Children's Theatre Workshop (Toledo)

Children's Theatre Workshop (Toledo) One of the country's oldest theatre groups with performances by children, for children. Find out more at www.ctwtoledo.org
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CTW offers a number of special programs in live theater for Toledo and area youth from 3 to 18 years old. The program teaches theatrical techniques through an informal, classroom-based structure, and promotes self-expression and teamwork. Classes are structured based on the age of the child, rather than experience level or ability. This allows more experienced members to help the new folks, while

the new members offer fresh ideas and diverse points of view. This also allows older students to more deeply explore a subject that might bore a younger child. In the classroom we play theatre games, work on improvisational skills, study characterization/theatre history/script analysis, and stage presence. In the process we build theatre skills, self-confidence, public speaking skills, and an awareness of a true teamwork effort. The level of the games and applications is a function of the age of the class. We do not try to make professional performers out of the members - rather we give them a taste of live theatre (as much as they want) so they can decide for themselves if and to what extent they might want to pursue the theatre either as a career or as a hobby.

Ever wondered what we do when you're not here? We aren't saying this is everyday.... But thank goodness students are com...
09/07/2026

Ever wondered what we do when you're not here? We aren't saying this is everyday.... But thank goodness students are coming back soon to keep our teachers busy.

Classes start Tuesday! Hope to see you soon!

Thanks for joining us this past week as we reviewed CTW's Fall classes. If you missed it, scroll back through our feed f...
09/05/2026

Thanks for joining us this past week as we reviewed CTW's Fall classes. If you missed it, scroll back through our feed for all the details. Fall 2026 classes start Tuesday! Registration is open until each program starts (or until the classes fill) so you still have a little time to get your childrenregistered!

Fall registration and more info: https://www.ctwtoledo.org/classes/

Questions? Email us: [email protected] or you can call us 419-244-5061

Photo from our Summer 2026 musical, The Lightning Thief

Thanks for following this week as we spotlight our theatre programs! Continuing with our Special Topics Classes, our nex...
09/05/2026

Thanks for following this week as we spotlight our theatre programs! Continuing with our Special Topics Classes, our next spotlight is our Musical Theatre class.

Musical Theatre students attend weekly classes on Saturday mornings. These classes focus mainly on vocal technique and students will learn about musicals. They will practice vocals in small groups and solos. Foundational choreography may be included. This class is perfect for students who want to improve their musical theatre skills for CTW’s summer musical or musical opportunities at their school or elsewhere in the community.

For more information or to register click the appropriate age group at this link: https://www.ctwtoledo.org/classes/

***Please note: these special topics classes do not have an associated performance. If your student wants to audition for this semester's play, they need to enroll in the core theatre class for their age group. (They can take both the core theatre class and this special topics class in the same semester.)

Photo from a previous Musical Theatre workshop

Thanks for following this week as we spotlight our theatre programs! Continuing with our Special Topics Classes, our nex...
09/04/2026

Thanks for following this week as we spotlight our theatre programs! Continuing with our Special Topics Classes, our next spotlight is our Technical Theatre class.

Technical Theatre students attend weekly classes. These classes focus on the design, production prep, and backstage work of producing a play!

The Teen Technical Theatre class follows CTW's classroom to stage model, where students attend 8 weeks of classes and learn skills they can put to work on that semester's play! Teen students are encouraged to assist with technical responsibilities, such as Costume Crew, Deck Crew and Props Crew. Advanced students can learn to be Assistant Director, Stage Manager, Light Board Operator, and Sound Board Operator.

The Technical Theatre class for Ages 10-12 is an introduction to the Teen Technical Theatre class. Tweens will learn about all the facets of behind scenes of a play. If they have prior technical theatre experience, they may be promoted to the Teen Technical Theatre class (which meets at the same time). Otherwise they will get a good overview of technical theatre skills and see if it's a good fit for them as well as learn skills to grow, improve and move onto the Teen Technical Theatre class.

***Please note: these special topics classes do not have an associated performance. (Though teen Technical Theatre students may work on technical aspects of a play, like set building or deck crew, they will not audition nor act in that play.) If your student wants to audition for this semester's play, they need to enroll in the core theatre class for their age group.

