Children's Theatre Company

Children's Theatre Company (CTC) in Minneapolis is the largest and most acclaimed professional theater for young audiences in the United States. It is the only children's theater to have won the Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre, placing it in the same category as institutions like the Guthrie Theater and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. This is not a local kids' theater putting on school-level productions -- these are world-class performances with professional actors, elaborate sets, original scores, and creative direction that rivals Broadway.

The company produces 5-8 shows per season, typically adaptations of beloved children's books and stories -- titles like The Snowy Day, Matilda, Cat in the Hat, and Charlotte's Web, reimagined with innovative staging and artistic vision. Some productions feature original works that premiere at CTC before touring nationally. The quality gap between CTC and most children's theater is significant; kids who attend are often captivated in a way that transforms their perception of live performance.

Each show has a recommended age range that should be taken seriously. Some productions are designed for ages 3-6 with shorter run times, simpler narratives, and more interactive elements. Others target ages 8-14 with complex stories, deeper themes, and longer performances. The website provides detailed content advisories and recommendations for each show.

The theater has two performance spaces: a 745-seat main stage and a smaller 300-seat studio theater. Both have excellent sightlines and acoustics. Seating is assigned -- book earlier for better seats.

Sensory-friendly performances are offered for most productions. These performances have modified lighting (no strobes or sudden changes), reduced sound levels, a designated quiet space for breaks, and a more relaxed atmosphere where kids can move and vocalize without judgment. These performances are invaluable for families with children on the autism spectrum or with sensory processing differences.

The theater shares a building with the Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia), one of the best free art museums in the country. Combining a matinee at CTC with a visit to Mia makes for a complete arts afternoon. Eat Street (Nicollet Avenue, a 5-minute walk) provides diverse, affordable dining options for pre- or post-show meals.