Nearly 60 years ago in 1951, Boston Children's Theatre was founded as a stand-alone, non-profit organization, dedicated to presenting children's theatre performed by children meeting professional standards -- "Live Theatre for Children by Children." BCT is one of the oldest children's theatrical organizations in the country. Since 1951, BCT has presented productions of classic and contemporary productions featuring children to more than one million children through classes, workshops, summer programs and live performances. BCT has had only four artistic directors since its organization as an independent company in 1951. The fifth, Burgess Clark, took over as Executive Artistic Director on October 1, 2008. Of his appointment, Clark noted, "Within its rich history, BCT has always been evolving-- and it will continue to evolve with the new leadership. BCT has been dedicated to truly challenging and enlightening students in expanding their skills and knowledge of the theatre craft." Under Clark's dynamic direction, BCT is offering many new programs including Boston Children's Theatre Academy, a Pre-Professional Training Program. Program highlights include one-day Centerstage Discovery workshops based on various disciplines, a Centerstage Youth and Teen class series, Mini-Musicals, and a unique Master Class Series and Private Studio instruction. Since 1951 and before, Boston Children's Theatre has provided unique opportunities for inner city and suburban kids to work together and has offered year-round opportunities for young performers and audiences that are accessible, available, and affordable for all youth and families.
