Northwest Children’s Theater (NWCT) announces the world premiere of Ways to Make Sunshine, a new stage adaptation of the beloved book by Portland’s own Renée Watson. The production runs April 3–25, 2027, on The Schnitzer Stage at The Judy Kafoury Center for Youth Arts. The co-production with World Stage Theatre closes out NWCT’s 2026/27 season.
Ways to Make Sunshine follows Ryan Hart, a young girl navigating school, self-image, and family life with creativity and resilience. When her family faces financial setbacks and a forced move, Ryan relies on her sunny disposition and close-knit family to find joy through unexpected change. Set in Portland, Ore., the play is a heartwarming story about moving forward with grace, wit, and plenty of sunshine.
A Portland Story, by Portland Writers
The world premiere is a distinctly Portland affair. Watson, a #1 New York Times bestselling author with over one million books sold, grew up in Portland, and her stories are deeply rooted in her experiences here. The play is adapted by Shalanda Sims alongside Watson.
Watson is one of the most celebrated voices in children’s literature today. Her middle-grade novel “All the Blues in the Sky” received the John Newbery Medal; “Piecing Me Together” received a Coretta Scott King Award and a Newbery Honor; and her poetry collection “Black Girl You Are Atlas” received a Coretta Scott King Honor and the Walter Dean Myers Award. Her books include the “Ryan Hart Series,” the source material for this production, as well as the acclaimed picture book “The 1619 Project: Born on the Water,” co-written with Nikole Hannah-Jones. An educator and community activist for over two decades, Watson has given keynotes and readings at the United Nations, the Library of Congress, and U.S. embassies abroad.
Watson shares, “What a beautiful privilege to collaborate on this production with Shalanda Sims, my friend and colleague for over thirty years. Ways to Make Sunshine is my love letter to Portland, and having this play premiere in the city that raised me, the city that inspired the story, is a deep honor.”
Sims is an arts practitioner with a focus on performing and literary arts, and has more than twenty-five years of experience in arts education and advocating for youth. She creates artistic work that not only entertains but also challenges, critiques, and celebrates the human experience. Sims has performed on stages small and grand, locally and internationally. She is the author of one children’s book and seven plays. Her plays Redefining Alberta and Vanport were both commissioned and performed in Portland. Sims is a Fields Artist Fellowship finalist, a member of the Actors’ Equity Association, and the Dramatists Guild. She is the recipient of the Women of Excellence in the Arts Award and Drammy nominee for Best Actress in a Musical and winner for Best Ensemble in a Musical. Currently, Sims serves on the PPS Arts Advisory Council and as the Executive Director of World Stage Theatre.
“I am such a fan and proud friend of Renée,” says Sims. “Adapting Ways to Make Sunshine for the stage has been an honor. And to be able to premiere it in Portland is a dream.”
From the Kennedy Center to Portland
Ways to Make Sunshine was developed at the Kennedy Center as part of its Theater for Young Audiences program, which commissioned and developed new works for national touring. When that department closed, the Kennedy Center’s Literary Manager reached out to NWCT about producing the world premiere, bringing the project home to the city that inspired it.
About Northwest Children’s Theater
The mission of Northwest Children’s Theater and School is to educate, entertain, and enrich the lives of young audiences. Founded in 1993, NWCT is one of the largest youth theaters on the West Coast, producing four Mainstage shows each year and offering training and performance opportunities for young artists. To date, NWCT has provided high-quality theater arts and education experiences to more than one million children, families, and students, earning regional and national recognition as one of Portland’s most respected arts institutions. Learn more.
About World Stage Theatre
World Stage Theatre is an arts education organization and theater arts producing company where imagination, exploration, creativity, and growth thrive in artists and audiences of all ages. The mission of World Stage Theatre is to provide exploration, experience, and exposure to underserved youth and adults while providing culturally expansive performances and arts education for the community. With a concentration on storytelling in traditional, new, and original works, and a holistic approach, World Stage Theatre builds pathways for new and emerging artists. Learn more.
Tickets
Tickets are on sale now at nwcts.org, with a 20% discount available with the code SUMMERSALE for purchases made through August 31. School matinee performance dates and times will be announced later this summer. Visit nwcts.org/field-trip to book.
Event Details
WHAT: World premiere of Ways to Make Sunshine, a new stage adaptation of Renée Watson’s beloved book. Adapted by Shalanda Sims and Renée Watson. Co-presented by Northwest Children’s Theater and World Stage Theatre.
WHO: Most enjoyed by ages 4 and up.
WHERE: The Schnitzer Stage at The Judy Kafoury Center for Youth Arts, 1000 SW Broadway, Suite T-100, Portland, OR 97205
WHEN: April 3–25, 2027 | Weekends at 11 a.m. & 2 p.m.
TICKETS: $25–$35 at nwcts.org or 503-222-2190. $5 Arts for All tickets available for Oregon Trail/SNAP Card holders — see nwcts.org/faqs for details.
SCHOOL MATINEES: To be announced later this summer at nwcts.org/field-trip.
