Seussical, the Musical, Jr
Audition dates: February 19 and 20 2024

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Years in Review with Photos

President's Annual Report 2020 - 2021

President's Annual Report

Click here for the report in Pdf format

  

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The Children’s Theatre, Inc.  
President’s Annual Report  
2020 – 2021
 


PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE:  
 
We at The Children’s Theatre, Inc. are reflecting on our 26th season. It was a year of recovery as the world, and our community in central Delaware, were recuperating from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. We were finally able to get back into Reith Hall, but it was about halfway into when a normal season would have started. Despite this we were still able to put on two shows.
 
We were able to put on one show during our regular season timeframe, Disney’s Lion King Jr. (May 2021). It was a fun-filled musical put together with a lot of help from the local community and parents. The costumes and set pieces were very elaborate and we had some help on the musical side from a local group of Sankofa drummers.
 
And thanks to our volunteers at The Children’s Theatre, Inc. we managed to put on a second show (one planned for last season) during the summer. It was the classic and delightful tale Jack and the Magic Beans (August 2021). The actors and their families were excited to have something to do during the summer and they put on quite a show. The elaborate costumes, magic beanstalk and booming voice of our giant made for lots of laughs and enjoyment for our audience members.
 
Steven Mercer  
President, Board of Directors
 
MISSION  
 
The mission of the Children’s Theatre, Inc. is to foster and encourage children in the development of and commitment to the highest standard of theatre through instruction, direction, and production of quality performances, whereby, its audiences may gain an appreciation for the arts.  
 
GRANTS  
 
Luckily, funding came by the way of our grants from Kent County Fund for the Arts and The Delaware Division of the Arts in order to afford our successful Disney’s Lion King Jr. production and our Jack and the Magic Beans summer show. We are most appreciative of their continued support.
 
Our productions are supported in part by The Delaware Division of the Arts, a state agency, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. The Division promotes Delaware arts events on www.DelawareScene.com.
 
 

div arts logo www.artsdel.org 8211021
www.arts.gov
www.DelawareScene.com


 
 
 
The good news is that our grant writers have done it, once again! The Children’s Theatre, Inc. received funding for the 2021-2022 season from these same state and county organizations. The Delaware Division of the Arts awarded us $2,700 for this season. We also received a $2,500 grant from The Kent County Fund for the Arts for use in our musical production.  As stated earlier, we are grateful for the opportunities and support that we have received from these organizations.
 
Special thanks go to Craig Horleman who wrote coverage for the Disney’s Lion King Jr., Gary Emeigh who took phots for both the Disney’s Lion King Jr. and Jack and the Magic Beans and Dee Emeigh who wrote the Jack and the Magic Beans article. We thank the Delaware State News for their enthusiastic support and press coverage of our productions.  
 
AUDIENCE COUNT  
 
Our Disney’s Lion King Jr. sold out to a pandemic-reduced audience at the Schwartz Center for the Arts, for a total of three shows, with an additional two school showings. Jack and the Magic Beans sold a total of 219 tickets for our evening and matinee performances.
 
Report of Visitor Count of State-Owned Buildings
 
Event    Visitors    Notes
Workshops    45    20 Workshop 1, 25 Workshop 2
Auditions    120    40 children Lion King, 20 children Jack and the Magic Beans, 1 parent per child (60 children + 60 parents)
Play 1- Musical    2,800    (35 children + 35 parents) x 40 practices (70 x 4 x 10)
Play 2    798    (19 children + 19 parents) x 21 practices (38 x 21)
Directors    162    Directors attending the practices (2 x 21) and (3 x 40)
Return of sets, props, & costumes to OBC    40    Parents and children assisted in moving set pieces to and from Old Brick Church to the Schwartz Center. (20 people x 2 days)
Cast Parties    188    Actors and family members in Reith Hall
Total Visitors    4,153    
2020-2021 SEASON  
 
Disney’s The Lion King, Jr. (May 2021)
 
Thirty-five children performed in this popular musical at The Schwartz Center for the Arts. We broke tradition with this show. Due to the pandemic we had limited seating and sold out our two regular shows rather quickly. We added an additional show and sold that one out, too. In addition, we put on two school shows, again due to limited seating. With great musical accompaniment, including a team-up with local Sankofa drummers, a large, African-themed set and colorful and creative costumes the audience loved the show.

TheLionKingFromPresRepSm
 
 
Jack and the Magic Beans (August 2021)
 
Nineteen children performed in this classic tale at The Schwartz Center for the Arts. Hundreds of theater goers enjoyed this whimsical show. Amid the “fee-fie-foe-fum,” there were moments of laughter and drama. The cow and chicken costumes were big hits, as was the magic beanstalk as it soared toward the rafters at the end of Act I. The audience was even offered magic beans by the bean seller during intermission.
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SPONSORS
 
Our corporate and organizational sponsors for this brief season were (in alpha order):
 
The Delaware State University
Dover City Council
Edelman Spine & Orthopaedic Physical Therapy
Forney’s Too
The Law Offices of Baird, Mandalas & Brockstedt
Law Office of Laura A. Yiengst, LLC
Northgate Laundromat
Papen Farms, Inc.
Pizza Delight by Giacomo
S&S Auto Detailing
 
Additionally, we had several parents, grandparents and theater fans who also donated to our organization, out of the love of the arts and/or their family.
 
If you or your business would like to be a sponsor to our tax-exempt organization, please send your check to The Children’s Theatre, Inc. c/o Treasurer, P.O. Box 823, Dover, Delaware 19903. Please consider making your tax-deductible donation through our website, www.thechildrenstheatre.org, our Facebook page, or through your purchase at Amazon Smiles. We thank you in advance for your generous support.  
 
 
ClendanielSmSCHOLARSHIPS
Each year, we offer scholarships to two deserving high school seniors for $500 each. This scholarship is named The Kaitlyn Clendaniel Memorial Scholarship.

 
 
NickoSmThis year we awarded the scholarship to Nikolas Mandalas, a senior in the Capital School District. After reviewing his application, letters of reference, community service and commitment to The Children’s Theatre, Inc., Niko Mandalas was a perfect candidates for this award, which is now in its eighth year.  
 
