The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati has unveiled the lineup for its historic 2025-2026 season, marking the company’s return to the newly renovated Emery Theater.
The Emery Theater, which originally housed TCT productions until 1969, will reopen after an extensive renovation that formally started in January 2024. With only $4 million left in its $51.5 million capital campaign, the Over-the-Rhine venue now features state-of-the-art technology while preserving its historic charm.
The season features a mix of beloved classics and exciting new productions, kicking off Oct. 10 with “The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition.”
“Returning to The Emery Theater is a dream come true for TCT and for so many who have longed to revive the historic landmark,” said Artistic Director Roderick Justice,who also directs “The Wizard of Oz.” The production runs Oct.10-26.
For the holiday season, “Elf The Musical JR.” takes the stage from Dec. 5-21. Directed by Eric Byrd, the production follows Buddy the Elf’s heartwarming journey from the North Pole to New York City.
In early 2026, TCT debuts “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Musical” from Feb. 20 to March 8. Featuring original illustrations and animations by Jeff Kinney, Associate Artistic Director Maddie Burgoon Jones directs the production.
Closing out the season, TCT presents “DreamWorks’ How to Train Your Dragon JR.” from April 17 to May 3, 2026. With concept direction by Justice, the production transports audiences to the Isle of Berk for an adventure with Hiccup and his dragon Toothless.
“Our 106th season honors our past while celebrating the future, bringing both beloved stories and brand-new productions to life,” Justice said. “We can’t wait for audiences of all ages to experience the magic of live theatre like never before!”
About this season
Current TCT subscribers can renew their subscriptions from Feb. 26 to March 31, while new subscriptions open May 6. Single tickets for all productions go on sale Aug. 1.
TCT productions cater to children ages 4 and up. ASL interpretation and audio description accompany select performances, while sensory-friendly performances take place for certain productions.
Auditions for “The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition” and “Elf The Musical JR.” run May 12-18, while auditions for “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Musical” and “DreamWorks’ How to Train Your Dragon JR.” happen Aug. 18-24, 2025.
All roles offer payment, with details available on TCT’s website two weeks before each audition period.
Additional information is available online.
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