There’s No Place Like Home!
Cincinnati – The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati (TCT) is excited to announce its highly anticipated 2025-2026 season, marking the nation’s oldest professional theatre for young audiences’ historic return to the newly renovated, reimagined, and revived Emery Theater.
Until 1969, The Emery Theater was home to TCT productions. With just $4 million of a $51.5 million capital campaign to go, The Emery will reopen its doors in October as a historically preserved, yet technologically state-of-the-art theatrical venue! Equipped with the latest advancement in stagecraft, projection mapping within the audience is paired with a one-of-a-kind stage lift with a built-in turntable bringing scenery from under the stage. An automated fly system, advanced trap door equipment, and the latest in acoustic technology help to set the scene, while a massive LED media wall backs the entire stage—combining live theatre with automation, projections, illustrations, and animation and transforming each TCT production into a truly unique and immersive theatrical experience. Here’s a sneak peek: https://tinyurl.com/TCTEMERY
Much like the iconic theater itself—where historic charm now meets the latest technology—the theater’s first season will be a perfect blend of the old and the new, featuring two beloved classics and two brand-new premieres. Each production will captivate audiences of all ages.
Kicking off the season and the return to the Emery, TCT will present the one-hour “youth edition” of Frank L. Baum’s timeless classic, The Wizard of Oz. A story that has enchanted audiences for generations, audiences will follow Dorothy and friends down the Yellow Brick Road in an unforgettable experience unlike anything you have ever seen before! This wickedly colorful adventure over the rainbow will surely be remembered for generations to come. Stage Direction by TCT’s Artistic Director, Roderick Justice, The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition opens the newly renovated theatre and will run from October 10-26, 2025.
During the holiday season, TCT is bringing back one of the company’s most popular productions in its 105-year history with a show that is sweeter than maple syrup— the JR. (one-hour) version of Elf The Musical! Join Buddy the Elf on his hilarious journey from the North Pole to New York City in this heartwarming and hilarious holiday favorite. Directed by former TCT Company Manager and Associate Artistic Director, Eric Byrd, Elf, the Musical JR. takes the Emery stage December 5-21, 2025.
In the winter of 2026, one of the most beloved children’s book series of all-time jumps from the page to the stage! Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Musical brings Jeff Kinney’s iconic characters to life in a hilarious and heartfelt production. The show will also feature original illustrations and animations by Kinney himself. With Stage Direction by TCT’s Associate Artistic Director, Maddie Burgoon Jones, this exciting new musical will premiere February 20 – March 8, 2026.
Closing out the season is the stage adaptation of one of DreamWorks’ most legendary films. TCT is elated to present the JR. version of How to Train Your Dragon. Journey to the Isle of Berk with Hiccup and the majestic dragon, Toothless, who will prove that friendship and courage have the power to change the world! With Concept Direction by Roderick Justice, DreamWorks’ How to Train Your Dragon JR. will run between April 17 – May 3, 2026.
Artistic Director, Roderick Justice, shared his excitement about the season, stating: “Returning to The Emery Theater is a dream come true for TCT and for so many who have longed to revive the historic landmark. Our 106th season honors our past while celebrating the future, bringing both beloved stories and brand-new productions to life. We can’t wait for audiences of all ages to experience the magic of live theatre like never before!”
SUBSCRIPTIONS AND SINGLE TICKETS
Renewals for current TCT Subscribers will take place from February 26 through March 31. New subscriptions will go on sale May 6 at www.thechildrenstheatre.com. Beginning August 1, single tickets for all productions will go on sale for TCT’s 2025-2026 MainStage Season at the Emery Theater.
ACCESSIBILITY
Productions are designed for children ages 4+ and their families. ASL interpretation and audio description will be offered during the second Saturday at 2 PM performances of all productions. Sensory-Friendly performances will be scheduled for select productions.
AUDITIONS
TCT is committed to breaking down barriers, including those that impact its talent. The Company primarily casts age-appropriately—professional adult actors in adult roles and professionally trained young actors (Age 9+) in children’s roles— By moving to The Emery there will be significantly reduced workday and school-day commitments. Previously, performers missed up to 2 weeks of work/school for tech and performances; now, those cast will only miss 5 days, limited to Thursdays and Fridays. All roles are paid.
Audition breakdowns and signups will be posted on TCT’s website two weeks before each audition period. For those interested in auditioning and being considered for the first season at the Emery, mark your calendars!
- The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition & Elf, the Musical JR. – Auditions/Callbacks: May 12-18, 2025
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid & How to Train Your Dragon JR.– Auditions/Callbacks: August 18-24, 2025.
PERFORMANCES Public Performances, Sensory-Friendly, and School Matinees for the 25-26 Season:
- The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition
- Public Performances: October 10-12,18-19, & 25-26, 2025
- School Matinees: October 10, 16-17, & 23-24, 2025
- Elf, The Musical JR.
- Public Performances: December 5-7, 13-14, & 20-21, 2025
- School Matinees: December 5, 11-12, & 18-19, 2025
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Musical
- Public Performances: February 20-22, 28, March 1 & 7-8, 2026
- School Matinees: February 20, 26-27, & March 5-6, 2026
- Sensory-Friendly Performance: February 27, 2026
- How to Train Your Dragon JR.
- Public Performances: April 17-19, 25-26, & May 2-3, 2026
- School Matinees: April 17, 23-24, 30, & May 1, 2026
SUPPORT & FUNDING
The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati is supported by ArtsWave and the generosity of thousands of contributors to the ArtsWave Community Campaign. The Ohio Arts Council has helped fund this program with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence, and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans.
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