Niko is attending Temple University where he is majoring in Business Management. We wish Niko the best of luck as he begins his college studies, and we invite him to visit us during his semester breaks.
 
 
 
 
 

The Children’s Theatre’s proposed 2021-2022 Season
 
 
Synopsis: The Herdmans are the worst kids in the history of the world–so when they crash Sunday school and demand parts in the Christmas pageant, the whole town panics. There’s not supposed to be biting or cigar-smoking in Bethlehem, and while these kids have never even heard the Christmas story, they definitely have rewrites! Soon everyone is calling for reluctant director Grace Bradley to cancel the whole thing. It’s up to the Bradleys and the Reverend to help their community see the Christmas story and the Herdman kids through new eyes in this buoyant musical adaptation of the funny and touching holiday classic. Auditions dates: October 4 & 5, 2021, Performance dates: December 4 & 5, 2021, Program Venue: Schwartz Center for the Arts, Dover, DE
 
 
Synopsis: The Princess and the Pea story revolves around the search for a ’true princess’ for Prince Peter.  The kingdom can remain free only as long as there is a Royal King and Queen on the throne, but only a ’true princess’ can pass the test, marry the Prince and succeed to the throne.  She must be able to feel a small pea through twenty mattresses.  The search for a royal princess carries Peter through a host of exciting adventures that will entertain youngsters from start to finish. Auditions dates: January 17 & 18, 2022, Performance dates: March 12 & 13, 2022, Program Venue: Schwartz Center for the Arts, Dover, DE  
 
 
Synopsis: The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition is a one-hour adaptation of The Wizard of Oz, specially tailored for elementary and middle school-aged actors. The materials have been prepared to help your school or organization mount the best possible production and to give your young cast and crew an exciting and rewarding experience. Auditions dates: March 21 & 22, 2022, Performance dates: May 14, 15 & 15, 2022, Program Venue: Schwartz Center for the Arts, Dover, DE
 
 
TICKETS: All seats for all public shows are $10. Audition information is available on our website and Facebook page.

 

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Vice-President’s Annual Report 2019 – 2020

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The Children’s Theatre, Inc.

Vice-President’s Annual Report

2019 – 2020

VICE-PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE:

We at The Children’s Theatre, Inc. are reflecting on our 25th, and most tumultuous, season so far. We were unable to put a full program together due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but we were able to have a very successful showing of Elf, The Musical, Jr., a timely classic performed during the holiday season. It was our first show to feature individual microphones for our leads and involved some very elaborate set pieces.

Our second show, Sherlock Holmes, was just one week away from being performed at the Schwartz Theatre when everything was shut down “temporarily.” The actors continued practicing while awaiting word on the resumption of the performance, but it never came to be. Additionally, Jack and the Magic Beans, our final show of the season, was indefinitely postponed.

Steven Mercer

Vice-President, Board of Directors

MISSION

The mission of the Children’s Theatre, Inc. is to foster and encourage children in the development of and commitment to the highest standard of theatre through instruction, direction, and production of quality performances, whereby, its audiences may gain an appreciation for the arts.

GRANTS

Luckily, funding came by the way of our grants from Kent County Fund for the Arts and The Delaware Division of the Arts in order to afford our successful Elf, The Musical, Jr. production.  Funding from The Delaware Division of the Arts was divided equally between our two shows of the season.  We are most appreciative of their continued support.
Our productions are supported in part by The Delaware Division of the Arts, a state agency, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. The Division promotes Delaware arts events on www.DelawareScene.com.


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www.artsdel.org

www.arts.gov

www.DelawareScene.com

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The good news is that our grant writers have done it, once again! The Children’s Theatre, Inc. received funding for the 2019-2020 season from these same state and county organizations. The Delaware Division of the Arts awarded us $2,300 initially, with another $1,000 coming through the Cares Act, helping those affected the pandemic shutdown. We also received a $2,500 grant from The Kent County Fund for the Arts.  As stated earlier, we are grateful for the opportunities and support that we have received from these organizations.

Special thanks go to Andre LaMar of the Dover Post and Gary Emeigh and Ashton Brown of the Delaware State News for their enthusiastic support and press coverage of our productions.

AUDIENCE COUNT

Our only production, Elf, The Musical, Jr. to go live, which included public and school shows, performed to sold-out crowds all three times at the Schwartz Center for the Arts.

Report of Visitor Count of State-Owned Buildings

Event

Visitors

Notes

Auditions

200

50 children each play, 1 parent per child (50 children + 50 parents x 2 shows)

Play 1- Musical

3,080

35 children + 35 parents x 4 practices per week x 11 weeks (35 children +35 parents x 4 x 11)

Play 2

1,440

30 children + 30 parents x 3 practices per week x 8 weeks (30 children + 30 parents x 3 x 8

Return of sets, props, & costumes to Old Brick Church

40

Parents and children assisted in moving set pieces to and from Old Brick Church to the Schwartz Center. (20 people x 2 days)

Total Visitors

4,760

2019-2020 SEASON

ELF, The Musical, JR. (December 2019)

Thirty-five children performed in this modern musical at The Schwartz Center for the Arts. We had sold-out crowds for both our public shows and the school show, which was offered at half price tickets for students and teachers. With great musical accompaniment, elaborate set pieces and “snow” falling from the rafters, the crowds were mesmerized by the comedic affair. Children in the audience were even allowed to visit “Santa” during intermission at our two public shows.

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Sherlock Holmes (March 2020)

Thirty children practiced for eight weeks to put on their mysterious show at The Schwartz Center for the Arts. We were one week away from presenting when the governor shut down all public spaces due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The actors continued to practice virtually via Zoom, but attempts to find an outdoor venue were unsuccessful and, alas, the show did not go on.

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SPONSORS

Our corporate and organizational sponsors for this brief season were (in alpha order):

The Delaware State University
Dover City Council
Edelman Spine & Orthopaedic Physical Therapy
The Law Offices of Baird, Mandalas & Brockstedt
Forney’s Too
Law Office of Laura A. Yiengst, LLC
Northgate Laundromat
Papen Farms, Inc.
Pizza Delight by Giacomo
S&S Auto Detailing
Wesley College


 Additionally, we had several parents, grandparents and theater fans who also donated to our organization, out of the love of the arts and/or their family.

