The Children's Theatre Company555

The Children's Theatre Company (CTC) has long been recognized as North America's flagship theater for young people and families, as well as a major cultural and artistic resource in Minnesota. A recently-completed expansion enhances its considerable offerings.

CTC's season now comprises six mainstage productions, and four additional shows on the newer Cargill Stage, a more intimate venue which hosts fare for teens and preschoolers. CTC has its own resident acting company, so kids are likely to recognize some of the performers from one show to the next. It also employs more than 90 other professionals, who work with more than 300 technicians and actors each year. The productions are lavish, polished, and engaging, with colorful sets, catchy music, simple storylines conveying gentle lessons...and the hammy performances kids love.

Subscriptions: Mainstage packages are offered for five or three plays. A three-play Cargill Stage subscription is also available. The five-show preview series is a bargain for either stage. Subscribers receive a plethora of benefits, including discounts on classes, guaranteed seating, discounted tickets for the popular holiday show, and invitations to special pre-show events throughout the season. Subscribing grandparents get free breakfast before Saturday matinees. CTC also produces free family guides for each production, with ideas for discussion and activities to enhance the viewing experience.

Low-cost lap passes are available on the day of the performance for children three and under (everyone entering the theater must have a ticket), and a sound-proofed "crying room" is available at the back of the house, so parents don't have to miss the show if baby gets out of sorts. The visibility isn't great there, but speakers pump in all the sound. Restrooms are on the lower level. Although no seat in the house is more than 70 feet from the stage, be warned that antsy kids seated in the nosebleed section (Second Balcony C) might be too far from the action to stay focused.

The new McGuire Education Center has allowed the organization to expand its highly-regarded Theatre Arts Training Program (TAT), which provides arts education and performance opportunities for ages four through 18. Beginning and advanced classes are offered, with auditions required only for the latter. Programming is scheduled year-round, supplemented with summer camps. Call 612.879.5699 for more information.