Traysie Amick, SCCT’s Principal Teaching Artist and star of The Cat in the Hat, with Jack Roper and Megan Heidlberg on Your Carolina.
by Margaret Butler
South Carolina Children’s Theatre’s beloved production of Dr. Seuss’s The Cat in the Hat is returning to the Bell MainStage March 4th – 13th! Join us as we bring the magical story to life! Dr. Seuss’s The Cat in the Hat leaps off the page with dynamic sets, onstage stunts and tricks, and a mischievous cat who turns a rainy day into a day full of adventure! Our production is recommended for children ages, K3-5th Grade.
For a fun sneak peek of what you can expect at the show, we sat down with SCCT’s Principal Teaching Artist, and star of The Cat in the Hat, Traysie Amick:
How long have you been playing the Cat?
I started playing the Cat in 1999 before I started working full time at South Carolina Children’s Theatre. I was asked by Debbie Bell to wear the Cat in the Hat costume in the lobby to entertain kids before shows. After that, I continued as the Cat in the Character Breakfast for 20 years! Last year, I was the Cat in Characters in Concert and will revive that role in the 2nd Annual Event, too. I also played the Cat in SCCT’s 2015 production!
How does SCCT bring this classic story to life?
Looking at the book, you might never know that it would be possible for the magic to come to life on stage! How will the Cat pull off stunts on stage? How will the fish character translate into reality? In SCCT’s 2015 production the then-artistic team (Betsy Bisson, Kim Granner, and Jef Lambin) figured out how to conceive the magic here at SCCT. Seven years later, the magical moments are cleaner and tighter. Hopefully, it will be even more of an adventure in 2022!
What will kids love most about Cat in the Hat?
Kids are going to love the cartoon sound effects, the objects flying across the stage, and the fact that things magically appear and disappear. With pantomime and sleight of hand, audiences will see all kinds of cool magical things happen, especially things you should never do in a house that everyone wants to do in the house!
Why is this a good show for young children?
I think The Cat in the Hat encourages a sense of play and openness to ideas. Oftentimes, people are uncomfortable with vulnerability and making mistakes. The Cat often makes a mess but then takes responsibility for its actions. There’s a wonderful power and freedom in letting loose, playing, tearing things up, and allowing the house to be a mess – just to see if you can put it back together again. Who knows? Maybe you find better places the next time!
What’s your favorite moment in the show?
As an actor, my favorite moment is my entrance. It has a “jump off the diving board” sensation. The show starts so tense, tight, and almost quiet. It’s like when you pull a toy car back and it gets tight and then you let it go and it just goes and goes and goes! It’s a rainy day and the kids are moping in front of the window with nothing to do. Cat enters and asks the kids, “Why do you sit there like that?” It’s a beautiful rainy day. Immediately, the first question says ‘don’t limit yourself, you have options.’ It’s a great way to approach life!
As a teacher, my favorite moment is when Cat tells Thing 1 and Thing 2 that they no longer can play. It feels like the end of acting class! Cat’s responsible side shines through at this moment and the very young will deeply empathize with this feeling of having to clean up and stop the fun.
Why is The Cat in the Hat a perfect introduction for young ones to get involved in theatre?
First of all, it is very well-timed! The show happens right before our summer camp session. If a child sees the show and says, “I want to do that!” then they have week after week of opportunity to start where they’re comfortable. We host a variety of themed summer camps that allow kids to find a theme that feels safe – maybe it’s Hogwarts or Sing Disney? Then they can edge into new classes and experiences beyond their comfort zone. Although a new experience may be overwhelming or challenging, kids will walk away feeling braver than they were before!
Don’t wait! Grab your tickets today!
Dr. Seuss’s The Cat in the Hat runs at South Carolina Children’s Theatre from March 4th – 13th with showtimes at 10:30 am, 2:00 pm, 4:30 pm, and 7:00 pm, Tickets are $20. Box office: 864-235-2885 or scchildrenstheatre.org. SCCT will require all patrons ages 2 and up to wear masks while indoors at any SCCT performance.
Artistic Director and Director, Matt Giles and Clare Ruble (playing Little John) join Megan Heidlberg and Damarcus Gaston on Your Carolina to talk about the upcoming production of Robin Hood.
It is the classic tale of good and bad and we are so lucky to have such talented kids here in the Upstate. We are talking about the South Carolina Children’s Theatre and their production of Robin Hood and we have some of the performers here with us today to tell us about the show.