If you or your business would like to be a sponsor to our tax-exempt organization, please send your check to The Children’s Theatre, Inc. c/o Treasurer, P.O. Box 823, Dover, Delaware 19903. Please consider making your tax-deductible donation through our website, www.thechildrenstheatre.org, our Facebook page, or through your purchase at Amazon Smiles. We thank you in advance for your generous support.

SCHOLARSHIPS

image008Each year, scholarships have been presented to two deserving high school seniors for $500 each. This season, in honor of one of our most dedicated actors and her untimely passing, we renamed our scholarship: The Kaitlyn Clendaniel Memorial Scholarship. The two recipients this year were Shantai Napolitano and Tierney Bowen.

Their applications, letters of reference, community service and commitment to The Children’s Theatre, Inc., made them perfect candidates for this award, which is now in its seventh year.

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Shantai is staying local at Wesley College where she is studying Communications, a skill strengthened through her theater experience. Tierney is attending Susquehanna University, where she continues with her singing skills in Chorus.

We wish them the best of luck as they begin their college studies, and we invite them to visit us during their semester breaks.

The Children’s Theatre’s proposed 2020-2021 Season

Synopsis: Winter Workshop, children will be taught some choreography and act out some fairy tale stories, complete with costuming and makeup. View website link after December 5, 2020.

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Synopsis: Lion King, Jr., the Musical, Disney's The Lion King has captivated the imagination of audiences around the world. The African savannah comes to life on stage with Simba, Rafiki and an unforgettable cast of characters as they journey from Pride Rock to the jungle... and back again, in this inspiring, coming-of-age tale. Audition dates: February 8, 9, 10 & 11, 2020. Performance dates: Saturday, May 8 at 7:00 P.M. and Sunday, May 9, at 2:00 P.M. Venue: Schwartz Center for the Arts, Dover, DE Tickets: $10 per seat, purchased through Eventbrite or at the door.


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Synopsis: Jack and the Magic Beans. This classic tale is based on the original English source of Jack Spriggins and the Enchanted Bean, however, in this retelling of the tale, you will be enlightened and entertained by the cast of characters that to some, may have been unknown in this story, but will be sure to enhance, delight, and bring laughter to those in the audience regardless of age, as Jack, the hero of the tale, not only climbs the beanstalk and faces a giant, but rescues the kidnapped monarch of the kingdom. Auditions dates: TBD Summer Program Performance dates: TBD Summer Program Venue: Schwartz Center for the Arts, Dover, DE

Tickets: $10 per seat, purchased through Eventbrite or at the door.

TICKETS: All seats for all public shows are $10. Audition information is available on our website and Facebook page.

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2017 - 2018 Year in Review with Photos

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The Children’s Theatre, Inc.

President’s Annual Report

2017- 2018

As my two-year tenure comes to an end, I can reflect back on a very easy and productive first year and a more challenging second year due to the closing of The Schwartz Center during the 2017-2018 season.  

In an effort to locate other production venues, we were fortunate enough to procure our former site of Wells Theatre for two of our four plays. Actually, our other two plays opened at The Schwartz Center for the Arts. We were the only organization granted permission to use the site (outside of Wesley College and Delaware State University.) Our parent volunteers ran every aspect of the theatres, which consisted of the box office, lights, sound, ushers, concessions, and most of all, the massive effort of cleaning the theatres before and after each production. Once again, we were advised that The Children’s Theatre, Inc., left the sites better than we found them.

Another obstacle occurred during the winter rehearsal months. The water pipes froze and burst in Old Brick Church causing water damage and restricted use of the building. There is currently a contract bid for repair on the building; however, work has not yet begun. The huge volunteer effort to clean out OBC, to purge old and unusable items and to store costumes, props, sets etc., in a 40 ft. storage trailer behind OBC, went beyond just helping with a massive task. Sincere appreciation and thanks go out to any and all who donated their time to accomplish this task.

Recently, we met with the state who is about to begin another project concerning Reith Hall (our rehearsal space) for asbestos abatement of roofing shingles and a replacement roof. All of these improvements/repairs did cast a pall on our plans for our annual summer camp. However, we anticipate having summer camps in the future.

However, most of our goals were met including a revised, user-friendly website. We have had a lot of compliments on its design. Thanks to grants from The Delaware Division of the Arts and the Kent County Fund for the Arts, we had a great season, including a sold-out school show for our musical production! Despite some setbacks we have proven that The Children’s Theatre, Inc., is a valuable asset to our community. Once again, mission accomplished!

MISSION

The mission of the Children’s Theatre, Inc. is to foster and encourage children in the development of and commitment to the highest standard of theatre through instruction, direction, and production of quality performances, whereby, its audiences may gain an appreciation for the arts.

GRANTS

Luckily, funding came by the way of our grants from Kent County Fund for the Arts and The Delaware Division of the Arts in order to afford our successful ANNIE production. John Clendaniel and his set building team created a two-story, Daddy Warbucks’ mansion set that rivaled any Broadway production, in my opinion! This was The Children’s Theatre’s most expensive and expansive set to date! Funding from The Delaware Division of the Arts was divided equally between our four shows of the season. We are most appreciative of their continued support.

  

The good news, is that our grant writers have done it, once again! The Children’s Theatre, Inc. received funding for the 2018-2019 season from these same state and county organizations. The Delaware Division of the Arts awarded us $2,600. Those adjudicating the grants were looking especially for collaboration with other non-profit organizations. We received a $2,500 grant from The Kent County Fund for the Arts. As stated earlier, we are grateful for the opportunities and support that we have received from these organizations.

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Receiving the $2,500 grant check from the Kent County Fund for the Arts for this season’s musical are Patricia Beetschen, President, and Sharon Crossen, grant writer. Presenting the check at the awards luncheon are Joshua Twilley and Rosemary Twilley, founders of the KCFA. (Absent from the photo is John Clendaniel, grant writer.

www.artsdel.org

www.arts.gov

www.DelawareScene.com

Our productions are supported in part by The Delaware Division of the Arts, a state agency, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. The Division promotes Delaware arts events on www.DelawareScene.com.

