# Nashville Children's Theatre

Nashville Children's Theatre (NCT) is one of the oldest continually operating professional children's theatre company in America. It is a member of the Theatre for Young Audiences, the ASSITEJ, and is affiliated with the Actors' Equity Association.

## History

NCT was established in 1931 by the Junior League of Nashville. Originally called The Nashville Academy Theatre, it opened with the production of "Aladdin and His Wonderful Lamp." NCT has performed at Belcourt Theatre, Vanderbilt University and Belmont University.

### Leadership and legacy

NCT's legacy includes the profound impact of Scot Copeland, who served as producing artistic director for 30 years until his sudden passing in 2016. Under his leadership, NCT produced nearly 180 plays and achieved national acclaim, including being named one of the top five children's theatres in the U.S. by Time in 2004. Copeland was celebrated for his artistic vision, nurturing of young talent, and dedication to creating meaningful theatrical experiences for young audiences. His work culminated in notable achievements like the world premiere of Jack’s Tale: A Mythic Mountain Musical Adventure in collaboration with the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

## Awards

| Award/Recognition | Organization | Year |
| Five Best Children's Theatre Companies in the U.S. | TIME Magazine | 2004 |
| 2009 - No. 1 Performing Arts Organization - Ranked by number of performances | Nashville Business Journal | 2009 |
| Four of NCT's 2009 Productions were ranked in NBJ's 2009 Top 25 Musical Theater/events | Nashville Business Journal | 2009 |
| Best Local Theater Company | Nashville Scene | 2010 |
| Best Live Performance | Nashville Parent | 2010 |
| Ranked #2 Performing Arts Organization in Nashville by total attendance | Nashville Business Journal | 2013 |
| Ranked #4 & #5 Top Attended Music/Theatre events in Nashville | Nashville Business Journal | 2013 |
| Ranked # 2 Performing Arts Organization based on attendance totals | Nashville Business Journal | 2014 |
| Ranked #2 Performing Arts Organization based on attendance totals | Nashville Business Journal | 2015 |
| Arts & Culture 12th Awards Winner | 12th & Broad | 2016 |
| Best Local Theatre Company | The Tennessean's Toast of Music City | 2015 |
| Ranked #3 Performing Arts Organization based on attendance totals | Nashville Business Journal | 2016 |
| Ranked #1 & #2 Top Attended Performing Arts Events in Nashville | Nashville Business Journal | 2016 |
| Ranked Top Ten Entertainment and Performance Venues in Nashville based on attendance totals | Nashville Business Journal | 2016 |
| Best Professional Theatre | Broadway World Nashville | 2018 |
| Theaterati of the Year - Ernie Nolan | Midwinter's First Night | 2018 |

## Affiliations

| Affiliation | Year |
| ANE (Association of Nonprofit Executives) | 2001 |
| ASSITEJ International (International Assn of Theatre for Children and Young People) | 1964 |
| Center for Nonprofit Management Excellence Network | 1999 |
| Actors' Equity Association | 1998 |
| Nashville Chamber of Commerce | 1996 |
| Association of Junior Leagues International | 1931 |
| Nashville Arts Coalition | 1994 |
| Nashville Area Association for Young Children (NAAYC) | 2006 |
| Metro Arts Commission | 1989 |
| Association of Fundraising Professionals - Member | 2008 |
| Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce | 2004 |
| Tennesseans for the Arts | 1990 |
| The National Association for Professional Theatres for Young Audiences (TYA/USA) | 1990 |
| Hands On Network | 2007 |