Of the many things her children learned as students of Salem's Children's Educational Theatre, Stephanie Sachs was most impressed by the sheer volume.

"I can't believe how much they're able to pack into five weeks," Sachs said. "I think it shows just how good the program is."

Sachs' children are two alumni of the program whose graduates include a pop culture icon and an Oscar-winning director. CET celebrates its students and its future at a 35th anniversary gala this month.

Slated for Saturday, Oct. 24, at Willamette Valley Vineyards, the gala is an adults-only event and CET's largest fundraiser, which supports the summer theater program throughout the year.

"This year we're hosting a large silent auction with a handful of items that will be sold in an oral auction," said Julie Curtis, a CET board member and parent of two CET students. The Jerry Garfield Trio will provide entertainment for the evening and several CET students singing with the band.

CET commenced classes in 1975, as a Salem-Keizer School District project, with 92 students.

“There was nothing in our city involving summer theater for kids, and we were determined to change that. We got a $500 grant from the Oregon Arts Commission and organized the first advisory board, developed our curriculum, established a budget and tuition rates, and were on our way," said Phyllis Quanbeck, the program's first executive director.

Tom Hewitt, one of CET's original staff members and the auctioneer for the gala, remembers the first season fondly.

"We offered just eight classes in acting, improvisation, body movement, mime, vocal music and dance. Everyone had so much fun, and we were thrilled to be building this program," he said.

Class offerings now top more than 30 and include technical and stagecraft courses dealing with the behind-the-scenes aspects of stage production. Some students have gone on to achieve much higher levels of success. Jon Heder, whose portrayal of Napoleon Dynamite still resonates in every "Vote for Pedro" T-shirt worn around the country, and Megan Mylan, who won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Short Subject earlier this year, are both former CET students.

CET's student rolls have grown in proportion to its success; annual enrollment is typically about 225 students. In 2005, CET became an independent, nonprofit organization and now boasts a high school program in addition to its offerings for 4th to 8th graders.

While much has changed, CET's original format of a musical, a traveling show, and a production at the Salem Art Fair and Festival endures.

"I think our greatest strength is the deep tradition that CET subscribes to. In 35 years the program's values have not changed much and the way the program actually runs has not changed over time," said Robert Salberg, co-executive director of CET.

While lessons are ostensibly about acting and drama, Salberg said the real payoff is is cultivating a different approach to life's obstacles.

"[Students] leave CET with the confidence and skills to be involved in our world, benefitting from the skills they learned through participating in the theatre arts. Projects and speeches don't scare them; they connect with people on a different level," he said.

Curtis said it's those traits that unite CET's students across the decades.

"It really is a place where anyone is accepted and that creates a special energy and excitement that carries over into our productions," she said.

Tickets for the CET gala cost $35 per person and are available by calling 503-399-9948.