Our beloved CTA Mainstage Theatre is undergoing some exciting renovations and we are launching a special campaign to improve our seating and maintain ADA compatibility.
Our goal is to raise $55,000 by October 1, 2023 and with your help we can do it!
We are asking theater lovers like you to participate in our “Have A Seat” initiative. By purchasing a theater seat, you will not only be supporting our theater but also leaving a lasting legacy for years to come. Your contribution will help ensure the comfort and enjoyment of fellow theatergoers, as well as future generations of theater enthusiasts.
Each theater seat purchased will be recognized with a personalized plaque, allowing you to commemorate a loved one, celebrate a special occasion, or simply display your dedication to the arts. Moreover, you will have the satisfaction of knowing that your investment directly supports the local arts community and fosters a vibrant cultural environment in our town.
Here are the details of the “Have A Seat” campaign:
Cost per seat: $200
Purchase an entire row and you get one seat for free!
Purchasing an entire shorter side row, get 50% off one seat in the row!
Recognition: Each purchased seat will have a personalized plaque with your chosen name or dedication.
To secure your theater seat(s) or to get more information about the campaign, please visit our website or click here or reach out to me directly at aprilforrer@childrenstheatreofannapolis.org or 410-757-2281.
If you are unable to participate in the campaign at this time, we understand and appreciate any support you can offer, whether it’s sharing this initiative with your friends and family or attending our upcoming performances.
Thank you for your continued passion and support for the arts. Together, we can create a truly remarkable theater experience for everyone in our community!
1. Enhances Communication Skills: Theatre allows children to express themselves creatively and effectively. Through acting, they learn to articulate their thoughts, feelings, and ideas, improving their verbal and nonverbal communication skills. They also develop the ability to listen actively and respond appropriately to others, fostering better interpersonal skills.
2. Boosts Confidence and Self-Esteem: Participating in theatre helps children build confidence and self-esteem. When they perform on stage and receive positive feedback from an audience, it boosts their self-belief and encourages them to take on new challenges. Theatre offers a safe space for children to explore their talents, conquer stage fright, develop public speaking skills and develop a sense of accomplishment.
3. Enhances Creativity and Imagination: Theatre stimulates children’s creativity and imagination. It allows them to step into the shoes of different characters, explore various emotions, and dive into imaginative worlds. Through improvisation and storytelling, children learn to think outside the box, problem-solve creatively, and develop a rich inner world of ideas and possibilities.
4. Fosters Collaboration and Teamwork: Theatre is a collaborative art form that requires teamwork and cooperation. Children involved in theatre learn to work together towards a common goal, respect each other’s contributions, and value the importance of teamwork. They develop skills like compromise, empathy, and effective communication within a group setting, which are essential in many aspects of life.
5. Cultivates Empathy and Understanding: Theatre exposes children to diverse perspectives and experiences. By portraying different characters and exploring various narratives, children develop empathy and a deeper understanding of the world around them. They learn to appreciate different viewpoints, challenge stereotypes, and embrace diversity. Theatre helps children develop a sense of empathy and compassion, fostering a more inclusive and understanding society.
Overall, theatre offers numerous benefits for children, including improved communication skills, enhanced confidence, creative development, teamwork abilities, and the cultivation of empathy. It provides a well-rounded learning experience that can positively impact their personal and social growth.
Children’s Theatre of Annapolis (CTA) was established in 1959 and has grown to become a premiere theatre program in central Maryland. The 501(c)3 nonprofit organization mounts three mainstage productions each year and offers a variety of theatre arts education programming. For more information, visit www.childrenstheatreofannapolis.org.
Age requirements:
CTA makes every attempt to provide a fair and equal audition opportunity for all actors ages
12-18 (as of the audition date; must not have graduated from high school). No experience is
required and selection is made entirely by the artistic staff and based solely on the performance
that each auditioner presents on the day of auditions. Actors are cast based on their ability and
suitability for the parts. Volunteer requirement:
If cast in the show, each actor will be REQUIRED to volunteer five (5) hours to a technical area
(set construction, set decoration, costumes, props, lighting, and/or sound). Virtual Auditions:
Actors should sign up online for auditions and submit the audition form electronically through
the provided links on the website.
Virtual auditions are to be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, July 24, 2022. Auditions for this
show require singing, acting, and dancing.
