What's Happening
Recent news and stories - from the stage, behind-the-scenes, in our classrooms, and beyond.CTC Performs at North Charleston Arts Fest
Our Resident Touring Company brings Schoolhouse Rock Live! to the 41st annual event.![North Charleston Arts Festival](/content/Images/00-CTC/Misc/N-Charleston-Art-Fest-150px.jpg)
FAST FACT: In 2018, the Arts Fest was selected as a Top 20 Event by the Southeast Tourism Society (an honor also received in 2008
Apr 2024
CTC Hosts NC Poetry Out Loud Competition
Unique program for high school students showcased talented young people from across the state.![Richmond Parris](/content/Images/00-CTC/Misc/Richmond-Parris-POL-winner.jpg)
FAST FACT: CTC hosted 27 students from 17 NC counties who made it to the Regional and State Finals.
Feb 2024
Two Directing Assistantship Recipients Announced
Holly Nañes and Brandon J Johns will work with us in 2024 and 2025, respectively.![Holly Nañes and Brandon J John](/content/Images/00-CTC/Misc/Holly_Nanes-Brandon_Johns-BW.jpg)
FAST FACT: While Holly will be working with CTC for the first time, Brandon has been involved with many of our past productions.
Jan 2024
Poet and Teaching Artist Junious "Jay" Ward Takes to the Mic
Charlotte's inaugural Poet Laureate named MC for Poetry Out Loud Competition at ImaginOn![Jay Ward](/content/Images/00-CTC/Misc/Jay-Ward-150px.jpg)
FAST FACT: His debut full length collection of poetry Composition is available now.
Nov 2023
Children's Theatre named NC partner for Poetry Out Loud.
High school students will come to ImaginOn for the statewide recitation contest in Feb 2024.![Poetry Out Loud](/content/Images/00-CTC/Misc/POL-150px.jpg)
FAST FACT: Since 2005, Poetry Out Loud has grown to reach more than 4.2 million students and 72,000 teachers from 18,000 schools and organizations.
Oct 2023
Catching the Moon: A Young Girls Baseball Dream picked for prestigious SC New Play Festival.
Four-day festival features yet-to-be-produced plays and musicals "by today’s hottest playwrights." See it on stage Mar 9-24, 2024![SC New Play Festival](/content/Images/00-CTC/Misc/SC-New-Play-Fest-logo-150px.jpg)
FAST FACT: The festival is billed as "a destination event for theater lovers and a unique opportunity for Southeastern audiences to meet the artists and shape the future of American theater."
Sept 2023
CTC Welcomes New Director of Education
EG Engle moves from NY to NC and brings a wealth of experience with her.![EG Engle](/content/Images/00-CTC/9-About%20Us/EG-Engle-150px.jpg)
FAST FACT: EG and her husband are proud parents to a new baby boy!
Sept 2023
Balloonacy Wins Fringe Ovation Award
Non-verbal play recognized at South African National Arts Festival![Balloonacy wins award](/content/Images/00-CTC/1-Home/Carousel/balloonacy-200px.jpg)
FAST FACT: Balloonacy first premiered at Children's Theatre in 2018.
Aug 2023
An Up-And-Coming Artist Makes Her Mark
Lakeetha Blakeney brings her talent to three shows as a part of the Paige Johnston Thomas Directing Assistantship.![](/content/Images/00-CTC/5-In-the-Community/Lakeetha-150px.jpg)
FAST FACT: As the inaugural recipient of the Directing Assistantship, Lakeetha's name lives on a plaque located next to the Box Office.
About Paige Johnston Thomas
Paige Johnston Thomas was a beloved member of Charlotte’s theatre community. As an actor, director, educator, and patron, she worked with and influenced so many of those creating live theatre in Charlotte. Paige's legacy and profound influence in the arts lives on through the Paige Johnston Thomas Directing Assistantship.
May 2023
A Powerful Partnership
Autism Strong Foundation named exclusive sponsor of sensory-friendly performances for 2023-24 season.![](/content/Images/00-CTC/5-In-the-Community/AS_lion-150px.jpg)
FAST FACT: Children’s Theatre has offered sensory-friendly shows since 2016.
April 2023
Next Installment of The Kindness Project Planned for Spring 2024
Catching the Moon: The Story of a Young Girl's Baseball Dream inspires kids to dream big.![Catching the Moon](/content/Images/00-CTC/4-For-Educators/School%20Performances/2324-Catching-Moon-school-125w.jpg)
FAST FACT: The Kindness Project is an initiative Children’s Theatre of Charlotte launched in 2017 to develop and commission original plays for young audiences that are grounded in actively displaying kindness toward others.
Dec 2022
A New Series Tackles Mental Health
The Front & Center Series brings a powerful touring production to all third graders in the CMS system.![](/content/Images/00-CTC/5-In-the-Community/CMS-150px.jpg)
FAST FACT: The idea is inspired by the true story of students being able to share things they wish their teacher knew.
Nov 2022
The Puppetry Journal Gives Praise
The quarterly publication recognized Resident Designer & Crafts Specialist Magda Guichard's talents in a one-page article.![](/content/Images/00-CTC/5-In-the-Community/Puppets-150px.jpg)
FAST FACT: Magda is a former member of the Charlotte Roller Derby team.
Oct 2022