Erin Wise will return for concert at Empire Theatre

Erin Mar-De Wise, a 1999 graduate of Tekoa High who is now a professional performer and instructor in Seattle, will return to Tekoa for a performance at the Empire Theatre Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. Wise will perform some classical holiday pieces mixed with some nostalgic Broadway tunes on the Tekoa stage where she began her career.

After graduating at Tekoa, she earned an undergraduate degree at Eastern Washington University and went on to attend The American Musical and Dramatic Academy where she received her professional certification in the arts.

Wise has been performing, directing and choreographing in the greater Seattle area. She recently starred as the lead role of Ruth in Gilbert and Sullivan's Pirates of Penzance at The Bagley Wright Theatre in Seattle and serves as a performing arts and vocal instructor at Illumination Learning Studio.

“My greatest joy is being able to inspire my students to follow their dreams, to try something new and not be afraid to shine,” she said.

Wise noted the Dec. 12 performance at the Empire will take her back where it all started.

"Because of this amazing town and its support, I have gone on to do some truly amazing things. This theatre holds a special place in my heart and deserves to be used and what has been done to renovate it is such an accomplishment.”