Virtual auditioners should prepare and record a video of a musical selection of a song in the
style of the show. Please prepare approximately 16-30 bars of music. No recorded music with
vocals or a cappella singing is allowed. Please choose a song from the musical theatre genre
(no pop/rock/etc.). In the video, please introduce yourself with your name, age, and the title of
your musical selection.
Virtual auditioners should prepare and record a video performing the provided choreography.
The video should show the auditioner performing in full length. In the video, please introduce
yourself with your name and age. The same expectations and requirements for clothing and shoes listed under in-person auditions should be reiterated for dance auditions.
Virtual auditioners should prepare and record a video performing the provided script sides. The
video should show the auditioner performing from waist up at a minimum. In the video, please
introduce yourself with your name, age, and the character you are portraying from the script
sides.
● No songs from the movie versions or stage versions of The Little Mermaid will
be accepted. If someone shows up with a Little Mermaid song, they will be asked to
sing something else.
● No a capella auditions will be accepted. Every person must come with a
backing/karaoke track (with no vocals) or the piano accompaniment music in the
correct key.
● No rap auditions will be accepted. Every person must come prepared with a song to
show their vocal range/ability. If someone shows up with a rap, they will be asked to
sing a song.
All virtual audition videos should be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, July 24, 2022, at shows@childrenstheatreofannapolis.org. In-person Auditions:
Actors should sign up online for auditions and submit the audition form electronically through
the provided links on the website. Actors should only sign up and attend one day of auditions.
Auditions are held at Children’s Theatre of Annapolis, 1661 Bay Head Road, Annapolis, MD
21409. Auditions for this show require singing and acting in-person, and virtual submission for
dancing.
Auditioners should come with sheet music, digital recording, or compact disc, as the
accompaniment of a song in the style of the show. Please prepare approximately 16-30 bars of
music. A piano accompanist will be provided.
● No songs from the movie versions or stage versions of The Little Mermaid will
be accepted. If someone shows up with a Little Mermaid song, they will be asked to
sing something else.
● No a capella auditions will be accepted. Every person must come with a
backing/karaoke track (with no vocals) or the piano accompaniment music in the
correct key.
● No rap auditions will be accepted. Every person must come prepared with a song to
show their vocal range/ability. If someone shows up with a rap, they will be asked to
sing a song.
Auditioners should wear attire appropriate for movement. Dance shoes, character shoes, and
sneakers are acceptable. NO open-toed shoes, flip flops, crocs, or bare feet are allowed.
Auditioners will be asked to engage in warm-ups, script readings, or similar acting exercises, at
the director’s discretion. Actors should come prepared to engage in these acting exercises
during auditions.
Callbacks:
Callbacks for this production will be in-person.
Some actors auditioning will be asked to return for a “callback,” that is, a second look. The
called-back actors may be asked to do more extensive acting than in the first phase of auditions.
Please remember that an actor may be cast even if not called back, and an actor may be called
back but not cast. For example, an actor who only wants to play the lead role will not be cast if
the director decides that someone else is more suitable for that role.
Ensemble: Yes or No?
When you fill out the audition form for any CTA show you will come across the question, “Will
you accept ensemble?” Please answer truthfully. Please only answer “Yes” if you truly intend to
accept an ensemble role in the production.
We understand that many people desire a lead role, however, the ensemble is an integral part
of every production. Participating in the ensemble gives every actor valuable experience. If you
really feel that ensemble is not acceptable for you for this production, please answer “No” to
the ensemble question. You will be given equal consideration for the specific roles you indicate
on your form. Please remember that you have a better chance of getting cast if you are willing to accept any role or an ensemble part. The fewer roles you indicate that you will accept, the
fewer the director’s options for casting you.
Time commitment:
Participating in a production is a HUGE time commitment. Be sure you are prepared to commit
to all rehearsals and mandatory dates before you audition. You will be asked to submit a list of
all possible conflicts at the audition. If you have a definite conflict with any mandatory or tech
rehearsal, you should not audition. Rehearsals are typically Tuesday and Thursday evenings
from 7-9 p.m., and Sunday afternoons from 1-5 p.m. Times and days change for tech rehearsals
and shows.