For more information or to register click the belwo links.

Teen Technical Theatre Class: https://www.ctwtoledo.org/teen-company/ #1627050588786-7b0f08c7-28e3

Ages 10-12 Technical Theatre Class: https://www.ctwtoledo.org/ensemble-ages-10-12/ #1784732533629-964fac85-0c71

Photos from summer 2026 Technical Theatre classes work on our productions.

DID YOU KNOW...our theatre programs align with Ohio Content Standards for Drama/Theatre? No one makes us. There's no ove...
09/04/2026

DID YOU KNOW...our theatre programs align with Ohio Content Standards for Drama/Theatre?

No one makes us. There's no overseeing board making us do that. But while we love theatre games and free play, we also value education! Which is why we craft our programs to meet Ohio's Dept of Education standards for the arts.

At CTW, we play, we learn, and we CREATE! Donate to get our 26-27 season set up for the best year yet at www.ctwtoledo.org/donate

(Photo of our Teen Company's Spring 2026 production of "Rosaline Wrecked It All." PC: Pat Mahood)

Thanks for following this week as we spotlight our theatre programs! That was all of our core theatre programs, so next ...
09/04/2026

Thanks for following this week as we spotlight our theatre programs! That was all of our core theatre programs, so next we will spotlight our Special Topics Classes. Let's start with our Devising classes.

Did you know three of our plays each year are written by CTW students?! Teens and 10-12 year olds meet to collaborate and craft original stories--we call it our Devising class!

Teachers guide the storytelling process, asking the questions young writers need to consider when creating characters and plot, and take all the notes while the students fire off ideas, lines, and plot points. Three of the plays written this year will be performed by CTW students in the 2027-2028 season!

Ensemble Devising class meets Saturdays 10-11:15. Teen Devising class meets Saturdays 10-11:15. The Devising programs are $75 each and run September-October.

Register for the Devising class for ages 10-12 here:
https://www.ctwtoledo.org/ensemble-ages-10-12/ #1784732442357-e2300931-5df9

Register for the Devising class for Teens here:
https://www.ctwtoledo.org/teen-company/ #1762468623871-dfebf061-e7b6

***Please note: these special topics classes do not have an associated performance. If you student wants to audition for this semester's play, they need to enroll in the core theatre class for their age group.

Thanks for following this week as we spotlight our theatre programs! Now it's time to spotlight our oldest students in T...
09/03/2026

Thanks for following this week as we spotlight our theatre programs! Now it's time to spotlight our oldest students in The CTW Collective.

The Collective is for students, who want to transition into leadership roles usually reserved only for staff. Under CTW staff guidance, these 15-18 year olds research and select a play, establish a budget and schedule, cast and rehearse a show as its directors, producers, and technical staff, and present it to the public. This program is best suited for students who have at least a few years of experience.

This program is $180 and runs September-early February. The first meeting is 11:30 am on September 7th at the Ohio Theatre, and from there the schedule will adjust according to the availability of the group. This program can only accomdate 5-10 students a year.

More information and registration at https://www.ctwtoledo.org/ctw-collective/

Photo of last year's Collective's student production team who produced Dracula.

Thanks for following this week as we spotlight our theatre programs! Let's spotlight our older thespians, Teen Company f...
09/03/2026

Thanks for following this week as we spotlight our theatre programs! Let's spotlight our older thespians, Teen Company for ages 13+.

Our theatre classes for teens are incredibly diverse in terms of experience. Some of our students have been doing this for YEARS, and some of our students are just discovering their interest and possible passion for the performing arts, which we love!

Our Teen Company for is designed for all teens regardless of their skill level. The teachers build lesson plans for two levels of skill--one for those who need practice with introductory concepts, and one for those who need to develop or diversify their skills. The class includes audition prep, improvisation, script work, and exploration of special acting/theatre topics.

