History

In the summer of 1991, the Pasqualini-Smith Studio (est. 1986) and the Mark Jenkins Actors' Workshop (est. 1985), combined to form Freehold, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation.

The founders, Robin Lynn Smith, John Billingsley, Mark Jenkins, George Lewis, Tony Pasqualini and Ben Rankin, are professional actors and trustees whose credentials include recognized work On and Off-Broadway, as well as in major films, television, and regional theatre.

In the years since 1991, Freehold has become an integral part of Seattle's thriving theatre community, having gained a reputation as the place for serious young artists to train and take the leap into performing and creating original work.

Theatere Lab Highlights

• In March 1995, Award Winning Production of The Seagull, by Anton Chekhov, Directed by Robin Lynn Smith. Featuring: Tony Pasqualini, John Billingsley, George Lewis, Sol Miranda, Erik Maahs, Steve Gins, Hussein Ali, Amy Perry, Patty Flynn, Lisa Burgett
• In December 1995, a Lab investigation, Directed by Robin Lynn Smith furthered development of the play, New Patagonia, by Elizabeth Heffron, which was later produced by Seattle Repertory Theatre in 2000.
• In July 1999, Uncle Vanya By Anton Chekhov, Directed by Leonid Anisimov. Featuring: Mark Jenkins, Marjorie Nelson, Anthony Lee, Annette Toutonghi and Tom Spiller. The play was performed in Seattle at Freehold and in Tacoma at the Norton Clapp Theatre as well as in 16 private homes around Seattle.
• In July, 2010, Engaged Theatre production of Shakespeare's Julius Caesar directed by Robin Lynn Smith toured to: Washington Correctional Center for Women, Monroe Correctional Complex for Men, American Lake Veterans Hospital/Ft. Lewis, Echo Glen Children's Center, New Futures housing community, Seward Park, and Broadway Performance Hall. 

Studio Highlights

• Over 100 Seattle Theatre professionals have given back to our community as Freehold Faculty. Some of our esteemed faculty over the years have included: Y York, Bart Sher, Robin Lynn Smith, George Lewis, Brian Yorkey, Elizabeth Heffron, Kurt Beattie, Geof Alm, Timothy Piggee, Annette Toutonghi, Amy Thone, Daemond Arrindell, and Gin Hammond. 
• In 1999, Freehold offers the first year of Ensemble Training Intensive (ETI), Freehold’s 10-month conservatory program. Freehold’s ETI program was also offered in 2002, 2006, and in partnership with New Century Theatre Company and Seattle Repertory Theatre in 2011.
• Freehold annually serves more than 5,000 students, artists, and audience members with its classes, performances, workshops, and guest artist programs.

Located on Capitol Hill for 16 years, Freehold moved in the spring of 2008 to Belltown and is celebrating its 20th year in 2011/2012.