Guest Fight Choreographer, Thomas Azar, brings life to a reimagined telling of Robin Hood
by: Margaret Butler
SCCT’s modern adaptation of Robin Hood features all of the classic characters that you know
and love and sets them right in our backyard: the Appalachian mountains. The themes of
adventure, bravery, honor, family, and justice matched with fast-paced wit, professional local actors, and riveting stage combat raise the bar for children’s theatre in the Upstate.
Thomas Azar brings the Stage Combat up a notch
Thomas Azar, a local Upstate actor, joins SCCT for his artistic debut with the company. With an MFA in Classical Acting at Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Academy for Classical Acting in Washington, DC, Azar is no stranger to combat. His resume is chock-full of experience in unarmed combat, single sword, rapier and dagger, broadsword, quarterstaff, knife, and whip.
Robin Hood’s combat ranges from traditional “good vs evil” fights to lighthearted one-upmanship skirmishes. To Azar, it’s less about highly technical moves and more about fitting into the world of the show. “The characters in this telling of Robin Hood may not have extensive fight training, so how can we reflect that in the choreography?” Instead of using highly precise attacks and parries, anger might come through repeated motions and back and forth jabs,” Azar says. The characters exude an air of “I don’t need formal training to whoop you.”
Safety in Combat
The first rule of combat is safety. Azar works with Artistic Director Matt Giles to ensure that
safety takes priority in rehearsals. Azar says “every fight needs to be repeatable 8 times per
week. Actors need to know the moves and feel them in their body.” During combat, the fighters communicate through eye contact to ensure that each participant is ready and feels safe. “There is a line between ensuring safety and telling a convincing story. Walking that line for fight direction is where the artistry comes in.”
To make a fight “absolutely safe and totally gripping for the audience takes time.”
From the conceptualization to rehearsal time, choreographing each fight takes upward of 12-15 hours. “Each character has a different skill level and repertoire of moves. The choreography needs to reflect this.” In rehearsals, Azar worked closely with the cast of Robin Hood to develop genuine moments to define each character and relationship. Azar’s collaboration with the cast gives the actors ownership of their movements and helps the story come alive. “When actors suggest something that works, I exclaim, ‘Yes, of course – I love it.’ It puts a big smile on my face when actors help complete the puzzle.”
Professional from the Word ‘Go’
Before stepping in the building, Azar was already impressed with SCCT’s strong reputation for safety, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Azar commends SCCT for “meeting the bar of professional theatre and far exceeding it in all aspects.”
Robin Hood runs at South Carolina Children’s Theatre from January 28th – February 6th with show times at 10:30 am, 2:00 pm, 4:30 pm, and 7:00 pm, Tickets are $20. Box office: 864-235-2885 or scchildrenstheatre.org/robinhood
What do the holidays, the Tony Award-winning musical, Annie, and South Carolina Children’s
Theatre have in common? Coming home.And three upstate actors are doing just that. Mike Gallagher, reviving his role as Daddy Warbucks, Kenzie Wynne, playing Grace Farrell, and Ayden Woo, headlining as Annie, have all found a home at South Carolina Children’s Theatre. Even sweeter yet, they get to celebrate
their claimed home at SCCT’s newly constructed venue at 153 Augusta Street, in the West End
of downtown Greenville.
Mike Gallagher as Daddy Warbucks in SCCT’s 2013 production
Choosing Home
Mike Gallagher, nationally acclaimed radio talk-show host and former member of the Upstate
Theatre community, is thrilled to revive his role as Daddy Warbucks. This is his third time playing
the uptight yet warm-hearted billionaire at SCCT (previously seen in the 1994 and 2013
productions) and he was eager to return.
Gallagher, broadcasted on 300 radio stations across the country with 10 million listeners daily,
recognizes Greenville as the place he “cut his teeth in talk radio.” He thinks fondly of the years
he spent in Greenville with his late wife, Denise, and the years they spent raising their children
here. Gallagher sees the “parallel of the Children’s Theatre growing while we were just
blossoming as a family.”
“Flying in the other day from NY and landing here in GSP, is like all those wonderful feelings
come flooding back. And the South Carolina Children’s Theatre is integral for me in that.”
For Gallagher, coming back to SCCT is a choice. With “radio shows in the morning and
rehearsals at night” plus a variety of other time-consuming projects, Gallagher chooses again
and again to return to SCCT. “I love this place so much. I’m so blown away by how it is growing
and it is such a joy for it to be a part of my life again.”
