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| Type | State Theater |
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| Established | 1931 |
| Coordinates | 36°09′17″N86°46′05″W / 36.154699578740825°N 86.76814240436964°W |
| Website | nashvillechildrenstheatre |
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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 ]
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 ]
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]
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| Award/Recognition | Organization | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Five Best Children's Theatre Companies in the U.S. [5] | TIME Magazine | 2004 |
| 2009 - No. 1 Performing Arts Organization - Ranked by number of performances | Nashville Business Journal | 2009 |
| Four of NCT's 2009 Productions were ranked in NBJ's 2009 Top 25 Musical Theater/events | Nashville Business Journal | 2009 |
| Best Local Theater Company [6] | Nashville Scene | 2010 |
| Best Live Performance | Nashville Parent | 2010 |
| Ranked #2 Performing Arts Organization in Nashville by total attendance | Nashville Business Journal | 2013 |
| Ranked #4 & #5 Top Attended Music/Theatre events in Nashville | Nashville Business Journal | 2013 |
| Ranked # 2 Performing Arts Organization based on attendance totals | Nashville Business Journal | 2014 |
| Ranked #2 Performing Arts Organization based on attendance totals | Nashville Business Journal | 2015 |
| Arts & Culture 12th Awards Winner | 12th & Broad | 2016 |
| Best Local Theatre Company | The Tennessean's Toast of Music City | 2015 |
| Ranked #3 Performing Arts Organization based on attendance totals | Nashville Business Journal | 2016 |
| Ranked #1 & #2 Top Attended Performing Arts Events in Nashville | Nashville Business Journal | 2016 |
| Ranked Top Ten Entertainment and Performance Venues in Nashville based on attendance totals | Nashville Business Journal | 2016 |
| Best Professional Theatre | Broadway World Nashville | 2018 |
| Theaterati of the Year - Ernie Nolan [7] | Midwinter's First Night | 2018 |
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| Affiliation | Year |
|---|---|
| ANE (Association of Nonprofit Executives) | 2001 |
| ASSITEJ International (International Assn of Theatre for Children and Young People) | 1964 |
| Center for Nonprofit Management Excellence Network | 1999 |
| Actors' Equity Association | 1998 |
| Nashville Chamber of Commerce | 1996 |
| Association of Junior Leagues International | 1931 |
| Nashville Arts Coalition | 1994 |
| Nashville Area Association for Young Children (NAAYC) | 2006 |
| Metro Arts Commission | 1989 |
| Association of Fundraising Professionals - Member | 2008 |
| Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce | 2004 |
| Tennesseans for the Arts | 1990 |
| The National Association for Professional Theatres for Young Audiences (TYA/USA) | 1990 |
| Hands On Network | 2007 |
Media related to Nashville Children's Theatre at Wikimedia Commons
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