Business Details
21 Years
experience
Professional Theatre for Young Audiences in West Columbia, SC
Founded in 2005, Columbia Children's Theatre is a professional theater organization dedicated to creating transformative theatrical experiences for youth and families. Our mission centers on fostering inclusive community engagement while nurturing artistic growth through performance and education. With a team of professional actors and educators, we produce Mainstage shows that blend modern and classic plays, offering immersive audience participation opportunities. Our YouTheatre program provides grades 1-12 students with professional performance experiences, while educational initiatives include after-school classes, summer camps, and workshops led by visiting artists.We partner with schools through field trips and educator workshops to integrate arts into curricula. Housed in the Brookland Lakeview Empowerment Center since 2025, our facility supports community-building initiatives that have expanded through strategic hires and programming growth over two decades. Our leadership team combines artistic vision with operational expertise to maintain our position as a Midlands cultural cornerstone.
Services
Mainstage Shows
YouTheatre Performances
Arts Education Programs
Summer Camps
Field Trips
Workshops
Educator Resources
Details
- Year established: 2005
Highlights and features
- We offer professional Mainstage productions with audience participation elements
- Our YouTheatre program provides student actors grades 1-12 with professional theater experience
- We combine arts education with community engagement through workshops and field trips
- Our facility houses specialized programs for after-school classes and summer camps
- We partner with local schools to integrate arts into educational curricula
Services
Mainstage Shows
Professional actors perform family-friendly productions with interactive elements. Our Mainstage season features modern adaptations and classic plays designed to engage young audiences. Each performance incorporates audience participation to create immersive theatrical experiences.
YouTheatre Program
Performance opportunities for students grades 1-12 in fully staged productions. The program includes age-specific shows like Peanut Butter & Jelly Players for younger students and CCTeens for older performers. Summer productions feature mixed-age casts.
Arts Education
After-school classes, summer camps, and workshops teach theatrical skills to youth. Programs cover acting techniques, stagecraft, and performance preparation. Visiting artists provide specialized instruction in various theater disciplines.
Community Engagement
Field trip programs bring school groups to live performances. Educator workshops train teachers to integrate arts into classroom curricula. Community partnerships expand access to theatrical experiences for diverse audiences.
Special Events
Annual fundraising events like the Storybook Scramble 5K support theater operations. Gala events feature themed performances and donor recognition. Season announcements and auditions provide community performance opportunities.
People
Jerry Stevenson
Artistic Director
Co-founder with 20+ years of theater leadership experience. Oversees artistic vision and production quality. Specializes in youth-focused theatrical adaptations and community engagement strategies.
Jim Litzinger
Technical Director
Co-founder responsible for technical production and facility operations. Manages set design, lighting, and sound systems. Ensures technical excellence in all Mainstage and YouTheatre performances.
Anna Swearingen
Artistic Associate
Key production staff member with expertise in youth performance training. Directs educational programs and assists with casting. Develops curriculum for after-school and summer programs.
Donna Harvey
Costumer
Theater arts specialist managing costume design and wardrobe operations. Creates period and character-specific costumes for all productions. Provides technical support during performances.
Lisa Sendler
Artistic Associate
Production team member with experience in youth theater education. Assists with directing and choreography. Coordinates workshop content and teaching artist collaborations.
Questions
What age groups attend Mainstage performances?
Our Mainstage shows are designed for family audiences with recommended age ranges specified for each production. Most performances suit children ages 4-14 with parental guidance.
How can students participate in YouTheatre productions?
Auditions are open to grades 1-12 students. Summer shows accept all experience levels. Regular season productions include age-specific casts with roles for beginners through advanced performers.
Do you offer group discounts for school field trips?
Yes, we provide discounted group rates for school field trips. Educational packages include pre-show study guides and post-performance discussion opportunities with cast members.
What safety measures are in place for youth programs?
All staff undergo background checks. Programs maintain 1:8 staff-to-student ratios. Emergency protocols include parent contact systems and on-site first-aid trained personnel.
Can educators access theater resources for classroom use?
Yes, our educator workshops provide curriculum integration tools. We offer lesson plans aligned with state arts standards and professional development credits for participating teachers.
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