Here is a list of the dates for this production: Rehearsals: Start: Sun, Aug 6 (Tues/Thurs/Sun) [No rehearsal Sun, Sept. 3rd] Sitz Probe: Tues, Oct 3 & Thurs, Oct 5 7-9 p.m. Tech Week: Oct 15 (Sunday) – Oct 19 (Thursday) Performances: Oct 20 – Nov 5 School Performance: Nov 2, 2023 at 9:30am
Parent/Guardian Information:
There is also a time commitment for parents/guardians. CTA is an all-volunteer organization that
relies upon parents/guardians to provide the much-needed support to make each production a
success.
Parents/guardians are required to attend meetings, volunteer time to the production, ensure
that their actor arrives to rehearsal prepared, and provide costuming support. This is a
commitment each parent/guardian must make in supporting their actor in the production.
Please be sure you, as a parent/guardian, are also aware of the commitment to the production
before your actor auditions. Theatre is a cooperative effort and every part of the team is
essential!
Examples of the many areas needed for a production are as follows:
◦ Actor ◦ Tech Help ◦ Set Builder ◦ Make Up ◦ Director ◦ Back Stage Monitor ◦ Musician ◦ Stage
Crew ◦ Costume Designer ◦ House Manager ◦ Box Office ◦ Light Designer ◦ Choreographer ◦
Props
Another season has ended at here at CTA.
As I look back, it is with fondness, awe, and pride.
Our ‘Season of Stories’ was indeed noteworthy. We started the season with the brilliantly performed Matilda.
This challenging show highlighted the depth of both our student performers as well as our brilliant production
staff. This show was followed by a gorgeous Peter and the Star Catcher. A challenging show for any company,
this production demonstrated the strength of our company’s acting capability as well as creative and engaging
story telling. Finally, the season ended with the soaring Once Upon a Mattress. A dynamic retelling of the
Princess and the Pea, this show was a treat for the eye, ears, and hearts. As the cast took their bows, I was
taken aback by the narrative capacity of these young people.
As with every season, we have endings. As we said goodbye to our fantastic senior class, it was a bittersweet
moment. Seeing the growth of our seniors over the years, with their obvious potential, was truly beautiful. As
we watch them fly on to their future, they are always reminded, CTA is family, a forever family.
Celebrating and honoring our students is a foundation of CTA. With that in mind, we hosted our first-ever
student-focused formal event, The Diamond Ball, held on June 3rd. This event was for any CTA student in
grades 9-12. It was a fabulous night of comradery and honoring the reason CTA is here, for our kids.
Seasons ending also mean growth and new beginnings. Our annex build-out has passed some of the first
stages with the county and surrounding community. We anticipate active building in the later part of the year.
This is a very exciting time for us!
Doing our part for sustainability, we also hosted our first ever FUNDrive, where we raised over 6,000 pounds
of generously donated reusable items from the community. This helped raise over $1,000 for CTA and give a
local organization resources for those in need.
As you know, we have an ongoing seating fundraiser for the theater space. You still have a chance to
purchase/participate! Please see the link below. We anticipate the seats going on within the month of
September!
Lastly, we love our surrounding and local community! We have over 6,000 people come through our doors
annually. With the annex build-out, this number will only increase! Sponsorship with CTA is a great idea for
any local business or business that is child-focused. See the link below for sponsorship opportunities.
Finally, we cannot do what we do without YOU! Your continued support allows CTA to continue growing,
supporting and fostering our mission: serving the child and the community. Click to Donate
Lastly, a quick reminder of our upcoming season!
2023-2024 Season
A Season of Magical Mayhem!
The Little Mermaid, October 20th to November 5, 2023
A Midsummer Night’s Dream, February 2nd to the 18, 2024
The Descendants, May 3rd to the 19, 2024
Thank you for reading!
Prepare 16-32 bars of music in the style of the show
Regarding the singing portion of the auditions:
No songs from the movie versions or stage version of The Little Mermaid will be accepted.
No a capella auditions will be accepted. Every person must come with a backing/karaoke track (with no vocals) or the piano accompaniment music in the correct key.
No rap auditions will be accepted. Every person must come prepared with a song to show their vocal range/ability.
*NEW* View the dance routine needed for auditions. Click here for the link to download the routine.
