About
At CCT we educate and involve young people of all backgrounds in the theatre arts. Through our programs we foster self-esteem and self-discovery by emphasizing discipline, integrity, team-building, and communication skills in a positive and creative environment. We promote access to theatre arts for families who do not have regular opportunities to appreciate theatre in their lives because of either economic, cultural, or other barriers.
"Transforming families through the power of the stage"
Meet Our Staff
Our staff is truly dedicated to the passions of theatre and strongly believe that our classes help transform lives.
Susan Pringle
Executive Director
Zac DelMonte
Artistic Director
Brian Altiere
Production Manager
Jackie Benedict
Company Manager
Kate Mason
Hunter Minor
Goldsmith Artist in Residence
Brooke Stiles
Marketing & Engagement Coordinator
CCT Scenic Staff
Chris Crawford
Technical Director
Gordon Ballou
Shop Foreman
Jordan Frey
Scenic Charge Artist
Christian Wade
Carpenter
Rowan Winterwood
Lead Technician / Carpenter
Board of Trustees
Nick Fortine – President
Columbus Business First
Amy E. Haid – Vice President
Nationwide
Joanne Goldhand –
Immediate Past President
Ice Miller LLP
Danette Clarno –
Treasurer
McDonald’s Corporation
Laurie Riebel – Secretary
Community Volunteer
Members
Carla Donev
NiSource
Kristen M. Brant
PNC
Danette T. Clarno
McDonald’s Corporation
Billy Fischer
WillowTree
Jourdan Day
Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP
Maggie L. Ellison
Event Marketing Strategies
Michael Bowman
Global Tax Management
Colin J. Kalvas
Brickler & Eckler LLP
Noah Jellison
Ernst & Young LLP
Kate Spirko
Target
Linda Swearingen
CASTO
Jeffrey J. Sweet
AEP
Angela Tavrell
CoverMyMeds
Gregory Tavrell
Huntington National Bank
Emeritus Board
Giacomo Conte
Linda Swearingen
Our History
For 58 years, the CCT (Columbus Children’s Theatre) has been a local treasure. We were founded as the Columbus Junior Theatre (CJT) by Evelyn “Sis” Bloom, who had a distinguished career in media and communications in Columbus. CJT was the first of its kind to offer classes in theatre and production experience for children throughout Central Ohio.
After breaking box office records every year, we made a move from a 99-seat space to a 170-seat theatre at 512 Park Street in 1997. In 1998, CJT changed its name to Columbus Children’s Theatre.
In 2000, we were recognized as a “Major Institution in Columbus” by the Ohio Arts Council, the Greater Columbus Arts Council, and The Columbus Foundation. That same year, CCT commissioned its first full musical, The Druid Tree, which premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland.
We began to reach more students when we acquired the 15,000 square foot facility at 177 E. Naghten in 2012. Our academy expanded rapidly with the addition of classes and summer camps..
Our work continues to win awards from the theatre community. In 2017, CCT’s Summer Youth Performance Conservatory was internationally recognized for Once on This Island Jr, which won Excellence in Music and Excellence in Performance, Female (Sara Tuohy) at the Junior Theatre Festival.
In early 2020, we sold the Park Street Theatre to focus on theatre education and a limited number of productions at The Lincoln Theatre. Partnerships with The Actors’ Theatre, Short North Stage, CATCO is Kids, Eastmoor Academy, Columbus Museum of Art and BalletMet have become increasingly important as we strive to maximize impact.
But, we do so much more than sing, dance, and delight.
We offer an authentic, inclusive theatre experience, which entertains, nurtures, and makes a lasting impact on the individuals and communities we serve. Our work is important to anyone who values the arts and the impact of the arts on young people