Nashville Children's Theatre
{{short description|American professional children's theatre company}}{{Infobox theatre/wikidata
| name = Nashville Children's Theater
| established = {{Start date|1931}}
| location = 25 Middleton St., Nashville
| coordinates = {{Coord|36.15228|-86.76797|display=title}}
| type = State Theater
| website = {{URL|https://nashvillechildrenstheatre.org}}
}}
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,{{Cite web |last=USA |first=Theatre for Young Audiences / |title=Member Organizations |url=https://www.tyausa.org/member-organizations/ |access-date=2024-06-22 |website=Theatre for Young Audiences / USA |language=en-US}} the ASSITEJ, and is affiliated with the Actors' Equity Association.{{Citation needed|date=September 2017}}
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."{{Cite web|url=https://www.jlnashville.org/about/our-history/|title=Our History {{!}} Junior League of Nashville|website=www.jlnashville.org|language=en-US|access-date=2018-03-07}} NCT has performed at Belcourt Theatre,{{Cite web|url=https://www.tennessean.com/story/life/2014/09/07/belcourt-theatre-trove-cinema-treasures-new-old/15252661/|title=Belcourt Theatre a trove of cinema treasures, new and old|website=The Tennessean|language=en|access-date=2019-05-31}} Vanderbilt University and Belmont University. {{citation needed|date=March 2018}}
= 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.{{Cite web |last=Stumpfl |first=Amy |date=2016-02-25 |title=Scot Copeland of Nashville Children's Theatre dies at 62 |url=https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/local/obituaries%20/2016/02/25/scot-copeland-nashville-childrens-theater-dies-62/80925334/ |access-date=2025-01-16 |website=The Tennessean |language=}} 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.{{cite news|url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,995622,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930115848/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,995622,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 30, 2007 |title=Theater: Setting a New Stage for Kids |author=Richard Zoglin |date=Nov 15, 2004 |newspaper=Time}} Copeland was celebrated for his artistic vision, nurturing of young talent, and dedication to creating meaningful theatrical experiences for young audiences. 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.
Awards
{{unreferenced section|date=March 2018}}
| class="wikitable"
!Award/Recognition !Organization !Year |
| Five Best Children's Theatre Companies in the U.S.
|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{{Cite web|url=https://www.nashvillescene.com/news/article/13035741/2010-best-of-nashville-readers-poll|title=2010 BEST OF NASHVILLE READER'S POLL|website=Nashville Scene|language=en|access-date=2019-05-31}}
|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{{Cite web|url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/nashville/article/Norma-Luther-Ernie-Nolan-Named-Theaterati-of-the-Year-at-Midwinters-First-Night-20180129|title=Norma Luther, Ernie Nolan Named 'Theaterati of the Year' at Midwinter's First Night|last=Ellis|first=Jeffrey|website=BroadwayWorld.com|language=en|access-date=2019-05-31}}
|Midwinter's First Night |2018 |
Affiliations
{{unreferenced section|date=March 2018}}
| class="wikitable"
!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 |
References
{{reflist}}
External links
{{Commonscatinline}}
- {{Official|http://www.nashvillechildrenstheatre.org }}
{{authority control}}
Category:Culture of Nashville, Tennessee
Category:Organizations based in Nashville, Tennessee
Category:Performing arts education in the United States