Written by Lyla Lopez

Harper Joy is excited to announce the arrival of a new employee! Earlier this month, we had the privilege of welcoming Lindsey Dennis as the theatre’s new Administrative Assistant. I recently had the opportunity to talk with Lindsey and learn a little bit more about her life and the experiences that brought her to Whitman.

Lindsey was born and raised right here in Walla Walla, Washington. Her parents were both educators in the community—her mom worked as a teacher at Blue Ridge Elementary and her dad served as the vocal music director at Walla Walla High School. After high school, Lindsey worked as a flight attendant for American Airlines. She was based primarily in New York City, and spent several years flying all over the world. “I was really wanting to travel, but didn’t have any money,” she says. “So, they paid me to do it!”

Lindsey soon moved back to Washington and started her college journey. She attended Seattle Central College and Walla Walla Community College before transferring to Western Washington University, where she graduated with a B.A. in Human Services with a Public Health emphasis. During her senior year, she worked with the Whatcom County Health Department as the HIV and STD Outreach and Education Coordinator, as well as ran the department’s needle exchange program. Eventually, Lindsey transitioned to working in the wine industry, and since returning to Walla Walla in 2008, she’s gained experience in sales, marketing, and compliance.

Outside of work, Lindsey enjoys cooking, spending time with friends, and making jewelry. She and her partner, Eric, also have a 6-year-old Australian Shepherd named Luna Lovegood Bellatrix (who boasts nicknames such as Luna, Luna Tuna, Luna Belly, and Tuna Bell). “She keeps us very active and endlessly entertained,” Lindsey says.

So, what led Lindsey to Harper Joy? As it turns out, her connections to theatre and performance run deep. “Growing up, I was a ballet dancer, and I sang in my dad’s choirs. I was also involved in a lot of theater productions at school and in the community. I spent many summers dancing on the stage at Harper Joy Theatre while attending the Summer Dance Lab, and also performing here occasionally through the years,” she told me. 

Lyla Lopez: What made you want to take this job? Why did you choose Whitman?

Lindsey Dennis: My dad also worked at Whitman for sixteen years. After retiring from teaching, he came to Whitman as the Administrative Assistant in Reid Campus Center. When I saw that this position with the Theater & Dance Department and Harper Joy Theatre was available, it only felt natural to apply! It feels like a good way for me to still be a part of the theatre world, and Whitman College—especially Harper Joy Theatre—has been a part of my life ever since I can remember. I’m very excited to be here and look forward to working with all the students. You all are so talented, and I can’t wait to see what you have in store for the theatre!

What a full-circle moment! We are beyond thrilled to have Lindsey here with us, and can’t wait to see all the wonderful things she does for Harper Joy. (And, of course, with our upcoming musical, there’s much to be done! Make sure to stay tuned for some exciting articles about our final performance of the year, The Spitfire Grill!)