By Becky Showalter and Leslie Miller, Special to the Reporter

What are the next steps for Youth Theatre Northwest? What is the process to build a new building? Join our Community Conversations with Executive Director Manny Cawaling, who will share planning updates, outline next steps and key components to consider for future programming. Your participation is critical for moving forward with a clear and defined vision.

The community is invited to help develop the future Program Plan for Youth Theatre Northwest (YTN). This is the first major step in developing a vision for YTN’s future and a new home.

Upcoming Community Conversations are:

• 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 7, at the Mercer Island Community and Event Center.

• 6:30 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 17, at YTN.

If you cannot attend and would like to contribute your ideas, please contact Leslie Muller at lesliemuller@gmail.com or Becky Showalter at beckyshowalter@comcast.net.

YTN’s Annual Appeal is underway now. There are several new reasons to contribute.

First, we’ve received a $20,000 ‘challenge grant.’

All donations received by the end of November will be matched. Next, we’ve extended our early donations deadline to Nov. 9.

All donations received by Nov. 9 at the $150 level and up will be entered into a drawing to receive four complimentary tickets to any YTN production of your choice in the 2012-2013 season.

The names of five generous donors will be drawn at the Nov. 9 performance of “Snow White,” and your name will be placed in the drawing for each day you buy — buy two days, get two chances, etc.

All donations received by Nov. 9 at the $500 level and up will be entered into a drawing to receive four complimentary tickets to see “Elf the Musical” at the 5th Avenue Theatre (or another show of your choice in their 2012-13 season). The name of one generous and lucky donor will be drawn at the Nov. 9 performance of “Snow White.” The show date and time will be coordinated with the winner after the drawing.

To learn more about YTN, visit their website.