Growing Our Reach

The Growing Our Reach Capital Campaign

Deep roots. New branches.

For more than 65 years, Children’s Theatre of Annapolis has given young people ages 5–18 a stage, a crew and a community. Now we’re transforming our annex into a state-of-the-art arts center, with a black box theater, two new classrooms and space for our whole community to create.

We can’t write this next act without you.

Where the campaign stands

$891,901

Raised so far

$2,515,093

Campaign goal

July 2027

Target to be fully funded

Progress toward our goal

35% raised 35%

Our story

A story told in three acts (and one intermission)

Every CTA production is built by many hands. So is CTA itself.

Act I · 1959–2007

Once upon a time

It began with Hansel and Gretel. In 1959, Jane Young Davis, Lydia Nolan and Martha Wright founded Children’s Theatre of Annapolis with a single production. For nearly 50 years, CTA had no home of its own. Casts and crews performed in local elementary schools and later at Anne Arundel Community College.

Along the way, Alice in Wonderland became our most-produced show, staged six times.

Act II · 2007–2019

A home of our own

In 2007, then-Vice President Bill Smith, a local architect, led CTA to break ground in Bay Head Park. Our theatre opened in 2008 with Peter Pan, a fitting first show for a place where kids learn to fly.

Recognition followed: CTA became the first children’s theatre in the region to win the Ruby Griffith Award for All-Around Production Excellence (Beauty and the Beast, 2018), was named Best Theatre Company in Annapolis (2019) and Best Nonprofit in Annapolis by What’s Up? Media (2020).

Intermission · 2020–2021

The show must go on

When the pandemic closed our doors in March 2020, volunteers used the year to clear out 13 years of props, costumes and sets. A year later, the lights came back on with She Kills Monsters, performed by nine actors and a director. By the fall of 2021, The Addams Family was playing to full houses again.

Act III · Today

Last season, 555 students took classes and workshops at CTA and 156 performed on our mainstage. We were named Best of Annapolis 2026 by What’s Up? Magazine. Through CTA Cares, we’re opening our doors wider than ever, to Title 1 schools, the Boys & Girls Clubs, CASA and families who need a little help to be part of the magic.

We’ve outgrown our space. The next act needs a bigger stage.

The next act

From military garage to community arts center

Our annex began life as a military garage before becoming home to CTA’s classes. Growing Our Reach will transform it into a multipurpose arts center that serves CTA and all of Annapolis:

A black box theater that can be rearranged for each production and seats more than 75
Two new classrooms for dance, acting and singing, and even plays written by our students
A lobby gallery where local artists can display their work
Performance and meeting space for other arts groups and community organizations
A meditation garden and a rain garden of native Maryland plants
New life for Bay Head Park as a vibrant, active arts community

Plans for the new annex

Why it matters

In their words

“Children’s Theatre of Annapolis has changed my life immensely. Acting and singing have always been a huge part of my life and CTA has given me a newfound confidence that I don’t believe I would have today if it weren’t for CTA.”

Abigail, CTA student

“What CTA taught me was that with simple common goals or interests, the superficial boundaries between us disappear in an instant. With each exchange, my heart peeked out another inch from beneath my sleeve. I became a more positive person. A stronger conversationalist. A storyteller. On stage and off, I learned what theater is all about.”

Finn, CTA senior

“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

Join us

Ways to give

Make a donation

Every gift helps, whatever the size. Give online or scan the QR code with your phone. Make your gift go further by making it a recurring donation, and write “Growing Our Reach” in the comment box.

Name a space

Leave a permanent mark on the CTA campus by purchasing naming rights.

Lobby/Gallery – $150,000
Black Box Theatre – $150,000
Classroom 1 – $50,000
Classroom 2 – $50,000
Meditation Garden – $25,000
~~Rain Garden – $25,000~~ Reserved

Become a community partner

Organizations that contribute to the building fund can receive extended use of the new space, whether you need a place to rehearse, perform or meet.

To talk about a partnership, contact Amy Schropp, Executive Director of Development & Engagement, at 410-757-2281 or by email.

Be part of CTA’s next act

Together, we can give every young person a safe space to learn, explore, create and express themselves, for generations to come.