Children’s Theatre Of Annapolis Launches Campaign To Build Community Arts Center

The word transformation often comes to mind when describing what transpires on the stage in live theater. It also depicts what is happening at Children’s Theatre of Annapolis (CTA) this year.

Not only is CTA transforming the lives of the young people who enter its doors, but it is also transforming the theater’s physical space and reach into the community.

April Forrer, executive director of CTA, explained that the Growing Our Reach public capital campaign aims to transform CTA into a vibrant arts center, enhancing its role as a cultural cornerstone in the community and positioning itself as a regional arts and culture leader in Maryland.

Forrer noted that the original annex building was once used as a military garage before it became a teaching, learning, performing hub and home to CTA. Now, CTA is adding to the theater’s footprint and fostering more community involvement by building the first black box theater in the Annapolis area.

When Forrer arrived at CTA five years ago, the plan had been to renovate the current annex building. Instead, she and the board decided to work toward building a new structure that allowed CTA to prioritize its mission of creating a state-of-the-art multipurpose arts center while building a stronger arts community, Forrer said.

Forrer stated that CTA has made a lot of progress behind the scenes toward its $1.1 million fundraising goal, securing $800,000. Members are now reaching out to the community and those who will benefit from the center to help raise the additional $350,000 to cross the finish line.

“Your contribution will not only help us in the construction of this building but will also leave a lasting legacy for generations to come,” Forrer wrote in the personal letters she sent to patrons.

The Growing Our Reach campaign logo depicts a deeply rooted tree with expanding branches and flowering leaves. Grounded in over 65 years of success, CTA is now reaching upward and outward, expanding its campus, abundance of opportunities and community impact.

Forrer said the reconfigurable black box theater will offer seating for over 75 people. The original theater will be maintained, and in November, 246 new seats — including fully accessible seats — will be installed.

The expanded campus will include two new classrooms, a new lobby where local artists can display their works, and a rain garden. The new classrooms will enable CTA to expand educational opportunities, Forrer noted. Students ages 5 through 18 will have a chance to learn dancing, acting and singing, and CTA hopes to support smaller productions and plays written by the kids, Forrer said.

“We also aspire to serve the many small theaters requiring space and companies that need a place to hold meetings by offering the black box theater for rental,” she added.

“We are excited about the rain garden, which will help with water and land conversation,” she said. “A local Boy Scout troop will help select the right plants from the Maryland area; we hope that schools will visit to learn about these native Maryland plants.”

High on CTA’s wishlist are solar panels to power the annex. Forrer is hopeful to secure corporate sponsors to help.

One of CTA’s priorities is to share the theater with underserved groups, like the Boys & Girls Clubs and the Stanton Community Center in Annapolis.

CTA board member Ashley Gilbert currently offers classes in motivational speaking, self-development and self-confidence to these groups. CTA also recently invited girls from the Stanton Community Center to enjoy a night of theater, games and pizza.

“It was such a beautiful night,” Forrer said. “We want to do more of that, to find ways to expose them to the joys of theater and show them what the experience can do for them.”

Many kids from the Severna Park area have been a part of the CTA family over the years, becoming involved in the theater, making friends, finding mentors, and developing skills and confidence.

Aislynn Hogue is a Severna Park resident and a cast member in “Tuck Everlasting: The Musical,” which runs through November 3.

“CTA is a very welcoming community, and I am always excited to come to CTA and see everyone!” she said.

Forrer also spoke about the high importance of creating a safe space with zero tolerance for bullying. “One of our most important priorities is that everyone here feels safe and that they have a voice, that includes the children, staff and volunteers,” Forrer said. “It is so important to us that people feel comfortable speaking out and know that they will be heard; we have a safe space here.”

The message on CTA’s fundraising page reads, “Together, we can help our students achieve extraordinary things and give them a safe space to learn, explore, create and express themselves. We invite you to join us in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity by making a generous gift to our Growing Our Reach campaign. Help us bring this facility and vision to life.”

To learn more or donate, go to the Growing Our Reach tab at www.childrenstheatreofannapolis.org/about-us.

The CTA 2024-2025 season features performances of “Tuck Everlasting: the Musical,” “Alice in Wonderland” and “Finding Nemo.”