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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

 Education Coordinator

Hunter Minor

 Co-Education Coordinator & 
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