The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati – Their Mission Reaching Beyond the Stage

We are excited to highlight The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati, as this month’s non-profit.  We at Centennial value our local community and we want you to have the opportunity to meet local non-profits, learning about what they have to offer and perhaps share excitement with us that we highlighted one of your favorites!

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s mission hinges on the desire to educate, entertain and engage audiences of all ages through professional theatrical productions and arts education programming.  I had the honor of speaking with Kim Deaton, the Managing Director and Angela Powell Walker, the Artistic Director – their enthusiasm for the theatre was apparent and inspiring as they shared about their history, their goals and what they as an organization are doing now. I learned so much more than I ever had just attending one of the fabulous productions with my children.  They not only want the community to know how professional and incredibly entertaining their MainStage shows are, but also their ability to touch the lives of children through education, creativity and imagination.  Their enthusiasm for their programs and productions brightly illustrated how awesome this theater company is and how blessed we are to have them in the Cincinnati community!

Angela Powell Walker said that the touch of theater ignited a spark in her when she was growing up in an inner-city community as a child.  She believes that without that, she would not be where she is today as a highly acclaimed performer, teacher and artistic director as well as a beautiful human being.  Angela is living proof of the direct impact it can have on children’s lives and hopes that The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati not only entertains, but also shows kids that the world has so much to offer.

Children’s Theatre Programs:

ArtReach – Through this program, The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati is able to take theatre and thearts to communities that may be too far away or others that are not able to provide this influence to their children.  They bring educational and inspirational shows and workshops to the schools such as “Stop Bullying Me!” and “The Power in You.”

Learning the Craft – It is just that. This program allows for kids to learn the craft of musical theater through drama, vocal music and dance. The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati feels that even if students do not continue in musical theater, they will develop leadership skills to be successful adults.

MainStage Performances for Educators – This program has an impact on the public and students alike.Guided by the core belief that arts and education are not mutually exclusive, MainStage productions enable students to both experience the arts in a professional setting and enhance their learning through what they see on stage.  The shows are entertaining and educational with study guides available for free on the TCTC’s website.  For the public, it brings us blockbuster, professional entertainment for the whole family.  Families have the opportunity to spend time together, to have memories together and talking points for inspirational and educational value.

We asked them, “how can our Centennial relationships get involved in this fabulous non-profit, The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati?

• Support Financially – Their work and influence relies on dollars from the community for all of the shows on MainStage as well as their outreach program so that the community can experience the theater at a reasonable price.  You can also sponsor students who aspire to be a part of the arts, but need financial support to go through the educational programs.  There are many ways to give and we encourage you to do so.
• Volunteer – There are opportunities at the MainStage performances to be an usher or main lobby volunteer.  You can also be a bus assistant to greet the students as the arrive, or by helping as a clerical assistant in the office.
• Participate in their fundraisers – They have a Monster Bash with trick-or-treating, a costume contest, dancing, face painting and much more; as well as a Brunch with Santa where they need silent auction items, people to come, volunteers, etc.