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Report of Visitor Count of State Owned Buildings

In reporting our Visitor Count to the state, I am pleased to announce that our numbers were high, even though we have had some “bumps in the road” of roofing and building repairs on OBC and Reith Hall! From July 2017 - July 2018, we have had approximately 9,721 visitors come through the doors of Reith Hall/Old Brick Church!

2017-2018 Season

A Dickens Christmas Carol (November 2017)

We started out with an old familiar holiday season classic which was performed at The Schwartz Center for the Arts. This show had a cast of 40 students that, together, brought the lessons of reflection, change, kindness and joy to a welcoming and appreciative audience.

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A Night at the Wax Museum (January 2018)

Our second show, A Night at the Wax Museum brought museum “statues” to life in a rollicking, fun and captivating show that was well received by the audience at our Wells Auditorium venue in Wesley College.

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ANNIE: The Musical (March 2018)

Our third show, ANNIE: The Musical, was by far our most ambitious project to date. With a cast of 47 students and an amazing set design, Annie, not only gave valuable life lessons but enthralled the audience with melodically pleasing voices and brilliant portrayals of characters that delighted all that attended the shows. Our school show performance was sold out and gave many school children an opportunity to see live musical theatre on the beautiful Schwartz Center for the Arts stage.

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Lady Pirates of the Caribbean (May 2018)

Our fourth and final show of the season was a new play for The Children’s Theatre, Inc. and the debut play for director, Martia McGinnis. This surprising and fun show was as much fun for the 32 actors to do as it was for the audience to see. Performed on stage at Wells Auditorium in Wesley College, this show captivated and captured the attention and delight of audience members right to the surprise ending!

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COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

May 2018

Following our last show of the season, Lady Pirates of the Caribbean, The Children’s Theatre, Inc. was invited by the community coordinator of Bowers Beach, DE to perform at their Annual Pirate Festival on Memorial Day Weekend. This entire 10-minute musical skit was composed, choreographed and directed by senior, Anthony Quinene who accomplished this monumental feat within five days prior to the event!


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The Children’s Theatre’s “Pirates” perform at the Bowers Beach Pirate Festival

SPONSORS

Our coffers were enhanced with donations in categories: $50 (BRONZE), $100 (SILVER), $150 (GOLD), $200 (PLATINUM), and $500 and up (DIAMOND). We look forward to these and additional sponsors for the 2018-2019 Season.

 Diamond

James & Marina Rogin

Law Offices of Laura A. Yiengst, LLC

Edelman Spine & Orthopaedic Therapy

Platinum Sponsors

Patricia Parsons–Beetschen

Joseph & Sharon Crossen

Kristi M. Galloway

The Law Offices of Baird, Mandalas & Brockstedt, LLC

Gold Sponsors

Northgate Laundromat

John & Deborah DeMarie

Jiffy Lube Lewes

Silver Sponsors

Ross & Joni Jahren

Matt & Marie Hartigan

Bronze Sponsors

Cassidy Yiengst

Kylie Yiengst

Andrew & Pam Lloyd

Jenna & Kaitlyn Clendaniel

Pamela Johnson

If you or your business would like to be a sponsor to our tax-exempt organization, please send your check to The Children’s Theatre, Inc. c/o Treasurer, P.O. Box 823, Dover, Delaware 19903. All donations are tax deductible. Your name will be printed on all programs for the 2018-2019 season. We thank you in advance for your generous support.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Scholarships were presented to two deserving high school seniors for $500 each. The scholarship committee recommended Kaitlyn Clendaniel and Mionya Mosley for this honor. Their applications, letters of reference, community service and commitment to The Children’s Theatre, Inc. made them perfect candidates for this award, which is now in its fifth year. Kaitlyn will be attending Delaware State University pursuing a Nursing degree, while Mionya (Mya) Mosley will begin her studies at Polytech working toward a career as a Medical Assistant. We wish them the best of luck as they begin their college studies, and we invite them to visit us during their semester breaks.

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Kaitlyn Clendaniel        Mionya (Mya) Mosley

VOLUNTEERS RECOGNIZED

Once again, The Children’s Theatre, Inc., presented volunteer awards. Plaques for our Volunteer-of-the-Year 2017-2018 honorees were presented to Dawn Mandalas, Apryl and Bill Peppard, Carol-Ann and Rolf Harding, and Glenn Mandalas as they were called to the stage at Wells Auditorium in Wesley College for recognition during intermission at our final production, Lady Pirates of the Caribbean. We thank them and all of our volunteers for giving of their time and talent. Please contact any board member to see how you may become a volunteer.

As reported at our August 29, 2018, Annual Meeting, our financial picture remains strong according to our treasurer, John Clendaniel.

This 2017 – 2018 year in review was prepared by Patricia Beetschen, and presented at the annual meeting on August 29, 2018.

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President’s Annual Report 2016-2017

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The Children’s Theatre, Inc.

President’s Annual Report

2016-2017

This 2016 – 2017 Season was the first year of my privilege of being President of this wonderful organization. I am looking forward to the new 2017-2018 season as we adapt and grow stronger in many ways. I think our play choices for this upcoming year will be very successful and although we all hope to have The Schwartz Center for the Arts reopen, we have gained a venue of Wells Theatre in Wesley College to begin our performance date schedule. I know many have expressed concerns over a venue but we, as the strong organization that we have become, will find a way to keep the arts in our community. A great many of our goals have been met, and we have more exciting ones ahead that we will strive to achieve as we forge on with our mission.

MISSION

The mission of the Children’s Theatre, Inc. is to foster and encourage children in the development of and commitment to the highest standard of theatre through instruction, direction, and production of quality performances, whereby, its audiences may gain an appreciation for the arts.

GRANTS

  

Fortunately, we received grant funds for the 2016-2017 season: ($1,700) from DE Division

of the Arts, which allowed us to focus on all four-regular season shows. The $2,500 grant received from the Kent County Fund for the Arts helped with the extraordinary expenses incurred with a Broadway musical.

