Children’s Theatre of Annapolis Gears Up for the New Season

Though summer is not yet over, planning and activities have already begun for the (CTA) and their upcoming 51st annual season.

Housed in former buildings on a Navy Nike missile site near on Bay Head Road, the organization is run by dedicated volunteers who have been eagerly planning new and exciting performance opportunities for children of all ages in Broadneck and the surrounding areas. Approximately 7500 families in the greater Baltimore/Washington/Annapolis region are impacted by CTA annually.

The following productions are planned for the 2011-12 season:

A Tribute to Roald Dahl: The Witches will be performed on October 14,15, & 16, and 21, 22, & 23, 20.

This production, directed by Emily Cory, is a non-musical option for kids who like to be involved in theatre but are not necessarily singers or dancers.

"The show will also include his story, the 'Enormous Crocodile,'" said Cathy Hollerbach, the new Board President for CTA. "I am a librarian, so I am very excited that we are doing something that celebrates the literature of such a talented children's author." 

Grease: A New 50's Rock 'N Roll Musical: A School Version will be performed on January 6, 7, 8, 13, 14 & 15, 2012.

Auditions for ages 12 - 18 will be held on Sat., Sept. 10, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. and Sun., Sept. 11, 12 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. 

"We expect this to be very popular with the teens," said Hollerbach. "I know there was a lot of excitement among the high school kids when this show was announced."  

This show will be directed by Christy Stouffer, with choreography by Jason Kimmell. 

Disney's Alice in Wonderland, Jr. will be performed April 13, 14, 15, 20, 21 & 22, 2012.

Auditions for ages 8 - 14 will be held on Sat., Jan. 28, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. and Sun., Jan. 29, 12 - 2:30 p.m.

"This classic story features outrageous costumes and catchy music," said Hollerbach. "It's a great introduction to live theatre (performance and attendance) for kids. 

“We try to pick shows that would appeal to all ages of audience members,” explained Ginny White who serves on the selection committee. “We plan a fall non-musical performance, then a winter performance for the older students, and in the spring we hold a production for the younger performers.”

To audition, the student needs to be a member of CTA. Individual ($10) and Family ($20) memberships can be paid at the time of the audition. Auditioners should also bring a recent picture to attach to the audition form. For more specific information on the audition requirements, click here.

New officers and board members for the 2011-12 season are:

Cathy Hollerbach, President 
Bill Smith, Vice-President 
Bill Smith, Treasurer 
Linda Brice, Secretary

Board Members:

Holly Baca, Diane Bedlin, Barbara Crosby, Carrie Dare, Kathy Garrity, Jen Kerdock, Kathleen Ouellette, Richard Pavel, Jeanne Poole, Pat Roberts, Sue Tilberry, Chris Timko, and Ginny White.

Members are finishing the planning for various workshops and master classes, as well as necessary fundraisers, including an annual Halloween dance.

"It's takes a lot of money to run a full fledged theatre facility," said Hollerbach, "and we have our hands full!"