Frequently Asked Questions

We do a lot of different things! Our Mainstage productions feature professional adult actors performing shows for families and young audiences. Our YouTheatre productions feature student actors in grades 1-12. Additionally we offer summer camps, after-school classes, field trips, and residencies in schools.

Great question! It depends on what you are interested in!

• If you'd like to attend a show check out the Mainstage or YouTheatre calendars to get tickets.
• If your child would like to participate in a YouTheatre production you can check individual YouTheatre show pages for audition dates.
• After-school classes are offered in Fall & Spring in addition to our Summer Camps. Class & Camp schedules are usually released two to three months in advance.

The best way to stay up to date is to sign up for emails at the bottom of this page. We also post frequent updates on Facebook and Instagram so be sure to follow us!

CCT’s YouTheatre program offers performance opportunities for the Midlands’ young performers grades 1-12.

The YouTheatre program is divided into three companies: Our Peanut Butter & Jelly Players (Grades 1-5), our Entr’acte Ensemble (Grades 6-8), and our CCTeens (Grades 9-12). Each group performs shows appropriate for their ages and skill levels.

To audition for a show check the YouTheatre calendar and then visit the show page you are interested in for audition dates. The best way to stay up to date is to sign up for emails  and to follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Auditions for our YouTheatre program can vary from show to show. We usually offer two audition dates (a Sunday and Monday) and audition as a group. Typically for a musical, you will either be taught (PB&J) or need to prepare (Entr'acte and CCTeen) a song selection from the show. You will also be taught a short combination at the audition if dancing is required. If necessary, you may also read a scene or say lines from the show.

Of course! CCT is a place where young performers of all ages and skill levels can come and grow as artists. CCT also offers after-school classes and camps designed to prepare students for all aspects of audition and performance, so be sure to take a look at our upcoming course catalog if your child is just getting started.

Rehearsals are held at CCT’s facilities inside the Brookland Lakeview Empowerment Center (1218 Batchelor St, West Columbia, SC 29169).

The rehearsal process typically lasts 5-8 weeks, depending on the show. Rehearsals are typically held Monday-Friday evenings with some weekend rehearsals. Rehearsal schedules are sent out to the cast after the read-through. We do not accept rehearsal conflicts during the two weeks leading up to the show’s opening.

There is no fee to audition for a show. YouTheatre fees are $100 per child and capped at $200 per family. If you are unable to pay and are interested in scholarship opportunities visit our scholarship page here.

Of course! Many families enjoy YouTheatre productions even if their child is not directly participating.

Most retail items can be purchased on our retail page here.  

Yes! We have a videography team that records each YouTheatre production. You can purchase a downloadable recording link on our retail page ($20). Links are available for purchase from the beginning of the rehearsal process until a week after the show closes. After filming, the recording has to go through editing, so links are usually available 3-4 weeks after a show has closed, and will be sent out by email. 

We have lots of ways you can support our young actors and their hard work. Break-a-leg ads are available for our playbills. Playbill ads are available with a photo ($15) or without ($10) on our retail page. We also have backstage break-a-legs ($1), which are delivered backstage directly to the actors. These are available at the box office before each performance. 

Yes! We have show t-shirts ($25) and and show posters ($5) available for each YouTheatre production. T-shirts can be found on our retail page and posters can be purchased from the box office before/after each performance. T-shirts for actors are included in the participation fee. 

CCT offers classes across a wide-range of topics with offerings for all ages and interests in singing, acting, and dancing. Children grades 3k-5k enjoy opportunities for play-based theatre fun! Older children have the opportunity to work on their performance chops with classes covering tap, dance, improv, acting, and more!

CCT offers ten-week class sessions in the Fall and the Spring. We also have week-long summer camps throughout June and July.

CCT’s class & camp instructors have a wealth of training in both academic and practical settings to provide your young performer the highest quality experience.

After-school classes usually run 10 weeks.

Most classes are held either at CCT or at Midlands Arts Conservatory. Occasionally we will hold a class in another location if we think there is a special opportunity for our young performers.

CCT classes and summer camps are $200. When classes and camps are first listed an early-bird discount is offered for folks who sign up early. For information on scholarship opportunities visit our scholarship page here.

Weekday matinees are Thursday and Friday at 9:15 and 10:45.

Field trip shows run about an hour in length.

Field trip tickets are $7.50 per student, with one free chaperone ticket per ten purchased.

Visit the field trip page, pick out your show, and fill out the reigstration form. Then our Director of Education will contact you to confirm details.

Yes, subject to availability. You may request to reserve lunch space following your performance.

When you arrive at the performance, someone will meet your group to get a final count. After you’ve checked in, an usher will direct you to your seats. After the performance, an usher will dismiss the audience by group and escort you to your transportation or lunch area.

Yes. You are expected to bring the number of people on your reservation. Tickets cannot be purchased on the day of your field trip.

Yes! We have opportunities for each show including box office, will call, concessions, ushering, costumes, and videography. Fill out the volunteer form on the website, and the Director of Operations will contact you to find an opportunity that is right for you!

Yes! We are always in need of more volunteers, and volunteering with us is a great way to be involved in the arts in our community!