When Brenna Casey visited her stepfather’s workplace in Oak Harbor three years ago, it didn’t take long for a nearby structure to catch her attention.

A short distance from Jeffery Pleet’s Edward Jones Investments office on Midway Boulevard sits Whidbey Playhouse. Introductions would soon be in order.

“My dad would work late at night, I’d go to the playhouse,” she said.

Casey, a 2013 graduate of Anacortes High School, acted in two shows at the playhouse and worked with the stage crew in another.

On Friday, she received a $1,000 scholarship from the Whidbey Playhouse for her contributions.

She’ll use that to help with her education at Washington State University, where she plans to major in business finance and earn a minor in music.

The Whidbey Playhouse brought back the scholarship after eight years. It is awarded to students involved in the playhouse who plan to continue with performing or dramatic arts in college.

Casey, who earned a 3.3 grade-point average with a workload that included advanced-placement courses, met all of the requirements, which also included an essay.

“The main criteria is being involved in a production here at the playhouse,” said Mary Kay Hallen, the scholarship chairperson. “Her GPA was really good. And the clarity of her essay (was strong).”

Casey, 18, acted in “Murder in the Magnolias” and “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

Although she was involved in several high school productions, her family chose Whidbey Playhouse in Oak Harbor over the Anacortes Community Theatre — and not just because her dad’s office was nearby.

“You get so close with the performers around you,” Casey said. “Everyone’s so nice. It’s community theater. Some people are performing in their first play, some are performing in their 100th play. It’s a very positive atmosphere.

“At auditions, it’s not make or break. They’re all very supportive. We have a good time.”

“For a community this size, this is a great venue,” said Cindy Casey, her mom. “People from Anacortes have season tickets down here.”