded as the Hi-Liners by Highline School District teacher William A. Moeller. According to the organization’s historical overview, it began as a summer performing arts program for local students.
The group later reemerged in connection with the opening of the Highline Performing Arts Center in 1991, when Moeller and alumni returned for reunion performances celebrating the new theater facility. By 1994, the organization shifted toward producing full scale MainStage musical productions for young performers.
Learn more here: https://hmt.art