Upon his return, Gallagher said: “It seems like there are hundreds of kids coming and going. I
was involved with conversations when this [building] was just a dream. And then to see this
dream become a reality – this theatre is a huge reason I’m here.”
Discovering Home
Ayden Woo (Annie), a freshman at Greenville Senior High, has been active at the Children’s
Theatre since she was 4 years old. She’s been studying theatre and voice since “before she
could make understandable sentences” and remembers her first class at SCCT over 10 years
ago. “After a class or show, I always feel that I have learned something. Whether it be a new
skill set for a role or learning about a different style of theatre for class. I always feel that I am
gaining something new.”
SCCT empowers students, like Ayden, to express themselves. Even simply being inspired by
the magic of theatre is a noteworthy moment in Ayden’s childhood.
“I got to see Annie when my sister, Eryn, played Pepper. I was too young at the time but it
looked like so much fun! The show allows me to understand that you can find love beyond just
family. From the directors and teachers to the fellow students and cast members – SCCT is like
a second home to me.”
Ayden Woo in classes at SCCT in 2017
Returning Home
Kenzie Wynne and her Sandy backstage in the 2008 production
Kenzie Wynne, played Annie in SCCT’s 2008 production, and is now back to play the loveable assistant to Warbucks, Grace Farrell. She highlights the similarities between Annie and Grace as “tenacious women during a time when tenacity in women was frowned upon. I love that this musical shows women and girls being themselves, and it gets them places.” Kenzie began taking classes at SCCT when she was 11 years old. At the time, she hadn’t really found her niche but remembers “every detail of her first experience” performing at SCCT. “I was completely hooked. I’d finally found my niche and my people!” After growing up at SCCT, Kenzie majored in Theatre Arts at Furman University and went on to receive her MFA in Acting in London. Since returning to Greenville, Kenzie has recently signed with an agent and gotten engaged.
“SCCT is a special place because it values kids. It gives children autonomy, their own voices,
and a safe space to express themselves. Kids don’t always get to feel their own power, but in
that special building, they do. In that same way, adults get to let go a little bit and just play!”
SCCT’s new home is more than just a building, its heart radiates through every person who has
been involved, making it a place Kenzie, and many others, will “always return home.”
Annie
Annie opens Nov. 26th for 13 performances through Dec. 19th, ringing in the holiday season
with plenty of cheer. With memorable classics including “Maybe,” “Hard-Knock Life,” “Tomorrow,”
and “N.Y.C.,” you’ll be tapping your toes and humming along, even after the curtain descends.
The story of Little Orphan Annie began as a comic strip in 1924 and the rest was history for this
uplifting story of a Depression-era orphan filled with spunk, boundless hope and gleeful
optimism. The Tony Award-winning Annie took to Broadway in 1977 and quickly captured the
hearts of audiences everywhere. Today, Annie is one of the most often-produced musicals in the
country.
It is only fitting that SCCT chose to bring Annie to life at their new home. Annie was originally
scheduled for the 2019-2020 Season. But when COVID temporarily closed the theatre’s doors
back in March, it was no easy street for SCCT. Luckily, overcoming hardships with creative
solutions is SCCT’s bread and butter. SCCT is filled to the brim with educational programming,
outreach initiatives, and a full season of Mainstage and 2nd stage productions.
“At SCCT, we endeavor to be a place where young people and their families are empowered,
encouraged, and at home. These values are at the core of the story in Annie, and we are so
proud to invite our audiences into our new home as we tell this story.” -Matt Giles, Artistic
Director
-by Margaret Butler
By: Margaret Butler
In the season of Pumpkin-themed everything, it’s only telling that “Spookley the Square
Pumpkin: The Musical” is headed to Greenville this fall. Produced by South Carolina Children’s
Theatre, this heartwarming tale of a square pumpkin finding his place in a round pumpkin world,
will delight audience members of all ages.
The production is led by an impressive team of artistic professionals and a talented cast of
young actors. But perhaps, most noteworthy is the addition of prestiged guest scenic and
puppet designer, Ryan Bradbrun. Matt Giles, Artistic Director at South Carolina Children’s
Theatre says he feels “very fortunate to have Bradburn as a part of the SCCT family. His
boundless creativity and work with puppets is unrivaled.”