All teens in this class may audition for the musical "Alice By Heart." In the rubble of the London Blitz of World War II, Alice Spencer’s budding teen life is turned upside down, and she and her dear friend Alfred are forced to take shelter in an underground tube station. When the ailing Alfred is quarantined, Alice encourages him to escape with her into their cherished book and journey down the rabbit hole to Wonderland. As they travel through the tale, Alice by Heart explores the poignancy of first love, coming to terms with loss, and finding the courage to move forward. This world premiere musical encourages us all to celebrate the transformational power of the imagination, even in the harshest of times.

More information including the musical's songs here: https://www.mtishows.com/alice-by-heart

This program is $180 and runs September-December. Classes are Saturday mornings. Auditions come up shortly after we start classes (start working on monologues now!), then rehearsals begin, and the play performs in December.

More information or register for Teen classes here:
https://www.ctwtoledo.org/teen-company/

Photo from our Summer 2026 musical, The LIghtning Thief

Thanks for following as we spotlight our theatre programs! Next up is CTW's Ensemble Company for ages 10-12.Students wil...
09/03/2026

Thanks for following as we spotlight our theatre programs! Next up is CTW's Ensemble Company for ages 10-12.

Students will build acting and improv skills, develop an audition monologue for the show, and build characters in a group setting. This age group will rehearse and perform "The Amazing Family Robot Apocalypse" an original play written by last year's 10-12 year old Devising students. Synopsis: On an ordinary Saturday, the Connor family packs up to visit their genius uncle’s robot factory. What a wholesome family outing, right? WRONG. The Connors quickly realize Uncle Spencer’s newest invention, the lanternflies, have become a national threat and are taking over the country. The Connors are one of the lucky few who have escaped! It’s up to them to stop the robot apocalypse and save us all from the lanternflies!

Teachers in this program provide introductory content for students who are just starting theatre for the first time, but also give more advanced instruction for experienced students who need a challenge.

Register for Ensemble Company at https://www.ctwtoledo.org/ensemble-ages-10-12

This program is $180 which covers everything, scripts, costumes, etc. No additional fees unless you want something extra, like a tshirt. This program runs September-January. Classes are Tuesday evenings or Saturday mornings at the Collingwood Arts Center. Rehearsals begin mid October and the play performs in mid January.

Photo from previous Ensemble Company play, Scene One, Seen 'Em All

Thanks for following as we spotlight our theatre programs! Next up is CTW's Players Company for ages 7-9. This is our yo...
09/02/2026

Thanks for following as we spotlight our theatre programs! Next up is CTW's Players Company for ages 7-9. This is our youngest group to tackle a full length play!

In the class portion of the semester, students will build skills in acting and improv, practice for auditions, learn to create characters, and practice working together to make theatre. Players students will audition for their play, then rehearse and perform it for the public!

This program is suited for actors who are exploring their dramatic flairs and are ready to work on a 45-50 minute play. Staff on this production are prepared to assist early literacy students so students can participate regardless of reading levels.

Fall 2026's play will be Welcome to Candy Kingdom by Brian Cox: We guarantee you won’t find a sweeter play than Welcome to Candy Kingdom! This colorful land, including Peppermint Acres, Lollipop Forest, Bubblegum Pass and more, is where all the discarded candy goes to be loved and stay fresh forever.

But the Candy Apple family finds themselves in a sticky situation — too much taffy to be allowed in Fruitopia, but too much fruit to be on the approved candy list for Candy Kingdom. They must undertake a perilous journey across the land to petition King and Queen Candybar to allow them to stay. Luckily, they have Jawbreaker and Lifesaver to lead them. Along the way, they encounter helpful candy friends and uncover a nasty plot by Baron Von Licorice to seize control of Candy Kingdom. Can the villainous baron’s coup be foiled? And will the Candy Apple family find a welcoming place they can call home?

Register for Players Company at https://www.ctwtoledo.org/players-ages-7-9

This program is $180 and that covers everything, scripts, costumes, etc. No additional fees unless you want something extra, like a tshirt. This program runs September-December. Classes are Tuesday evenings or Saturday mornings. Rehearsals begin in late February and the play performs in mid-April.

Photo from previous Players Company play, "The Three Bully Goats Griff"

Address

3106 Lagrange Street
Toledo, OH
43608

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 1pm
Saturday 10am - 2pm

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