COLUMBIA CHILDRENS THEATRE

Each season Columbia Children's Theatre's Mainstage Performance Series presents five high-quality, professional theatrical productions specifically designed for families and young audiences, with most productions being musicals adapted from beloved works of children's literature. All productions are created and performed by paid professional actors and artistic staff, ensuring exceptional artistic quality and an engaging live theatre experience. In addition to public performances, the series offers half-price weekday matinees for school groups, enabling thousands of students to attend as part of educational field trips. Approximately 75% of these students come from underserved districts, ensuring equitable access to the arts for children who might not otherwise have the opportunity to experience live professional theatre. Each year, the Mainstage Performance Series reaches approximately 10,000 audience members from across South Carolina, fostering a love of the arts while supporting literacy and curriculum connections. Through these performances, Columbia Children's Theatre has built strong, ongoing relationships with school districts throughout the state.

Columbia Children's Theatre's YouTheatre program provides students in grades 1-12 with the opportunity to audition for and perform in fully produced plays and musicals, working alongside professional directors, choreographers, music directors, and stage managers. Through an intensive five-week rehearsal process, young actors gain valuable performance experience, develop teamwork and communication skills, and deepen their understanding of the theatrical arts, culminating in four public performances for each production. Each year, YouTheatre stages four productions: two for the Peanut Butter and Jelly Players, featuring students in grades 1-7; one for CCTeens, featuring students in grades 8-12; and one large-scale summer musical that brings all age groups together. In the most recent season, the Peanut Butter and Jelly Players presented Beauty and the Beast and Finding Nemo, the CCTeens performed Firebringer, and the combined summer production was Seussical the Musical. Approximately 200 students from six counties participate annually, and their productions are enjoyed by about 1,800 audience members.