Children’s Theatre of Annapolis (CTA) has been offering high quality theatre arts education and productions in central Maryland since 1959.
We’re a community-based, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to nurturing the growth and development of the love of theatre in children ages 5 to 18, through participation in all aspects of the theatrical experience, including performance, workshops, technical elements, community involvement, and apprenticeships.
CTA provides a positive circle of influence through friendships that foster self-esteem, creativity, commitment, teamwork, appreciation, and dedication. CTA serves the child and the community.
CTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Tax ID 23-7003491. View our IRS determination letter (PDF)
At Children’s Theatre of Annapolis (CTA), we believe theatre brings people together. Our programs are open and accessible to every child and family, and we strive to reflect the richness of our community in our participants, audiences, staff and volunteers.
On stage and behind the scenes, we value the perspectives of everyone on our team—board members, staff, teaching artists, actors and volunteers—because a wide range of voices makes our productions and programs stronger. Our goal is for every child and family who walks through our doors to feel valued and have the chance to engage, grow and contribute.
CTA Cares
During the 2025–2026 season, CTA strengthened our commitment to our community through partnerships with:
We also made numerous donations to other schools and community organizations for their silent auctions.
195
free tickets to Title 1 schools
190
AACPS Community Schools members hosted
$4,980
in free tuition
62
free tickets donated to other organizations
$900
in discounted tickets for furloughed federal employees
9
theatre programs loaned sets, props and costumes
3,740 lbs
of clothing and household goods donated
277 lbs
of food donated to the Anne Arundel County Food Bank
You’ll find CTA at events all over Anne Arundel County, including:
“Thank you for such an incredible experience at the Theatre … Our kids absolutely loved it. The energy, the performance, everything about it was truly special … You’re not just putting on shows, you’re inspiring futures.”
Anthony Jackson, Boys & Girls Clubs of Annapolis & Anne Arundel County
From a single production in 1959 to three mainstage shows a year, a full slate of classes and camps, and a growing arts campus in Bay Head Park, here are the moments that shaped Children’s Theatre of Annapolis.
Act I · Once upon a time
1959
Jane Young Davis, Lydia Nolan and Martha Wright stage CTA’s first production.

1959–2007
Casts and crews perform in local elementary schools and later at Anne Arundel Community College. Alice in Wonderland becomes CTA’s most-produced show, staged six times.
Act II · A home of our own
2007
Then-Vice President Bill Smith, a local architect, leads the building of CTA’s own theatre.

2008
2018
CTA becomes the first children’s theatre in the region to win the award for All-Around Production Excellence, for Beauty and the Beast.
2019
The Capital Readers Choice Awards.
2020
What’s Up? Media.
Intermission · The show must go on
2020–2021
CTA closes in March 2020. The lights come back on in March 2021 with She Kills Monsters, followed by Frozen Jr. and The Addams Family playing to full houses by the fall.
Act III · Growing our reach
2024
246 new seats for the main theatre and plans for a black box theater, two new classrooms and a lobby gallery. Read about the campaign.
2025–2026
Free tickets, tuition and donations reach Title 1 schools, community partners and families across Anne Arundel County.
2026
What’s Up? Magazine.
2026–2027
Frozen, Peter Pan and Wendy and Honk!
2025-2026
2024-2025
2023-2024
2022-2023
2021-2022
2020-2021

2019-2020
2018-2019
2017-2018
2016-2017
2015-2016
2014-2015
2013-2014
2012-2013
2011-2012
2010-2011


2009-2010 (50th Anniversary Year)
2008-2009
2007-2008
2006-2007
2005-2006
2004-2005
2003-2004
2002-2003
2001-2002
2000-2001
1999-2000
1998-99
1997-98
1996-97
1995-96
1994-1995
1993-1994
1992-93
1991-92
1990-91


1989-90
1988-89
1987-88
1986-87
1985-86
1984-1985 (25th Anniversary Year)
1983-1984
1982-83
1981-82
1980-81
1979-80
1978-79
1977-78
1976-77
1975-76
1974-1975
1973-1974
1972-73
1971-72
1970-71


1969-70
1968-69
1967-68
1966-67
1965-66
1964-1965
1963-1964
1962-63
1961-62
1960-61
1959-60

President

Vice President

Treasurer

Secretary

Executive Producer

Board Member

Board Member

Board Member

Maryland State Delegate, District 33C · Advisory Board Member

Advisory Board Member

Advisory Board Member

Advisory Board Member

Advisory Board Member

Advisory Board Member

Advisory Board Member

Executive Director of Management and Education

Executive Director of Development and Engagement

Box Office Coordinator
Stay up to date with the latest happenings at Children’s Theatre of Annapolis.