With our MUSIC MAN production, we were blessed to have Lori Connor, a local muralist/artist to create a beautiful train scene on five flats which set the stage for this fabulous musical. This was the largest cast ever to be on stage for The Children’s Theatre. It was our intention to do The Sound of Music for our musical, but there were licensing restrictions, which made us go to our backup plan, The Music Man. Lori also did the flats for the forest in ROBIN HOOD. Both professionally painted sets, like her castle flats for last year’s shows, will remain unchanged and used in future productions.

 

The good news is simply this: our grant writers have done it, once again! The Children’s Theatre, Inc. received funding for the 2017-2018 season from these same state and county organizations. The Delaware Division of the Arts awarded us $2,000. Those adjudicating the grants were looking especially for collaboration with other non-profit organizations. They were delighted with our Maurice Sendak partnership with the Delaware libraries last summer. We received a $2,000 grant from The Kent County Fund for the Arts. We are grateful for the opportunities and support that we have received from these organizations.

In reporting our Visitor count to the state, I am pleased to announce that our numbers have doubled! From July 2016 -July 2017, we have had approximately 10,281 visitors come through the doors of Reith Hall/Old Brick Church in the 2016-2017 season!

KENT COUNTY FUND FOR THE ARTS AWARDS LUNCHEON

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Receiving the $2,000 grant check from the Kent County Fund for the Arts for this season’s musical are Patricia Beetschen, President, and Sharon Crossen, grant writer. Presenting the check at the awards luncheon are Joshua Twilley and Rosemary Twilley, founders of the KCFA. (Absent from the photo is John Clendaniel, grant writer.

www.artsdel.org

www.arts.gov

www.DelawareScene.com

Our productions are supported in part by The Delaware Division of the Arts, a state agency, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. The Division promotes Delaware arts events on www.DelawareScene.com.

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2016-2017 SHOWS

The Spell of Sleeping Beauty (November 2016)

The first show of the season brought an old favorite back to the stage. Originally performed as Patricia Beetschen’s directorial debut 15 years ago, this cast of 27 of our children/teens did an outstanding job telling the classic tale with a twist of a beautiful princess, an evil wicked fairy, a spell and a curse, good fairies and magic, but only the kiss of true love, just in time, would break the spell!

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Pollyanna (January 2017)

Pollyanna is a classic tale of the greatest optimist of all time. Alexia Nadel played the title role. Pollyanna, the little orphan, whose faith in her father’s promise of finding something good in any situation, by playing a “Glad Game” changed the hearts of townsfolk and her pessimistic and domineering Aunt Polly. With a cast of 21 students, the performance on stage warmed the hearts of many.

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The Music Man (March 2017)

With the largest cast that the Children’s Theatre ever assembled on stage (64), The Music Man, led by Josiah Rich as Harold Hill, a fast-talking, swindling salesman, initially mesmerizes the townsfolk with his con-man promise of a boy’s band with instruments. Once the uniforms and instruments arrive his plot soon backfires; Professor Hill has to decide whether to skip town before his true identity is revealed. However, his heart, stolen by the town librarian, (Bella Shade and Alexandra Cseke) makes leaving a con man’s dilemma.

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Robin Hood

Robin Hood, the final show of our season, brought the Merry Men together with their leader Robin Hood (Ace Clark) to aid the oppressed and halt the plans of evil Prince John. Robin’s sweetheart, Maid Marian, (Amanda Finney & Julianna Brenner) participate in the plot to return King Richard to power.

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COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

DOVER DAYS May 2017

A choreographed piece inspired by The Lion King was performed at The Schwartz Center for the Arts during the Dover Days celebration. This was a 20-minute show that explains the 'Circle of Life' through dance and movement. It was designed to make one feel confident within oneself. This piece created and choreographed by Tommy Price, a Children’s Theatre, Inc., alum, utilized a combination of several pop and current top hit songs and was enjoyed by many visitors.

The second offering for Dover Days was “Your Young Men Will See Visions," a short story performed as a one-man play by 14-year-old Nikolas Mandalas. It is the story told of an adolescent Delaware Native American who, on his vision quest, sees the first white men arriving. The story was written by Joseph L. Crossen, Ed.D.

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Dance inspired by The Lion King                               “Your Young Men Will See Visions”

Summer Theatrical Arts Workshop

July 31-August 4, 2017

The workshop was attended by 23 children (ages 8-13), who had an opportunity to learn and perform a complete, full-length play, after only one week of rehearsals! In between rehearsing they also had a lot of fun doing sidewalk chalk drawing, bubble blowing, theatre games, face painting, and other theatre arts activities. Along with the excellent assistance from our three teen volunteers, Kaitlyn Clendaniel, Kathyrn Suter, and Luana Spalluto, directors, Sharon Crossen and Patricia Beetschen, were amazed with the talent and commitment of these young actors. Without a stage, curtains, lights, and wings, this full-length play went off without a hitch in Reith Hall. Our standing room only audience was transfixed and transported into the medieval setting of The Princess Knight.

SPONSORS

Our coffers were enhanced with donations in categories: $50 (BRONZE), $100 (SILVER), $150 (GOLD), $200 (PLATINUM), and $500 and up (DIAMOND). We look forward to these and additional sponsors for the 2016-2017 Season.

 Diamond

James & Marina Rogin *

Mr. Paul Bunker*

Edelman Spine & Orthopaedic Therapy

Law Office of Laura A Yiengst, LLC

Joseph & Sharon Crossen

Estate of Shirley Clark

Platinum Sponsors

Patricia Parsons–Beetschen

Northgate Laundromat

Pizza Delight by Giacomo, Inc. (Store #1)

Kristi M. Galloway

Gold Sponsors

Michael & Sara Soules

McGinnis Auto & Mobile Home Salvage, LLC

Silver Sponsors

Ross Jahren

Kathleen, Paul & Viktor Kress

John & Deborah DeMarie

Matt & Marie Hartigan

Bronze Sponsors

Cassidy Yiengst

Kylie Yiengst

If you or your business would like to be a sponsor to our tax exempt organization, please send your check to The Children’s Theatre, Inc. c/o Treasurer, P.O. Box 823, Dover, Delaware 19903. All donations are tax deductible. Your name will be printed on all programs for the 2016-2017 season. We thank you in advance for your generous support.

