By Tammie Maddock Photos byMimi Maddock

Carol Baker, a member of the Board of Directors of the Columbia Children’s Theatre, with actors Damion Jones (l) and Christopher Hagans

Entertainment designed with the family in mind is alive and well in the Midlands. From its inception, Columbia Children’s Theatre (CCT) was designed to have something “For the kid in everyone.”

Members of the board of directors, actors, and supporters of the arts recently gathered at Saluda’s to celebrate the successful launch of the CCT and encourage its growth. Food and drinks for the event were graciously provided by Saluda’s, a proud supporter of CCT.

Scott Vaughn, an actor who has been in all of the Columbia Children’s Theatre’s performances CCT launched its inaugural season with a raucous rendition of Go, Dog. Go! in September. Parents, grandparents, teachers, and kids were delighted to see P.D. Eastman’s classic tale come to life in such an interactive and entertaining way. CCT will round out the 2005–06 season with Frosty Returns, Rapunzel!, and Puss in Boots.

CCT is the Midlands’ first resident professional theatre for families and young audiences. It is the brainchild of a group of actors and area supporters of the arts. It is closely modeled after Chicago’s Emerald City Children’s Theatre and the Seattle Children’s Theatre.

Jim Litzinger, managing director of Columbia Children’s Theatre; Audrey Rischbieter, a board member; and Jerry Stevenson, artistic director CCT’s goal is “to provide programming to enrich the lives of audiences with the wonders and magic of live theatre, which speaks across cultural, ethnic, and generational boundaries and gives audiences memories that will last long after the curtain falls.”

Artistic Director Jerry Stevenson’s experience as a performer, writer, and producer makes him an appropriate leader for the company of professional directors, actors, writers, and designers focused on delivering a theatre experience for the entire family.

In addition to providing quality entertainment, CCT encourages children to appreciate and participate in live performances. The company has created a program for young aspiring actors called Kidstage, which it hopes will eventually evolve into a performing arts school with a children’s theatre in residence.

All performances are at the Bellfield Cultural Arts Center, 2611 Grant Street (just off Beltline between Farrow and Two Notch roads.) Tickets are $5 general admission and are available at the door.

CCT was incorporated as a non–profit in May 2005 and is an affiliated member of the Sarah Nance Cultural Arts Center. It is sponsored in part by The City of Columbia Department of Parks and Recreation and the Fine Arts Center of Kershaw County.

For more information, contact CCT at (803) 691-4548, or visit www.columbiachildrenstheatre.com.