Capital Campaign
For more than 65 years, CTA has given young people a stage, a crew and a community. Our Growing Our Reach campaign will transform our annex into a state-of-the-art arts center with a black box theater, two new classrooms, a lobby gallery for local artists and space for the whole community to create.
$891,901 raised of our $2,515,093 goal
Help us reach 100% by July 2027
We encourage patrons to buy tickets via TicketLeap.
For the current season:
Yes, a season subscription gets you tickets for all of the season’s shows at a reduced rate. Learn more on the Tickets section of the website.
Groups of 10 or more can purchase $13 tickets when all members of the group are attending the same performance. These tickets are not exchangeable or refundable. Season subscribers also receive a discount for each show.
CTA’s box office is staffed by one part-time staff member. Please be patient, as there are not currently regular box office hours. Purchasing tickets is best done online at Ticketleap; however, if you need to contact the box office manager, email boxoffice@childrenstheatreofannapolis.orgor call 410-757-2281 and leave a voicemail.
CTA does not have a minimum age for attending a production. However, due to fire code regulations, all patrons, regardless of age(including lap infants), must have a ticket.
Email boxoffice@childrenstheatreofannapolis.org with the organization you won the tickets from, how many tickets you won, and the requested date and time of the show you’d like to see.
CTA is able to exchange tickets for another date on a case-by-case basis. The exchange must be done at least 24 hours in advance and is subject to seating availability at the requested show.
During inclement weather or unsafe road conditions, CTA may cancel a performance or event. In the event of a cancellation, an email will be sent to all ticket-holders, and posts will be made on our social media channels. If a performance is canceled, ticket-holders may reschedule their tickets for a different performance (subject to availability) or receive a refund.
Tickets are nonrefundable. CTA graciously accepts the donation of unused tickets to resell to sold-out performances.
Yes, the concessions stand in the lobby sells water, sparkling water, soda, juice, and snacks such as chips, popcorn, and candy. All snacks are $2, and the proceeds go to the Miriam Wolfe Scholarship Fund and other special projects. However, we ask that you refrain from eating or drinking anything other than water in the actual theatre.
There is free parking adjacent to CTA with plenty of parking spots.
No, we do not have a coat check. We may be able to store a stroller in the box office, based on space.
Please refrain from taking photos or video during all performances, as it violates the contract with the production’s licensing agency and can distract or risk the safety of the performers.
Yes, the theatre is handicap-accessible. We also offer listening devices for hearing-impaired audience members.
The first matinee of every show run is ASL-interpreted and sensory-friendly. To reserve seats in front of the ASL interpreter, email boxoffice@childrenstheatreofannapolis.org.
246—and there’s not a bad seat in the house.
Tickets are nonrefundable and cannot be exchanged after the performance you missed. If you think you cannot attend a performance to which you’ve purchased tickets, email boxoffice@childrenstheatreofannapolis.org as far in advance as possible to see if tickets are available for another date.
We understand that being late is unavoidable sometimes. If you know that you’re going to be late, please call the box office at 410-757-2281, as it is staffed hour one prior to showtime. When you arrive, ushers will seat you during a break in scenes to minimize distractions to the audience and performers. Latecomer seating is at the discretion of the House Manager. In the case of a sold-out performance, tickets will be held until curtain time before being resold if the box office has not been alerted that you’re running late.
CTA offers one to two shows during school hours for each production. Title 1 schools are given priority. Home-schooled students can buy tickets for $5. To book a field trip or a home-school student ticket, email boxoffice@childrenstheatreofannapolis.org
Yes, on a case-by-case basis. To arrange a tour, please contact shows@childrenstheatreoannapolis.org.
Yes, on a case-by-case basis. Please email info@childrenstheatreoannapolis.org.
CTA currently does not have the capacity or staff to host birthday parties.
Education opportunities generally start at age 5.
CTA hires highly qualified local performers, theatre professionals and educators to teach its classes.
Yes. CTA believes strongly that theatre education should be accessible to all, regardless of income level. To discuss scholarships and payment plans, contact Jason Kimmell, Executive Director of Management and Education, at info@childrenstheatreofannapolis.org.
Contact info@childrenstheatreofannapolis.org.
All shows are open to ages 8-18. Auditioners must be between those ages as of the audition date, as well as not yet have graduated from high school. Please check each individual auditioning notice for the audition age for each show.
No! We welcome auditioners of all experience and skill levels.
No, auditioning is free.
All cast members must pay CTA’s annual registration fee of $20, as well as a $300 production fee, which goes to support the show’s expenses. Financial assistance and payment plans are available for production fees. Please contact Jason Kimmell, Executive Director of Management and Education, at info@childrenstheatreofannapolis.org.
Yes. CTA believes strongly that theatre education should be accessible to all, regardless of income level. To discuss financial assistance and payment plans, contact info@childrenstheatreofannapolis.org.
Generally speaking, CTA rehearses from 7-9 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays and 1-5 p.m. Sundays for the specified rehearsal periods. Not all cast members will be called to each rehearsal, with the exception of tech week (the final week before the show), during which all cast members will be required to be at rehearsals (generally, 5:30-9:30 p.m.). Additionally rehearsals may be called at the discretion of the show’s director.
CTA is always looking for volunteers! For more information, visit the Volunteer section of the website. All volunteers age 18+ must pass a background check through Anne Arundel County Parks and Recreation.
You can also support CTA by making a donation, purchasing an advertisement in a show program, donating to and attending our annual fundraiser or sponsoring a show, season or event
Yes, on a case-by-case basis, CTA can offer up to four tickets to local nonprofit organizations or K-12 schools as a donation. To inquire, email boxoffice@childrenstheatreofannapolis.org.
Yes, CTA is registered with the IRS as a tax-exempt 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Our tax ID number is 23-7003491