*Founding members, Marina and Jim Rogin donated the Flatforms risers.

 *Paul Bunker gave a generous donation as a deduction from the price of our new transportation trailer.

As reported at our August 30, 2017, Annual Meeting, our financial picture remains strong according to our treasurer, John Clendaniel.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Scholarships were presented to two deserving high school seniors for $500 each. The scholarship committee recommended Amanda Finney and Rachel Sawicki for this honor. Their applications, letters of reference, community service and commitment to The Children’s Theatre, Inc. made them perfect candidates for this award, which is now in its fourth year. Amanda Finney will be attending the University of Pittsburgh majoring in Pre-Med, while Rachel will begin her studies at the University of Delaware in Communications. We wish them the best of luck as they begin their college studies, and we invite them to visit us during their semester breaks.

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                 Amanda Finney                            Rachel Sawicki

VOLUNTEERS RECOGNIZED

Once again, The Children’s Theatre, Inc., presented volunteer awards. Plaques for our Volunteer-of-the-Year 2016-2017 honorees were presented to Sheng Yang, Laura Nadel, Mary Bell Roisland, Steve Mercer and David Barish as they were called to the stage at the Schwartz Center for recognition during intermission at our final production, Robin Hood. We thank them and all of our volunteers for giving of their time and talent. Please contact any board member to see how you may become a volunteer.

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The Children’s Theatre’s 2017-2018 Season

TICKETS: All seats for all public shows are $10.

Auditions for A Dickens Christmas Carol: Tuesday, September 11, Wednesday, September 12 @ at Reith Hall, 304 South Governor’s Avenue, Dover, DE. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and close at 7:00 p.m. when auditions will begin. Rehearsals for those chosen for the cast are on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

The Venue for our first show, A Dickens Christmas Carol will be Wells Theatre, Wesley College (Slaybaugh Hall), in Dover, DE. Performance dates are November 18 @ 7:00 p.m. & Sunday (Matinee) @ 2:00 p.m.

Auditions for Night at the Wax Museum will be Monday, November 20 and Tuesday, November 21, doors open at 6:30 p.m. and close at 7:00 p.m. when auditions will begin. Performance dates are January 20-21, 2018.

Auditions for our musical are January 22 & 23, 2018. Performance dates are March 24, 25, and the school show will be on March 26.

Auditions for Lady Pirates of the Caribbean will be on March 26 & 27, 2018 and performance dates are May 19 & 20, 2018.

**Please note that dates are subject to change, the venue for our shows may change. Depending upon dates we receive to do our musical, we may have to adjust rehearsals and performance dates.



This 2016 - 2017 year in review was prepared by Patricia Beetschen and presented at the annual meeting on August 30, 2017.

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2015 - 2016 Year in Review with Photos

C R O S S E N ’S

O

R       Year in Review 2015 - 2016

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E        

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   This ends my tenure as president of this wonderful organization. It has been my pleasure to serve for the past two years. (Please check out last year’s 2015 report to see what you may have missed. It is posted under THE YEAR IN REVIEW 2014-2015 on the menu.) While here at the 2015-2016 YEAR IN REVIEW, why not check out this past season. A great many of our goals have been met, as we forged on with our mission.

MISSION

The mission of the Children’s Theatre, Inc. is to foster and encourage children in the development of and commitment to the highest standard of theatre through instruction, direction, and production of quality performances, whereby, its audiences may gain an appreciation for the arts.

GRANTS

  

   Fortunately, we received grant funds for the 2015-2016 season: ($1,700) from DE Division

of the Arts, which allowed us to focus on all four regular season shows. The $2,500 helped with the extraordinary expenses incurred with a Broadway musical. With our SHREK production, we were able to rent a carousel horse for Farquaad to ride, along with some special effects, i.e., a Pinocchio nose that could actually grow. Costuming, sets, props, and choreography were also costly. But, our outreach to school children at a reduced ticket price filled The Schwartz Center for the Arts to capacity for our school performance; indeed, it was a win-win for all.

  

   The good news is simply this: our grant writers have done it, again. The Children’s Theatre, Inc. received the same amount of funding for the 2016-2017 season from these same state and county organizations. Those adjudicating the grants were looking especially for collaboration with other non-profit organizations. They were delighted with our Maurice Sendak partnership with the Delaware libraries this summer. We are grateful for the opportunities and support these organizations have granted us

 

www.artsdel.org

www.arts.gov

www.DelawareScene.com
The Children's Theatre Inc. is supported, in part, by a grant from the
Delaware Division of the Arts
, a state agency, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. The Division promotes Delaware arts events on www.DelawareScene.com.

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SHOWS

SHREK: the MUSICAL (November, 2015)

   We started our season with a production that saw two of three performances SOLD OUT! The third show was almost sold out and record numbers saw a show that had not been done in this area, which added to its appeal. We had 47 young people take to the stage from ages 8-18 for the popular tale of SHREK: The MUSICAL. Our ogre, donkey, and princess(es) received rave reviews as did our entire cast of characters. Due to a Schwartz scheduling conflict, we benefited by switching our reserved dates. Thus, this show set a new record for gross gate receipts. Our “split” netted us $6,780.00. SHREK, on many levels, was a success.

      
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Snow Queen (January 2016)

Hans Christian Anderson’s SNOW QUEEN was scheduled for the January weekend that found our little Delaware in a State of Emergency blizzard. The Schwartz was forced to cancel all performances, but luckily was able to reschedule this beautiful production for the following weekend. Our Snow Queen dazzled the audience with her “FROZEN” tale. Gerde and Kay had quite an adventure as they met with good and evil characters.


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Alice in Wonderland (March 2016)

Alice in Wonderland captured its audiences with an adventure fit for a queen—The Queen of Hearts, that is. Alice reduced to a tiny size went down the rabbit hole and met all of Lewis Carroll’s classic characters: the White Rabbit, the Mad Hatter, the King and Queen of Hearts, the March Hare, the Duchess, and the Cheshire Cat, to name a few. “Off with their heads!” was the Queen’s constant threat. Decks of cards, executioners, Red and White Queens kept this show lively from start to finish.


