Children's Theatre of Charlotte

The Children's Theatre of Charlotte is the city's premier performing arts institution for young audiences — and a genuine flagship, not just a local community theater. Operating since 1948 and now housed in ImaginOn, one of the most architecturally significant children's facilities in the country, the CTC produces 8-10 full productions per season ranging from Wee Ones shows for toddlers to full-scale musicals for all ages.

The distinction that matters: these are professional productions. Adult actors. Full scenic design, lighting, and costumes.

Orchestrated scores for musicals. The level of production quality is comparable to what you'd see in regional professional theater — which makes the experience genuinely impactful for children. A child who sees Charlotte's Web or Matilda at the CTC is experiencing real theater, not a simplified version.

Wee Ones productions are a specific program for ages 2-4: 45-minute shows in the smaller Studio 1 space, with interactive elements, gentler content, and an environment designed for very young theatergoers. These are excellent first theater experiences — they're structured to accommodate the realistic attention span of a toddler while still delivering a complete dramatic story.

ImaginOn, where the CTC is housed, also contains the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library's children's branch — so you can pair a show with a library visit for a full cultural outing. The building has its own pre-show lobby activities: costume elements, craft stations, and character appearances that open 30 minutes before curtain.

Tickets for popular shows — especially holiday productions — sell out well in advance. Book early. The CTC also offers "Pay What You Can" community performances for most shows; check the website.