Applications are open to graduating high school seniors. Applications are due May 1.
Awards
$1,500 + $1,000
One to three scholarships each year: one for $1,500 and the others for $1,000.
Who can apply
Graduating seniors
High school seniors with a 2.5+ GPA who plan to stay involved in the performing arts in college.
Deadline
May 1
Winners are announced at CTA’s Senior Red Carpet Event in June. You don’t have to attend to win.
How to apply: Email your completed application, essays and letter of recommendation to scholarships@childrenstheatreofannapolis.org by May 1.
All criteria must be met and the application must be complete, including a verified GPA and a counselor signature or official transcript. By applying, you acknowledge you are no longer eligible to perform in CTA productions as a student after the current school year.

A scholarship committee of three CTA board members and three outside panelists with no connection to the applicants reads and grades each application. Applicants must score 80 points or higher to be considered.
| Points | Category |
|---|---|
| 30 | Contributions to CTA (performing and technical) |
| 15 | Other participation in the performing arts (performing, technical or support role) |
| 10 | Training in the performing arts or a technical aspect of the arts (school, community, private) |
| 10 | Special honors or awards (school or community) |
| 5 | Other activities outside the performing arts during grades 9–12 (community, church, school, sports, etc.) |
| 15 | Essay (200 words or less): How has CTA influenced who you are today? |
| 15 | Essay (200 words or less): How do you imagine the performing arts will continue to be a part of your future? |
| 100 | Total possible points |
The CTA board establishes a scholarship committee each year to grade and select recipients. It includes three CTA board members and three outside panelists, chosen carefully so they have no connection to the applicants.
In the case of a point tie, the funds are divided equally.
If no applicant reaches the required 80 points, the funds are held for future years.
The scholarship is supported by concession sales at CTA events throughout the year.
Children’s Theatre of Annapolis is continually searching for individuals to add to our growing list of qualified and dynamic teaching artists and artistic staff (director, music director and choreographer).
PART-TIME PATRON EXPERIENCE & BOX OFFICE COORDINATOR
The Patron Experience & Box Office Coordinator serves as the vital central hub of operations for our nonprofit theatre organization. This hybrid role seamlessly blends Live Event Front-of-House Operations, Box Office & Administrative Operations.
Because this is a part-time, non-exempt position (15-20 hours/week), the schedule naturally fluctuates based on the production calendar. The role requires an on-site presence during production runs (evenings and weekends) for live event management, shifting to weekday remote or office hours for administration, database cleanup, group sales outreach, and regional promotional tracking.
COMPENSATION: $18 (hourly) | HOURS: 15-20 (weekly)
TEACHING ARTIST POSITIONS: Qualified candidates, email your resume and note of interest to info@childrenstheatreofannapolis.org.
ARTISTIC/PRODUCTION TEAM POSITIONS: Qualified candidates, email your resume and note of interest to executiveproducer@childrenstheatreofannapolis.org.
Children’s Theatre of Annapolis (CTA), established in 1959, is a community-based, 501(c)3 non-profit organization that is dedicated to nurturing the growth and development of the love of theatre in children age 5 to 18, through participation in all aspects of the theatrical experience, including performance, workshops, technical elements, community involvement, and apprenticeships. CTA provides a positive circle of influence through friendships that foster self-esteem, creativity, commitment, teamwork, appreciation, and dedication. CTA serves the child and the community.
Because Children’s Theatre of Annapolis works directly with youth, all offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a comprehensive state and federal criminal background check.
Children’s Theatre of Annapolis (CTA) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In accordance with Maryland State law and federal regulations, CTA provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, status as a covered veteran, or any other protected characteristic protected by applicable local, state, or federal laws.
CTA is committed to providing a diverse, inclusive, and accessible environment for all staff, volunteers, and patrons.