A graduate of Ringling College of Art and Design and Atlanta-based artist, Ryan Bradburn
boasts an impressive work portfolio of props, sets, creative styling, and illustrations. For
Spookley the Square Pumpkin: The Musical, Bradburn designed 8 unique, interactive puppets.
These puppets aren’t your traditional hand puppets though, they have the capability to move
and talk. Bradburn spent an average of 7 to 8 hours per puppet, most of which was spent on
their functionality and ease of use. He transforms craft foam, rubber, fleece, jewels, and other
materials to help the puppets come alive under the lights.
Bradburn is no stranger to unusual requests in the design industry. Once he was dealt with the
task of advertising a pharmaceutical drug for cows. Another time – designing safe dynamite.
Nothing is beyond Bradburn. His creativity, resourcefulness, and can-do attitude is reflected in
his extensive resume. When you look at Bradburn’s clients, ranging from CNN and Maker’s
Mark to McDonald’s and Boy Scouts of America, you’d wonder what keeps Bradburn coming
back to the upstate.
In fact, Bradburn got his start in theatre in the area. From performing in shows to painting
backdrops, Bradburn fostered his creativity right here in the Upstate. At South Carolina
Children’s Theatre, Bradburn’s credits include “BFG,” “Rapunzel,” “Pinkalicious,” and “How I
Became a Pirate”. His talent has also been seen at the Warehouse Theatre and Greenville
Theatre.
Bradburn’s scenic design and puppetry work on Spookley is truly spectacular but he humbly
claims that his work alone isn’t what delivers magic. “The magic is from all of the parts coming
together. Watching the actors and audience see the puppets for the first time – that’s the magic.”
South Carolina Children’s Theatre’s production of “Spookley the Square Pumpkin: The Musical”,
runs October 22nd-October 31st at the Bell Mainstage at 153 Augusta Street, across the street
from Gather GVL.
To learn more about Ryan Bradburn, visit: http://www.ryanbradburn.com/home.html
Spookley the Square Pumpkin: The Musical is based on the book “The Legend of Spookley the
Square Pumpkin” written by Joe Troiano, the film “Spookley the Spookley the Square Pumpkin”
written by Joe Troiano and Tom Hughes, and the stage production directed and conceived by
Jeff Frank and First Stage. Spookley the Square Pumpkin and all related elements © and TM/®
under license to Holiday Hill Enterprises, LLC. Spookley is the “Official Spokes-Pumpkin” for
PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Month in October. PACER.org/Bullying Spookley
The cast of South Carolina Children’s Theatre’s production of SPOOKLEY THE SQUARE PUMPKIN: THE
MUSICAL will be presenting an opening number for Denver Down’s Pumpkin Princess Pageant, on
October 2nd at 11:50 AM. Denver Downs is one of the MainStage sponsors for the musical, along with
Seamon Whiteside, Primrose School of Greenville, Greenville Journal, and United Community Bank.
SPOOKLEY THE SQUARE PUMPKIN: THE MUSICAL, with Book and Lyrics by Joe Troiano and Music
Composed and Arranged by Jeffrey Zahn, is about a square pumpkin in a round pumpkin world. He has
hilarious spider friends, Edgar, Allan, and Poe. He’s the star of a popular book series and famous
animated feature. Maybe that’s why SPOOKLEY THE SQUARE PUMPKIN: THE MUSICAL is on its way to
becoming a family tradition itself. Does Spookley have what it takes to be the Pick of the Patch? Will he
realize being different makes him special? Sing along as you find out, and enjoy one of the best
Halloween musicals you will see for a long time! South Carolina Children’s Theatre will presenting the
musical October 22nd through October 31st in their new facility at 153 Augusta Street (across the street
from Gather GVL.)
The cast, led by director, Lauren Imhoff, consists of Sarah Greene, Kate Kitchens, Sanjay Govindarajan,
Becca Payne, Ashley Smith, Bella Majarais, Sidney Park, Harper Page, Ayla Apple, Marcy Roseveare, Julia
Orr, and Allison Dewberry. Choreography is by Mary Evan Giles and Lauren Imhoff and Music Direction is
by Julie Florin.
About SPOOKLEY THE SQUARE PUMPKIN: THE MUSICAL
SPOOKLEY THE SQUARE PUMPKIN: THE MUSICAL is based on the book “The Legend of Spookley the
Square Pumpkin” written by Joe Troiano, the film “Spookley the Square Pumpkin” written by Joe Troiano
and Tom Hughes, and the stage production directed and conceived by Jeff Frank and First Stage.