All in-person auditioners need to prepare and record a video performing the provided choreography. The video should show the auditioner performing in full length. In the video, please introduce yourself with your name and age. Auditioners should wear attire appropriate for movement. A leotard with skin color tights and biker shorts— if they have them and are comfortable wearing, are strongly encouraged (form-fitting clothes help to see the dancer’s full movement). All dance audition videos need to be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, July 23, 2023, at executiveproducer@childrenstheatreofannapolis.org regardless of date of in-person audition.
Audition Ages
12 to 18 (as of audition date; you must not have graduated from high school)
The CTA Miriam Wolfe Scholarship was established in 1989 in memory of alumna Miriam Wolfe (September 26, 1968-December 21, 1988) who died in the 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland. Miriam’s mother, Rosemary Mild, often participates in the scholarship selection process and gives the winners an autographed copy of her book, “Miriam’s World–and Mine.” The scholarship is supported by concession sales at CTA events throughout the year. This is only the second time in its 30 year history that CTA has awarded this scholarship to three winners.
The $1,500 grand prize scholarship winner is Ryan McCandless of Annapolis, Maryland. Ryan has been performing at CTA since 2018 when he starred as Michael Darling in “Peter Pan.” . After appearing eight times on CTA’s mainstage and working behind the scenes for several others, his journey ended last Sunday after starring as Sir Harry in “Once Upon a Mattress.” Ryan says, “CTA taught me to have confidence in myself both on and off stage.” As a result, I have tried (and loved!) many new things that I likely would not have attempted without the bravery CTA has instilled in me.” This fall Ryan will attend the Georgia Institute of Technology and will major in Aerospace Engineering.
Emily Egna of Davidsonville is a $1,000 scholarship winner. Emily’s journey with CTA began in 2020 when she was cast as Queen Iduna in Frozen, Jr. “Her role as Lady Merril in “Once Upon a Mattress” was her final role at CTA.Behind the scenes, Emily worked tirelessly as the lightboard operator in “Annie,” “Peter and the Starcatcher,” and “Maditla.” Emily says,, “CTA has taught me the power of a group with a shared goal. No performance is possible without every single person–cast and crew–giving their all. There is nothing better than the feeling of contributing to something greater than yourself – a feeling most people chase their entire lives. There is a power in theater unlike no other, and I’m grateful to CTA for giving me the opportunity to experience this feeling not once but many times.” Emily will attend Penn State in the Fall and plans to major in English.
Cate Weiss of Annapolis is also a $1,000 scholarship winner. Cate began her CTA journey in 2017 as a dancer and performer in Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast.” Cate’s final CTA performance was in 2022’s production of “Matilda” where she starred as the Acrobat and was the dance captain. Cate was also the student choreographer last winter for CTA’s production of “Peter and the Starcatcher.” Cate says, “Through my involvement at CTA, I have grown to see the importance of contributing as a member of a healthy community. At CTA, I have developed lifelong friendships, and the supportive adult role models that surrounded me have forever bolstered my confidence. Since my first day at CTA, I have grown from a shy, timid girl into a young woman unafraid to take risks, lead others, and trust.” Cate will attend Towson University in the fall and plans to major in deaf studies.
CTA wishes our three Miriam Wolfe Scholarship winners all the best in their future endeavors in and out of the theatre!
The complexity of family dynamics, mixed in with an amazingly young and talented cast, and a historic Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale makes for a fun and very entertaining “Once Upon a Mattress” production at Children’s Theatre of Annapolis this month.
Colorful costumes, effective sets, and beautiful harmonic lines from the well-rehearsed and animated ensemble make this show—a classic of Broadway over 50 years ago—still entertaining for all ages in 2023.
Set in the 15thcentury, the tale of “The Princess and the Pea” centers around a lonely prince who is searching for his princess. His mother, the Queen, is busily concocting a multitude of challenges to dismiss all of the candidates. The prince, skillfully played by CTA standout, Finn Hintermeister, grows from dutiful son to rebellious sweetheart.
Opening the show is the minstrel, ably played by Cai Malone, a lovely soprano who walks the audience through the familiar tale. The Queen, Rosalie Hess, then commands the stage from her first entrance with her loud, irritating and menacing voice and wearing elaborate, regal costumes (beautifully made by the costume committee with a fancy feather theme) that steals the show.