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MY NAME IS RUMPELSTILTSKIN ( May 2016)

Rumpelstiltskin wove his magic spell on our season’s final production, Rumpelstiltskin Is My Name.

As often happens, a neophyte to theatre, walks in to audition and lands a title role. Never before on stage, Ace Clark, memorized countless lines and took on the posture, voice, movement, and total characterization of this wicked fairytale creature. He was supported by a fantastic cast of medieval characters, who sought to destroy his magical powers.


COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

DOVER DAYS

THE WIZARD of AHHHS!
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Tommy Price, former member of The Children’s Theatre, Inc. returned from his position at Disney World in Orlando, Florida to recreate his original modern, interpretive dance piece to Todrick Hall and Pentatonix’s, “The Wizard of Ahhhs!” in time for Dover Days. This free show at the Schwartz had parade route audiences stop in to see any one of our three performances. Obviously, they met all the familiar characters from L. Frank Baum’s Wizard of Oz.

REALLY ROSIE
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Almost three years ago, The Children’s Theatre, Inc. was asked to partner in the summer of 2016, with the Delaware Libraries to perform something from Maurice Sendak’s works while the Maurice Sendak Memorial Exhibition was on loan to the State of Delaware. John Clendaniel, then president of the board, asked if we could accommodate this request. We were thrilled to be the theatre group of record. Activities were planned by many organizations and Sharon Crossen, Ami Leaming, and Sydney Palmer took a musical for six characters, Really Rosie by Maurice Sendak with music by Carole King and expanded it to a cast of 14. This troupe opened the exhibit in Dover at the Schwartz, then performed in Sussex County at the Milton Theatre and in New Castle County at the Brandywine Hundred Library. We played to terrific audiences loaded with little children, parents, and grandparents. Mr. Mercer designed a flexible set that parents transported up and down the state. We thank all involved for giving up four weeks of intense rehearsals.

MAURICE SENDAK’S MONSTER PLAYED BY OUR JESSE RICH

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Story Hour with Ms. Jackie at the Dover Public Library

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THE JUNE IMPROV CAMP

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JUNE IMPROV CAMP
Melissa Brenner, founder of First State Improv, assisted by Erin Rich hosted two instructional theatre camps offering various activities for The Children’s Theatre, Inc., one in June and one in August. Both camps were filled to capacity (and beyond) as these talented children turned on their creative juices. No props, costumes, sets, were needed…just pure imagination and communication skills. At the end of each camp, an evening presentation demonstrating their skills was offered to parents and friends of the campers.

THE AUGUST IMPROV CAMP

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SPONSORS

Our coffers were enhanced with donations in categories: $50 (BRONZE), $100 (SILVER), $150 (GOLD), $200 (PLATINUM), and $500 and up (DIAMOND). We look forward to these and additional sponsors for the 2016-2017 Season.

 Diamond

James & Marina Rogin *

Ami Leaming

Law Office of Laura A Yiengst, LLC

Joseph & Sharon Crossen

Northgate Laundromat

Estate of Shirley Clark

 

Platinum Sponsors

Patricia Parsons–Beetschen

 

Gold Sponsors

Michael & Sara Soules

Edelman Spine & Orthopaedic Therapy

 

Silver Sponsors

Ross Jahren

Kathleen, Paul & Viktor Kress

John & Deborah DeMarie

 

Bronze Sponsors

Cassidy Yiengst

Kylie Yiengst

Brad and Karen Sawicki

 

If you or your business would like to be a sponsor to our tax exempt organization, please send your check to The Children’s Theatre, Inc. c/o Treasurer, P.O. Box 823, Dover, Delaware 19903. All donations are tax deductible. Your name will be printed on all programs for the 2016-2017 season. We thank you in advance for your generous support.

 

*Founding members, Marina and Jim Rogin donated the Flatforms (risers, portable staging) that we purchased this summer at for a total of three with their $2,400 donation. These will last a lifetime, and will give our directors elevation opportunities, galore. We thank them for their generosity and vision with this gift, something from which our children will truly benefit.

   As reported at our August 31, 2016, Annual Meeting, our financial picture remains strong according to our treasurer, Matthew Hartigan. An exit audit has been scheduled as officers change.


SCHOLARSHIPS

   Scholarships were presented to two deserving seniors for $500 each. The scholarship committee recommended Riley Anne Evans and Rose Slavin for this honor. Their applications, letters of reference, community service and ecommitment to The Children’s Theatre, Inc. made them perfect candidates for this award, which is now in its third year. Riley Anne will begin her nursing degree, while Rose will continue her studies in Theatre Arts. We wish them the best of luck as they begin their college studies, and we invite them to visit us during their semester breaks.

Riley Anne Evans    

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Rose Slavin

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VOLUNTEERS RECOGNIZED

Brought back last season by popular demand are our volunteer awards. Plaques for our Volunteer-of-the-Year 2015-2016 honorees were presented to Ali Bing, Jacqueline Pierce, Quianna & Jaime Nieves, and Kathy Szramka as they were called to the stage at the Schwartz Center for recognition during our final production. We thank them and all of our volunteers for giving of their time and talent. Please contact any board member to see how you may become a volunteer.

SPECIAL THANKS

This year, our administrative assistant, Patricia Beetschen, provided us with blasts concerning auditions and production information. Our data base continues to grow; if you are not on our email list, please notify us through our website www.thechildrenstheatre.org or Facebook/thechildrenstheatre,inc.


FOUNDERS’ DAY CELEBRATION

On June 15, 2016, a celebration of The Children’s Theatre’s, Inc.’s founders took place in our rehearsal space at Reith Hall. Plaques were presented honoring the five original members who had the vision to bring opportunities for children to experience theatre arts and audiences to enjoy fare that was appropriate for children and families. After 21 years, our organization continues to grow and prosper. We thank Ted Ressler (deceased), Marjorie Ressler, Marina Knipe Rogin, James Rogin, and Anne Evans (deceased) for their dedication to children and the arts.