Spookley the Square Pumpkin and all related elements © and TM/® under license to Holiday Hill
Enterprises, LLC. Spookley is the “Official Spokes-Pumpkin” for PACER’s National Bullying Prevention
Month in October. PACER.org/Bullying Spookley.
GSA Business Report has selected Matt Giles, Artistic Director at South Carolina Children’s Theatre, for the 2021 Class of Forty Under 40.
The Forty Under 40 program honors the top 40 business professionals across the Upstate who have excelled in their chosen profession and in service to their community. Please join us in congratulating Matt Giles for this distinguished honor.
Matt Giles joined South Carolina Children’s Theatre in March 2020 and his responsibilities include setting the artistic direction for the theatre; hiring, managing and evaluating artistic personnel including directors, performers and designers; serving as spokespersons for the organization’s artistic purpose; fostering the continued development of good relations with other cultural and community organizations; along with the executive director, setting the strategic and financial objectives of SCCT; and maintaining the artistic and educational integrity of SCCT’s programs.
A native of Upstate South Carolina and a Wofford College alumnus, Giles joined SCCT from Children’s Theatre Company (CTC) in Minneapolis—the nation’s largest theatre for multigenerational audiences, where he served as General Manager. Prior to his time at CTC, Giles was the Associate Producing Director at Seattle Repertory Theatre. He is also an accomplished director, with more than 30 directorial credits to his name. Throughout his career, Giles has worked with SCCT as an actor, director and teaching artist, most recently playing ‘Snail’ in SCCT’s production of A Year With Frog & Toad, in Spring 2019. In SCCT’s 2021-2022 Season, Matt will direct Robin Hood and The Sound of Music and co-direct Annie with Education Director, Betsy Bisson.
GSA Business Report is proud to recognize 40 elite individuals who start companies, lead community efforts for positive change and who have made an impact that reaches far beyond the Forty Under 40 honor.
GSA Business Report’s panel of judges had a difficult challenge in determining who would be named to the 2021 Class of Forty Under 40. Not only did they have to consider the personal, professional dedication and commitment of service each nominee provides in the Upstate but to have done so in the shadow of a global pandemic indicates this class has been tempered like no other and destined for great things in the future.
About GSA Business Report
GSA Business Report is the source of business news for high-level executive across the Upstate and beyond. As part of the SC Biz News team with several publications, including the Charleston Regional Business Journal, Columbia Regional Business Report, SCBIZ magazine and many others online and in print, GSA Business Report’s team of content providers partner with businesses and economic development leaders across the state.
South Carolina Children’s Theatre (SCCT) is ecstatic to announce the lineup for their 2021-2022 MainStage Season—the first season to be produced in its entirety at SCCT’s brand new Theatre Arts and Education Center for Children.
The five-show season will open in October with the heartwarming story of SPOOKLEY THE SQUARE PUMPKIN- THE MUSICAL (October 22-31, 2021). Your family will be treated to the kindness-counts tale of a non-traditionally-shaped pumpkin who comes to terms with his square-ness. This will mark the first time SCCT has produced this show, with book and lyrics by Joe Troiano and music by Jeffrey Zahn. SPOOKLEY will be directed by long-time SCCT collaborator, Lauren Imhoff. Imhoff is no stranger to the SCCT stage. She has directed several shows for SCCT—most recently, KNUFFLE BUNNY: A CAUTIONARY MUSICAL on SCCT’s 2nd Stage. She is also a gifted choreographer, creating the dance numbers for 2019’s ELLA ENCHANTED, A YEAR WITH FROG & TOAD, and SCCT’s first ever, CHARACTERS IN CONCERT.
Following SPOOKLEY, the beloved musical, ANNIE (November 26-December 19, 2021), will take stage on the Bell Mainstage. With a book and score by Tony Award winners, Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse, and Martin Charnin, this will mark the sixth mounting of the orphan-finds-a-home tale by SCCT, most recently produced by the theatre in 2013. SCCT is also excited to welcome back nationally-syndicated radio show host, Mike Gallagher, who will be reprising his role as Daddy Warbucks. It will be co-directed by SCCT’s Artistic Director, Matt Giles, and Education Director, Betsy Bisson. Bisson previously played the role of Ms. Hannigan, opposite Giles’ Rooster, and has also directed the show. Her most recent SCCT directorial credits include ELLA ENCHANTED, A YEAR WITH FROG & TOAD, and SHREK THE MUSICAL. Giles, who assumed artistic leadership of SCCT in March 2020, recently directed GO, DOG. GO! and led the restaging of Kim Granner’s production, GLOW TALES- A BLACKLIGHT PUPPETRY EXTRAVAGANZA!