The first of the romantic couples in the story begins with Lady Larkin, ably played by Anna Porter, and Sir Harry, portrayed by CTA regular Ryan McCandless. Their song “In a Little While” captures the sweetness of their infatuation, followed by the shock and realization of the coming of a new baby and a need for a quick wedding.
The palace is upended by the unexpected arrival of another possible bride-to-be, Princess Winifred, a not-so-normal kind of princess who swims in moats, clomps around in raggedy dresses, and claims to be (at the top of her very large lungs) “Shy.” This plain-spoken, rule-breaking princess is played by the powerhouse voice of Mia Rinehart. Her endearing goofiness, un-ladylike behavior, and amazing vocal chops not only earns the love of Prince Dauntness, but the audience, too.
One of the breakout talents of the show is JJ Reida, the silent King Sextimus. He doesn’t speak throughout most of the show, but in musical numbers and comedic situations, his impressive dancing and miming move the plot forward to where he comes into his own voice and silences his wife’s over-the-top commanding control that has the audience cheering.
Other standouts include Matthew Earl as the Jester with his soft shoe inspired number “Quiet Shoes,” and the lovely “The Nightingale of Samarkand” brought by the queen to lure Winnifred to sleep with a beautiful, haunting melody sung by the young Harper Wright.
Director/Musical Director Terry Sweet Bouma notes, “The spark of belief that love can be found against all odds and despite many oddities makes this story worth telling again. It resonates in the same heartbeat where all fairy tales deliver a touch of magic.”
Colorful costumes, effective sets, and beautiful harmonic lines from the well-rehearsed and animated ensemble make this show—a classic of Broadway over 50 years ago—still entertaining for all ages in 2023.
Running Time: Two hour and 15 minutes with one intermission.
“Once Upon a Mattress” runs weekends through May 21, 2023 at Children’s Theatre of Annapolis,1661 Bay Head Rd, Annapolis, MD 21409. Fridays at 7:00 p.m., Saturdays at 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., and Sundays at 2:00 p.m.
This rollicking spin on the classic tale ‘The Princess and the Pea’ provides some side-splitting shenanigans & beautiful songs.
ANNAPOLIS, MD—Many moons ago in a far-off place, Queen Aggravain decreed no couples could marry until her son, Prince Dauntless, found a bride. Princesses came from far and wide to win the hand of the Prince, but none could pass the impossible tests given to them by the Queen. That is, until the “shy” swamp princess, Winnifred the Woebegone, showed up. Would she be able to pass the Sensitivity Test, marry her prince and help Lady Larkin and Sir Harry to the altar?
Once Upon A Mattress features 27 local performers aged 9 to 17 years old. Mia Rinehart, of Annapolis, plays the title role of Winnifred and Finn Hintermister, of Annapolis, plays the Prince in search of a bride – Prince Dauntless. Additionally, Lady Larkin is played by Anna Porter and Sir Harry is played by Ryan McCandless and Rosalie Hess plays Queen Aggravain and JJ Reida plays King Sextimus.
Once Upon A Mattress is the last show in CTA’s 2022-2023 A Season of Stories. “Our Cast, Artistic team and Production staff have put together a beautiful show. An interpretation of the beloved tale, ‘The Princess and the Pea,’ this show is guaranteed to enchant, charm, and make you laugh.” said Michelle Bruno, CTA’s President of the Board.
Once Upon A Mattress opens on Friday, May 5, 2023, at CTA’s theatre, located at 1661 Bay Head Road, Annapolis. Performances will take place at 7 p.m. Fridays, 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays through May 21, 2023. Saturday, May 6 at 11:00 a.m. will be a Sensory-Friendly performance and will be American Sign Language (ASL)* interpreted. Tickets are $18 for adults and $15 for students age 12 and under, seniors and military. Group discounts are available. Tickets can be purchased on CTA’s website.
To arrange interviews with the cast or artistic staff, contact April Forrer at aprilforrer@childrenstheatreofannapolis.org. If you are interested in reviewing the production, please contact us for up to two complimentary tickets.
Children’s Theatre of Annapolis (CTA) was established in 1959 and has grown to become a premiere theatre program in central Maryland. The 501(c)3 nonprofit organization mounts three mainstage productions each year and offers a variety of theatre arts education programming. For more information, visit www.childrenstheatreofannapolis.org.
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