 

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Pictured above are founders Jim and Marina Rogin, and former Children’s Theatre President, Diane Radnich as she presents the founders’ plaque to Marge Ressler at her residence. The new signage is also visible on our rehearsal space. It has been in the works for several years; after many hurdles, it took shape and now adorns our front edifice. We thank Kent Signs and Kathy Szramka for the design.

Gov. Carper presents proclamation to our Founders in 1995
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BOARD TRANSITION TEAM 2010 RECOGNIZED FOR VOLUNTEERISM

MOVING FROM OUR ORIGINAL REHEARSAL AND STORAGE SPACE AT WESLEY COLLEGE

(Wells Theatre) TO REITH HALL AND OLD BRICK CHURCH

           

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(Front row, from left) Terry Price and Pam Lloyd, (Middle row, from left) Diane Radnich, President at the time of the transition; Sharon Crossen, and Ami Leaming (Back row, from left) Kevin Sellers, Brad Sawicki, and Tom Gladu. Absent from the picture, John Clendaniel, Gwen Stubbolo,and Marjorie Ressler and Trish Suter


 

The Children’s Theatre’s 2016- 2017 Season

TICKETS: All seats for all public shows are $10. Seats are reserved. Our school show has a $5.00 ticket price. Tickets may be purchased through the Schwartz Center for the Arts at 302-678-5152 or

online at www.schwartzenter.com or in person at the box office is 226 S. State Street, Dover, DE.

 

           

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Auditions: Tuesday, September 6, and Wednesday, September 7:00 2016 at 6:30 P.M. at the Schwartz

Performances: Saturday, Nov. 12, 2016at7:00 P.M. and Sunday, Nov. 13, 2016 at 2:00 P.M.

 

SYNOPSIS: The Spell of Sleeping Beauty by Vera Morris"In the kingdom of Never Nod there’s celebration.  A princess has been born to the King and Queen.  Her name is Briar-Rose.  Unfortunately, that nasty witch, Evilina, who lives in Tumbledown Castle with a giant spider for a companion, is not invited.  She shows up anyway and pronounces her revenge.  At age 16, the princess will cut her finger on a spinning wheel and fall into a deep sleep from which she’ll never awake.  Some good witches counter the curse by saying the princess can be awakened by the kiss of true love.  The King bans all spinning wheels.  Evilina is not so easily defeated and, on that fateful birthday, the princess does, indeed, cut her finger on a spinning wheel.  It’s up to Prince Alexander to come to Briar-Rose’s rescue — and the court’s too.  They’re all asleep!  The prince must fight a Wall of Thorns, a False Princess and, most frightening of all — the awesome Dark Knight!  This captivating, frolicsome version of the always-popular classic has it all — charm, action, romance, comedy, thrills, plus zany and lovable characters.  Suitable for all age groups."

          

   
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AUDITIONS:
Tuesday,November 15, 2016 and Wednesday, November 16, 2016 at 6:30 P.M.at the Schwartz

PERFORMANCES: January 14, 2017 at 7:00 P.M. and January 15, 2017 at 2:00 P.M.

SYNOPSIS: This is the delightful, classic tale of the greatest optimist of all time...  Pollyanna.  But it’s much more than that.  It’s the story how a little girl’s faith in her father’s promise — that you can find something good about anything that happens — guides her steadfastly through circumstances that most adults would find formidable.  Pollyanna becomes an orphan, and she is placed into the care of her purely pessimistic and domineering aunt.  Talk about difficult circumstances-the clash of hope and doubt meeting under the same roof!  The town itself isn’t much better.  Led by a ’fire and brimstone’ pastor whose favorite Bible verse is ’Woe unto you,’ folks are always complaining, feeling sorry for themselves and viewing their existence as dark and dreary.  Yet, Pollyanna faithfully plays her ’glad game,’ innocently teaching it to others wherever she goes.  The hired help, such as maid Nancy, cook Mrs. Durgin, and gardener Old Tom, seem to catch on first.  Other townspeople like hypochondriac Mrs. Snow and her sarcastic daughter Millie slowly learn the joy of the game too.  Charmingly narrated by Jimmy Bean, another orphan, we also meet the hermit-like John Pendleton and Dr. Chilton, who had closed his heart to taking risks...  that is, until he met Pollyanna.            

   
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 AUDITIONS: Tuesday, January 17, 2017 and Wednesday, January 18, 2017 at 6:30 P.M. at the Schwartz

 PERFORMANCES: Saturday, March 25, 2017 at 7:00 P.M. and Sunday, March 26, 2017 at 2:00 P.M.

                                     School Show: 9:30 A.M. Monday, March 27, 2017

 
SYNOPSIS: A tuneful, heartwarming story, it is based on the real life story of the Von Trapp Family singers, one of the world's best-known concert groups in the era immediately preceding World War II. Julie Andrews plays the role of Maria, the tomboyish postulant at an Austrian abbey who becomes a governess in the home of a widowed naval captain with seven children. She falls in love with the children, and eventually their widowed father, Captain Von Trapp. As Maria decides   not to become a nun, she brings a new love of life and music into the home. When the Captain is ordered to accept a commission in the German navy, but he opposes the Nazis. He and Maria decide on a plan to flee Austria with the children

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AUDITIONS: Tuesday,March 28, 2017, and Wednesday, March 29, 2017, at 6:30 P.M. at the Schwartz

PERFORMANCES: Saturday, May 20, 2017 at 7:00 P.M. and Sunday, May 21, 2017 at 2:00 P.M.

Robin Hood

SYNOPSIS: Enjoy the adventures of Robin Hood. He and his merry men steal from the rich and give to the poor. See how Robin and his followers fight against the evil Prince John who has taken the place of King Richard the Lion-Hearted. We will meet Robin’s sweetheart, Maid Marian, and Lady Merle who plots to keep Prince John in power while Robin and his men try to make it safe for King Richard to return to power.

This 2015- 2016 year in review was prepared by Sharon Crossen on August 30, 2016, and presented at the annual meeting.

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The Childrens Theatre, Inc. organization is supported, in part, by a grant from the Delaware Division of the Arts, a state agency, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. The Division promotes Delaware arts events on www.DelawareScene.com.

 

Funding in part also provided by The Kent County Fund for the Arts.

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