“It has long been our dream to bring ANNIE back to our stage once we opened our new facility,” says Giles. “This show has such a storied history at SCCT and we cannot wait to produce this piece in the new theatre. And what better way to celebrate the holidays than with Annie and Daddy Warbucks?”
January, 2022 will mark Giles’ return to the director’s chair for the 2021-2022 season with ROBIN HOOD (January 28-February 6, 2022), by British playwright Greg Banks. Another first-time production for SCCT, this classic tale of good vs. evil will be a treat for children and adults alike. Our fresh take on the beloved classic combines daring fights and iconic characters with a healthy dose of quick-witted, slapstick comedy. This adaptation is sure to keep every audience member at the edge of their seat.
“I can’t wait to bring this show to SCCT,” says Giles. “I’ve had the privilege of seeing this show come to life on stages in New York and Seattle and I can say with confidence that SCCT audiences are in for a real treat. We have some wonderfully creative plans for this show and I can’t wait to share it with our community.”
In March, SCCT is thrilled to bring Dr. Seuss’s story of THE CAT IN THE HAT (March 4-13, 2022) to the stage. Education Principal Teaching Artist, Traysie Amick, will headline the cast as ‘Cat’ and will have audience members bouncing out of their seats with her jubilant performance. DR. SEUSS’S THE CAT IN THE HAT was adapted for the stage by Katie Mitchell and will be directed by Betsy Bisson. The creativity of this fantastic duo is sure to make this performance a season favorite.
The season will wrap up in May with Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic, THE SOUND OF MUSIC (May 6-22, 2022). The final show of the season will also be directed by Giles. This legendary musical is coming to the SCCT stage for the 5th time and was most recently produced in 2012. Audiences will, once again, fall in love with the melodies and characters of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s masterpiece during SCCT’s production.
“I can’t fathom a more fitting way to end our season,” says Giles. “We’re going to be producing a fresh take on this piece, while staying true to the musical we’ve all grown to know and love.”
Tickets for our 2021-2022 season can be purchased individually, starting on September 1st, 2021. Please subscribe to our email here or check our website regularly for reminders. Due to ongoing COVID precautions, season subscriptions will not be offered this year.
South Carolina Children’s Theatre is committed to providing a safe space for all of our program participants. The health and well-being of our students, patrons, and staff remain our top priority. We are continuing to evaluate all health data and CDC recommendations to make informed, intentional decisions about capacity and masking. Click here to see our current precautions.
About SCCT’s Headquarters
South Carolina Children’s Theatre recently opened their new Center for Theatre Arts and Education. Despite COVID, SCCT has been able to safely welcome students and patrons into the space with social-distancing precautions, a reduced seating capacity, and 5 newly installed Bipolar Ionization Units. The facility, located at 153 Augusta Street, serves as the headquarters for the organization. All SCCT MainStage and 2nd Stage performances, as well as education programs, will take place at the center, bringing all three pillars of SCCT’s mission—performance, outreach and education—under one roof for the first time in the organization’s history.
About South Carolina Children’s Theatre
Since 1987, South Carolina Children’s Theatre has impacted the lives of children and families in South Carolina through theatre, educational classes and workshops, and accessible outreach initiatives. Each year, SCCT produces and performs high-quality, live theatre, featuring children and adults. SCCT also offers additional shows for younger audiences and other special events on the theatre’s 2nd Stage.
In addition to performances, SCCT offers professional, year-round education in the dramatic arts for children ages 3 to 18 and educational outreach to under-resourced, special needs, and hospitalized children.
The mission of South Carolina Children’s Theatre is to educate and stimulate the minds and imaginations of young people and their families through participation in high-quality theatre, year-round education, and accessible outreach.
SCCT moved to their permanent home at 153 Augusta Street in April 2020.
To learn more about South Carolina Children’s Theatre, visit www.scchildrenstheatre.org.
