Roanoke Children's Theatre to Celebrate 10th Anniversary

2017-2018 will be a celebratory season for Roanoke Children's Theatre as the company celebrates their 10th Anniversary. For the past decade, RCT has been the valley's only professional theatre designed specifically for children, schools and families.

The season kicks off with the Regional Premiere of GOOSEBUMPS, THE MUSICAL, from the incredibly popular book series by R.L. Stine. Music, hijinks and plenty of laughter will take the stage during the holidays as the Company debuts the Virginia Premiere of THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER, THE MUSICAL. Continuing their RCT4TEENS programming, RCT will mount an original play that addresses social media and distracted driving in teens. The anniversary season culminates with the ever popular CHARLOTTE'S WEB, a captivating tale of friendship and loyalty.

"I'm thrilled that we will be celebrating our 10th season," says RCT Founder and Artistic Director Pat Wilhelms. "Because this is a milestone season, we put a great deal of thought into the selection of our upcoming season. It will be fresh, funny and ageless. Each play stands on its own to please anyone of any age. The audience will be in for a real treat! It's our 10th season and I couldn't be more excited!"

Subscriptions to the Company's 2017-2018 Season will be on sale March 15, 2017. For more information, patrons may contact RCT at 540.400.7795 or the Jefferson Center Box Office at 540.345.2550. Information is also available online at RoanokeChildrensTheatre.org.

2017 - 2018 SEASON LINE UP

GOOSEBUMPS, THE MUSICAL: Phantom of the Auditorium
Adapted By John Maclay
Based on the book series by: R.L. Stine
Creepy Score By: Danny Abosch

Regional Premiere

Is someone playing a joke or is the theatre cursed? Is there a Phantom lurking in the stage wings? Join Brooke and Zeke as they star in their school's new musical and try to uncover if the rumored Phantom really exists. Based on the popular and beloved book series by R.L. Stine, this silly and spooky adventure is sure to keep the whole family in suspense. Prepare to get "goosebumps" as the mystery unfolds and a catchy musical score haunts your mind for days.
September 21-24, 2017

THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER, THE MUSICAL
By Jahnna Beecham & Malcom Hillgartner
Based on the book by: Barbara Robinson

Virginia Premiere

The worst kids in the world have just found out that there are free snacks at Sunday school. AND they insist on playing all of the good parts in the annual Christmas pageant. They've never heard the Christmas story, and have no idea who Mary, Joseph or the wise men are. Will the pageant be canceled? Will the other kids even show up to participate? Will this be the worst pageant ever? Full of hijinks, laughs and plenty of holiday cheer, this brand new musical comedy makes its Virginia premiere at Roanoke Children's Theatre just in time for the holidays.
December 20-23, 2017

RCT4Teens Show:
We will commission a play to address the epidemic of distracted driving and how social media plays into that.
February 20-March 2, 2018

CHARLOTTE'S WEB
By Joseph Robinette
Based on the book by: E.B. White

Get tangled up in this captivating tale of friendship and loyalty. An affectionate runt of a pig named Wilbur meets a barnyard full of animals who quickly become family. When Wilbur's life is endangered, the thoughtful spider Charlotte devises an intriguing plan to keep the gentle little swine safe. This feel-good heart-warming classic is perfect for the whole family.
May 24-27, 2018

TALENT SEARCH: HUNTING FOR THE HORRIBLE HERDMAN'S

Roanoke Children's Theatre will hold their annual talent search on Friday, April 7, 2017 to cast characters from the Company's holiday musical, THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER, THE MUSICAL. Hosted at Valley View Mall in front of JCPenney from 4-7 p.m., youth actors (both male and female) will have their chance to audition for various roles. Ages 8-18 are encouraged to audition. The winners will have the opportunity to perform alongside professional actors at Roanoke's only professional theatre for young audiences! Full audition materials will be posted on roanokechildrenstheatre.org.

ABOUT ROANOKE CHILDREN'S THEATRE

Roanoke Children's Theatre: Professional Theatre for Young Audiences is an independently owned and operated 501(c)3 organization located in the Jefferson Center. RCT is dedicated to providing high quality theatre education and entertainment to families, schools and children with year-round programming; crafting new and exciting partnerships and programs that engage our youth in a world of communication, imagination, creativity, empowerment and learning.