COLUMBIA CHILDRENS THEATRE

Programs

1. 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.

   $40,024 spent$15,869 earned by the program
   45% of program spending

2. 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.

   $29,781 spent$81,587 earned by the program
   33% of program spending

3. Columbia Children's Theatre's Education initiative offers a wide range of training opportunities in acting, singing, dance, improvisation, directing, designing, and creative play for students from age three through 12th grade, with all classes taught by professional artists and experienced theatre educators from local school districts. In the most recent season, this program provided 22 after-school classes and 31 week-long summer camps, serving a total of 1,041 students. Additionally, year-long in-school residencies at two local elementary schools introduced 285 students to the fundamentals of theatre, culminating in performances for friends and family. As part of the Education initiative, Columbia Children's Theatre also offers highly sought-after, hands-on internships to middle and high school students, providing them with once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to work side-by-side with industry professionals and gain practical experience in technical theatre. In the past season, 20 student interns honed their skills as scenic artists, builders, costumers, lighting designers, and assistant stage managers, preparing them for future success in the arts and beyond.

   $20,000 spent$138,744 earned by the program
   22% of program spending

4. Other program services, not described on the e-filed return.

   $0 spent
   0% of program spending

The 4 programs described on its FY2024 Form 990, listed largest first by expense. Program spending in total: $89,805.