South Carolina Children’s Theatre (SCCT) is pleased to announce the lineup for their 2020-2021 MainStage Season—the first season to be produced in its entirety at SCCT’s brand new Theatre Arts and Education Center for Children.
The six-show season will open in September with the classic musical Annie. This will mark the sixth mounting of the orphan-finds-a-home tale by SCCT, most recently produced by the theatre in 2013. It will be co-directed by SCCT’s Co-Artistic Directors Betsy Bisson and Matt Giles. Bisson has previously played the role of Ms. Hannigan opposite Giles’ Rooster and has also directed the show. Her most recent SCCT directorial credits include Ella Enchanted, A Year With Frog & Toad and Shrek The Musical. Giles, the newest member of the SCCT team, is on deck to direct SCCT’s upcoming production of Curious George: The Golden Meatball—the organization’s final production as a resident company of the Peace Center.
“We’ve been holding this one in our back pocket, knowing we wanted to open our new theatre with this classic show,“ said Bisson. “The parallel between Annie the Orphan finding a home, and SCCT finally moving into our own home was just too perfect.”
Following Annie, in October, will be the kindness-counts story of Spookley The Square Pumpkin. This will mark the first time SCCT has produced this show and it will be directed by regular SCCT guest director Kim Granner. Granner most recently directed SCCT’s Winter 2020 production of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and prior to that, Mr. Popper’s Penguins in Winter 2019. Granner is a multi-talented artist and an experienced puppet maker, which will certainly be an asset to a show in which the main character is a non-traditionally shaped pumpkin.
December’s holiday show is a remount of Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells. Director Mia Phillips, who directed both previous productions of this fun-filled show, brings it back to life, this time on SCCT’s very own MainStage! Phillips is a regular guest director, most recently sharing her directorial talents with A Charlie Brown Christmas in December 2019 and with Elephant & Piggie’s: We Are In A Play! in June 2019.
February, 2020 will mark Giles’ return to the director’s chair for the 2020-2021 season with Robin Hood. Another first-time production for SCCT, this classic tale of good vs. evil will be a treat for children and adults alike and will feature the daring fights and classic characters that continue keep this story on children’s bookshelves all over the world.
“I can’t wait to bring this show to SCCT,” says Giles. “I’ve had the privilege of seeing this show come to life on the stage and I can say with confidence that SCCT audiences are in for a real treat.”
In April, SCCT’s Tour Manager and School Liaison Lauren Imhoff will direct Pete The Cat. A perfect show for younger audiences, Pete the Cat follows the popular James Dean book character as he helps a young boy harness the power of his imagination. Imhoff has directed several shows for SCCT—most recently, Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Musical on SCCT’s 2nd Stage. She is also a gifted choreographer, creating the dance numbers for 2019’s Ella Enchanted, A Year With Frog & Toad and Curious George: The Golden Meatball, coming up in April 2020.
The season will wrap in July with Disney’s The Little Mermaid. The final show of the season will be directed, once again, by Matt Giles. This magical underwater tale is coming to the SCCT stage for the third time and was most recently produced in 2004.
Season tickets for SCCT’s inaugural season in their brand new home on Augusta Street will go on sale on May 1, 2020. Individual show tickets will be available for purchase beginning in July.
About SCCT’s Headquarters
South Carolina Children’s Theatre will officially open their new Center for Theatre Arts and Education to the public in June, 2020. The facility, located at 153 Augusta Street, will serve as the headquarters for the organization. All SCCT MainStage and 2nd Stage performances as well as education programs will take place at the center, bringing all three pillars of SCCT’s mission—performance, outreach and education—under one roof for the first time in the organization’s history.
About South Carolina Children’s Theatre
Since 1987, South Carolina Children’s Theatre has impacted the lives of children and families in South Carolina through theatre, educational classes and workshops, and accessible outreach initiatives. Each year, SCCT produces and performs high-quality, live theatre MainStage performances featuring children and adults, as well as additional shows and other special events on the theatre’s 2nd Stage.
SCCT offers professional year-round education in the dramatic arts for children ages 3 to 18 and educational outreach to low-income, special needs and hospitalized children.
The mission of South Carolina Children’s Theatre is to educate and stimulate the minds and imaginations of young people and their families through participation in high-quality theatre, year-round education and accessible outreach.
Until their upcoming move to a permanent home at 153 Augusta Street, SCCT is temporarily located at 1200 Pendleton Street in Greenville.
