We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Raja Jalernpan. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Raja below.

Hi Raja, thanks for joining us today. Do you feel you or your work has ever been misunderstood or mischaracterized? If so, tell us the story and how/why it happened and if there are any interesting learnings or insights you took from the experience?

There is often a misconception about the level of commitment required, especially for a nonprofit theater. Many people are unaware of the time and effort involved. At HWTC, everyone who contributes does so as a volunteer—no one is compensated. In addition to their volunteer time with the theater, all volunteers maintain full-time jobs.

Our executive board meets monthly to manage paperwork, address conflicts, and ensure smooth operations. Similarly, our general board convenes regularly to uphold fairness in decision-making and adherence to our bylaws.

For each production, the cast and production teams often rehearse up to four days a week, all while balancing their regular day-to-day commitments. These rehearsals do not include time to build the sets, costumes, and tech week ending with performances.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Raja Jalernpan, President of Horizon West Theater Company, a non-profit community theater that’s dedicated to encouraging and providing opportunities for performing artists and volunteers. I’ve always had a deep love for the arts, and I believe in the power of theater to bring people together, tell important stories, and spark creativity. My journey into this space came from a lifelong passion for performance and community-building, which led me to volunteer in various artistic and non-profit organizations. Over time, I found my purpose in combining these two loves by leading Horizon West Theater Company.

What sets us apart is our commitment to making theater accessible to everyone—whether you’re an actor, a director, a volunteer, or an audience member. We focus on fostering a welcoming environment where local talent can shine and contribute to something larger than themselves. We work hard to provide high-quality productions that are rooted in collaboration and creativity, all while keeping the door open for anyone who wants to get involved.

I’m particularly proud of the sense of community we’ve built at Horizon West Theater Company. Whether it’s through our shows or our volunteer efforts, we’ve created a space where people from all walks of life can come together to create something magical.

The most important thing I want people to know is that Horizon West Theater Company isn’t just a theater—it’s a hub for creativity and community. Whether you’re looking to perform, volunteer, or support the arts, we welcome you with open arms. We exist to serve both artists and audiences, and we’re here to make theater accessible and engaging for everyone.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

One of the most rewarding aspects of being an artist and creative is the opportunity to see others discover their own potential. Whether it’s watching an actor light up on stage or seeing a volunteer find joy in contributing behind the scenes, it’s incredibly fulfilling to know that I’m part of a process that helps people grow and express themselves. Seeing how the work we do brings people together and creates shared experiences is truly what drives me.

My experience with HWTC is unique, just like everyone else who volunteers here. By day, I work a full-time job that pays the bills. But HWTC? HWTC is my passion. It’s my escape from the everyday grind, a place where I’m surrounded by people who share the same deep love for theater. To some, it might seem like a second job, but it’s so much more than that.

HWTC gives me the opportunity to express my love for theater and share it with the world. It’s where I’ve found lifelong friends who have become family. It’s where I’ve gained a fresh perspective on life, and I feel so fortunate to be part of this extraordinary company.

From the very first day, when I was welcomed with open arms, I knew I had found something truly special. And that feeling hasn’t changed—it’s only grown stronger.

As a nonprofit, HWTC can only fulfill its mission through the generosity of sponsors, donors, and patrons who come to see our performances.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

One of the biggest and most unexpected challenges HWTC faces is the lack of a dedicated space. As a nonprofit, we are constantly struggling to find a place to perform. We’ve rented venues like the local high school, but the cost can be overwhelming—ranging from $15,000 to $20,000 for just a single week.

Our dream is to keep being a place where people can escape, connect, and feel safe. A place where theater lovers of all ages can come together. We want to continue offering classes for kids, adults, and families, and keep nurturing the passion of children through our programming. We want to bring world-class entertainment to our community.

But to do this, we need a home. A dedicated space. And for that, we need sponsors and donors. We need people who believe in the power of theater, who want to see it thrive in our area, and who understand how essential it is to provide a space where everyone—anyone—can belong.

Every day is a risk for HWTC, but it’s a risk we embrace because we believe in creating a home where everyone belongs. A place where people can come as they are and feel truly accepted. At HWTC, we strive to provide that sense of belonging for everyone who walks through our doors.

We dream of having a space to call our own, a place where we can continue to nurture this passion without worrying about how we’ll afford the next performance. Right now, much of what we earn goes directly to renting venues, ensuring the community has something extraordinary to experience and that our performers, tech teams, and everyone involved has a place to create the magic of theater.

There’s always uncertainty—where our next performance will be or if the audience will show up—but we push forward. It’s a risk, yes, but it’s a risk worth taking because we know how transformative theater can be. It’s not just about putting on a show—it’s about giving people a place to connect, to be themselves, and to experience something truly special.

HWTC is more than a theater; it’s a family. We’ve built something special, and with the support of those who believe in what we do, we can make this family grow.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.horizonwesttheatercompany.com/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/horizonwesttheatercompany
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/HorizonWestTheaterCompany

Image Credits

SMO Photography