Backstage at the Egyptian: Sue Graham of CCT’s Newsies

JOSH: What is Children’s Community Theatre (CCT) and what should the public know about it?
SUE: CCT is a volunteer-ran nonprofit organization that is committed to providing the children in our community affordable opportunities to see and perform in live-theatre. We do this through several programs during the year, including our Spring Children’s Show, our Summer Camps, and our CCT South show. Newsies is part of CCT South program.

J: Why did CCT choose to perform Newsies?
S: Newsies was selected after it was recommended, and highly campaigned for, by one of the children who has been performing in all of our various programs for several years. After reviewing the script, CCT determined it was a great fit for our CCT South program, especially since it has several roles, energetic ensemble songs, and a strong and interesting story. It was also a good opportunity to do a Disney show, which is a first for our CCT South program.

J: What is it about performing at the Egyptian Theatre that’s different from performing at other venues?
S: Although CCT has been performing at the Egyptian Theatre for several years, this is the first time we will be performing our CCT South program at The Egyptian Theatre, and therefore the first time for several of our Newsies cast members. They are extremely excited for the opportunity to perform on such a large stage, with professional lighting and sound, large audience capacity, and cool dressing rooms.

J: How long have the children been rehearsing for Newsies?
S: The Newsies cast has been rehearsing over the past four months, with breaks over the winter holidays.

J: Why is theatre so important for children to participate in?
S: We have seen over the years that participating in theatre has helped the children gain confidence, given them a sense of accomplishment and belonging, improved their artistic skills, and created lifelong friendships, memories, and a lot of fun.

J: Why are the arts so important for communities?
S: The arts help to promote creativity and a sense of inclusion and community. They promote a sense of belonging, acceptance, and purpose.

J: What does the future have in store for CCT?
S: After Newsies, CCT has several more productions coming up.
– CCT will be presenting its 2023 Children’s Show – Disney’s Descendants at The Egyptian Theatre on April 27th-30th.
– CCT will be conducting its 2023 Summer Camps at The Egyptian Theatre on July 10th-23rd. CCT’s Royal Theatre camp will be for students entering 1st-7th grade. CCT’s Advanced Theatre Camp, for students entering 8th grade-2023 high school graduates, will be performing Pippin.
– CCT will start planning its 2024 CCT South production this spring with auditions expected to be in September.