Nashville Children's Theatre

Last updated
Nashville Children's Theater
The new facade of Nashville Children's Theatre (2007).jpg
TypeState Theater
Established1931 (1931)
Coordinates 36°09′17″N86°46′05″W / 36.154699578740825°N 86.76814240436964°W / 36.154699578740825; -86.76814240436964
Website nashvillechildrenstheatre.org
Nashville Children's Theatre

Nashville Children's Theatre (NCT) is one of the oldest continually operating professional children's theatre company in America. It is a member of the Theatre for Young Audiences, [1] the ASSITEJ, and is affiliated with the Actors' Equity Association.[ citation needed ]

Contents

History

NCT was established in 1931 by the Junior League of Nashville. Originally called The Nashville Academy Theatre, it opened with the production of "Aladdin and His Wonderful Lamp." [2] NCT has performed at Belcourt Theatre, [3] Vanderbilt University and Belmont University. [ citation needed ]

Leadership and legacy

NCT's legacy includes the profound impact of Scot Copeland, who served as producing artistic director for 30 years until his sudden passing in 2016. [4] Under his leadership, NCT produced nearly 180 plays and achieved national acclaim, including being named one of the top five children's theatres in the U.S. by Time in 2004. [4] [5] Copeland was celebrated for his artistic vision, nurturing of young talent, and dedication to creating meaningful theatrical experiences for young audiences. [4] His work culminated in notable achievements like the world premiere of Jack’s Tale: A Mythic Mountain Musical Adventure in collaboration with the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. [4]

Awards

Award/RecognitionOrganizationYear
Five Best Children's Theatre Companies in the U.S. [5] TIME Magazine2004
2009 - No. 1 Performing Arts Organization - Ranked by number of performancesNashville Business Journal2009
Four of NCT's 2009 Productions were ranked in NBJ's 2009 Top 25 Musical Theater/eventsNashville Business Journal2009
Best Local Theater Company [6] Nashville Scene2010
Best Live PerformanceNashville Parent2010
Ranked #2 Performing Arts Organization in Nashville by total attendanceNashville Business Journal2013
Ranked #4 & #5 Top Attended Music/Theatre events in NashvilleNashville Business Journal2013
Ranked # 2 Performing Arts Organization based on attendance totalsNashville Business Journal2014
Ranked #2 Performing Arts Organization based on attendance totalsNashville Business Journal2015
Arts & Culture 12th Awards Winner12th & Broad2016
Best Local Theatre CompanyThe Tennessean's Toast of Music City2015
Ranked #3 Performing Arts Organization based on attendance totalsNashville Business Journal2016
Ranked #1 & #2 Top Attended Performing Arts Events in NashvilleNashville Business Journal2016
Ranked Top Ten Entertainment and Performance Venues in Nashville based on attendance totalsNashville Business Journal2016
Best Professional TheatreBroadway World Nashville2018
Theaterati of the Year - Ernie Nolan [7] Midwinter's First Night2018

Affiliations

AffiliationYear
ANE (Association of Nonprofit Executives)2001
ASSITEJ International (International Assn of Theatre for Children and Young People)1964
Center for Nonprofit Management Excellence Network1999
Actors' Equity Association1998
Nashville Chamber of Commerce1996
Association of Junior Leagues International1931
Nashville Arts Coalition1994
Nashville Area Association for Young Children (NAAYC)2006
Metro Arts Commission1989
Association of Fundraising Professionals - Member2008
Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce2004
Tennesseans for the Arts1990
The National Association for Professional Theatres for Young Audiences (TYA/USA)1990
Hands On Network2007

References

  1. USA, Theatre for Young Audiences /. "Member Organizations". Theatre for Young Audiences / USA. Retrieved 2024-06-22.
  2. "Our History | Junior League of Nashville". www.jlnashville.org. Retrieved 2018-03-07.
  3. "Belcourt Theatre a trove of cinema treasures, new and old". The Tennessean. Retrieved 2019-05-31.
  4. 1 2 3 4 Stumpfl, Amy (2016-02-25). "Scot Copeland of Nashville Children's Theatre dies at 62". The Tennessean . Retrieved 2025-01-16.
  5. 1 2 Richard Zoglin (Nov 15, 2004). "Theater: Setting a New Stage for Kids". Time . Archived from the original on September 30, 2007.
  6. "2010 BEST OF NASHVILLE READER'S POLL". Nashville Scene. Retrieved 2019-05-31.
  7. Ellis, Jeffrey. "Norma Luther, Ernie Nolan Named 'Theaterati of the Year' at Midwinter's First Night". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved 2019-05-31.

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