BWW Blog: Columbus Children's Theatre Attends the 2016 Junior Theatre Festival in Atlanta

By: Ryan Scarlata

Weeks of rehearsals, discussion, sharing of pictures, videos, and personal testimonies have all occurred while Columbus Children's Theatre (CCT) has been preparing for its third annual trip to the Junior Theater Festival (JTF) in Atlanta, Georgia. However, these efforts simply do not suffice to describe the energy of this event. I am reminded just how magical and transformative theatre is as I look at the faces of the 28 CCT students here at JTF - most which are attending for their first time. As I see the reactions from these kids walking through the doors for the first time, I cannot help but think how amazing the experience is for all of us, and how proud I am of the students who have crossed this threshold before and are willing and eager to provide guidance to their peers.

The Junior Theatre Festival is a gathering of educators and students to celebrate musical theatre. Produced by iTheatrics, this event engages students in two days of performances, adjudications, workshops, and Broadway celebrities. The kids attending with CCT are the 2015 Summer Youth Performance Conservatory students, age 10-15. This year 115 groups will perform excerpts from Music Theatre International's Broadway Junior collection. CCT will be performing SEUSSICAL JR. Last year, the Conservatory won a coveted Outstanding Production award for INTO THE WOODS JR. Additionally, Conservatory alumna Emma Lou Andrews was awarded All Festival Female Performer.

Among the CCT kids attending JTF this year for the first time is Maria Dalanno. Out of countless video audition submissions, Maria has been selected to kick off the festival Saturday morning by singing the National Anthem for the event's 5,832 attendees. We are so proud, and know she will represent CCT and Columbus, Ohio very well.

To stay up-to-date on CCT's JTF experience, follow us on Instagram (@CCTColumbus), and Facebook.