Children’s Theatre Company

Dean Holt (Corduroy) and Autumn Ness (Nighttime Security Guard) in the Children’s Theatre Company production of “Corduroy.” Photo by Glen Stubbe Photography

Address: 2400 3rd Ave South, Minneapolis, MN, 55404
Upcoming Events: Jump to Children’s Theatre Company Events

Website: Children’s Theatre Company
Ticket Office
: 612.874.0400
Featured Image: Dean Holt (Corduroy) and Autumn Ness (Nighttime Security Guard) in the Children’s Theatre Company production of “Corduroy.” Photo by Glen Stubbe Photography

For over 50 years, Children’s Theatre Company (CTC) has been creating extraordinary theatre experiences that educate, challenge and inspire young people and the Twin Cities Community. Going to a play or musical there is always a treat for the family, especially when combined with a short trip to Mia. CTC also offers acting classes, workshops and camps for kids throughout the year through their Theatre Arts Training (TAT) program.

There is a pay lot connected to the theatre and museum. Parking can cost as much as an additional ticket. If there are not other events happening, free street parking can often be found around Whittier Park or on other nearby streets.

Image courtesy CTC: Dean Holt, Autumn Ness, Reed Sigmund by Dan Norman
Image courtesy CTC: Dean Holt, Autumn Ness, Reed Sigmund by Dan Norman

Upcoming Shows – Children’s Theatre Company

The Wizard of Oz

Date(s): 04/21/2026 - 06/14/2026 SEE TIMES
Location: Children's Theatre Company, 2400 3rd Ave South, Minneapolis, MN, 55404

The Wizard of Oz. Apr. 21-Jun 14, 2026Dorothy and toto brave a terrifying tornado and traverse the magical land of Oz, meeting friends along the way – the Tin Woodman, the Scarecrow and the Cowardly Lion in this musical version of the classic L. Frank Baum story, featuring favorite songs from the original film. • All Ages • Tickets $20+.

Read the Book: The Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum is best for ages 4 – 10 years old.

Discounts: Rush Tickets are $25-$35/pp

CTC Summer Intensive Performance - Hadestown: Teen Edition

Date(s): 08/07/2026 - 08/08/2026 SEE TIMES
Location: Children's Theatre Company, 2400 3rd Ave South, Minneapolis, MN, 55404

As a culmination of its Triple Threat Summer Intensive, Children’s Theatre Company presents a musical adaptation of HadestownTeen Edition, a retelling of ancient Greek myths. All tickets are $25. Recommended for ages 10 and up.

Pinocchio

Date(s): 09/08/2026 - 10/18/2026 SEE TIMES
Location: Children's Theatre Company, 2400 3rd Ave South, Minneapolis, MN, 55404

Based on the book by Carlo Collodi about a young puppet who wants to be a real boy. Run Time: 1 hour 35 minutes with one 15-minute intermission. • Best for Ages 5-10+ • Tickets.

Read the Books: Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi has a reading level of 5 – 12 years.

Twelve Kinds of Ice

Date(s): 10/13/2026 - 11/22/2026 SEE TIMES
Location: Children's Theatre Company, 2400 3rd Ave South, Minneapolis, MN, 55404

A world premiere musical about winter fun and the love of a father and daughter. Run time: 1 hour with no intermission • Best for ages 10 and up. • Tickets.

Read the Books: Twelve Kinds of Ice by Ellen Bryan Obed has a reading level of ages grades 3-4.

Dr. Seuss's How The Grinch Stole Christmas

Date(s): 11/03/2026 - 01/03/2027 SEE TIMES
Location: Children's Theatre Company, 2400 3rd Ave South, Minneapolis, MN, 55404

A Twin Cities Holiday favorite, CTC brings back How The Grinch Stole Christmas for the 2025 Christmas season. Run Time: 1 hour and 50 minutes with one 15-minute intermission • All Ages • Tickets.

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom: The Musical

Date(s): 01/12/2027 - 02/07/2027 SEE TIMES
Location: Children's Theatre Company, 2400 3rd Ave South, Minneapolis, MN, 55404

A perfect introduction to theater for young theater-goers, this musical based on the classic ABC book, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin, Jr. and John Archambault • Tickets.

Read the Books: Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin, Jr. and John Archambault, illustrated by Lois Ehlert. This beginner reading book is geared toward age 1-4. Bring the fun home with a Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Toddler Jumbo Workbook or Kindergarten Workbook.

Princess Kay of the Milky Way

Date(s): 02/23/2027 - 04/04/2027 SEE TIMES
Location: Children's Theatre Company, 2400 3rd Ave South, Minneapolis, MN, 55404

A world premiere musical about the Minnesota State Fair! • Best for ages 7+ • Tickets.

School of Rock The Musical

Date(s): 05/04/2027 - 06/27/2027 SEE TIMES
Location: Children's Theatre Company, 2400 3rd Ave South, Minneapolis, MN, 55404

Based on the hit Jack Black film, this musical comedy follows a music teacher and his students as they chase their rock-n-roll dreams • Ages 10 + • Tickets.

Kid-Friendly Theatre, Music and Performing Arts in the Twin Cities

Kids participating in interactive theater program: "Kid-Friendly Theater, Music and Performing Arts in the Twin Cities"

A Parent’s Guide to Children’s Theatre Company

Age Appropriateness

CTC researches well and does an excellent job of rating their shows appropriately. There have been very few times I have disagreed with their age recommendations. Some shows will be perfect for first time audience members while others will be geared toward tweens & teens. All ages are welcome at any shows and there is a “Quiet Room” at the back of theater on the left side of the main theater. If you require brighter lights and space to run around, the lobby usually projects the show on screens so you can watch while a smaller child works out the wiggles. When our youngest was a toddler, I would book family shows for times when the Minneapolis Institute of Art was open, so we would have access to the museum’s family room to play with blocks.

Discounts and Coupons to CTC Performances

Shows start at $15 in Price Level C. This is close to the prices of other children’s theatre’s around the Twin Cities. However, when you are making it a family outing, this pricing can still be out of reach for some families. We have never seen a legitimate coupon for any main stage performance at Children’s Theatre Company. However, there are several ways to get discounted tickets.

CTC’s ACT Pass Program is a needs-based scholarship program for tickets, classes, and camps. You can read more about Joy’s experience with the ACT Pass Program here. In short, if you qualify for any type of assistance, school lunches, WIC, MA, etc., it is worth applying for this program.

Besides the ACT Pass program, CTC suggests other special offers and ways to save on tickets. These include:

  1. Military ID discount: For adults with military IDs and partners of employed military.
  2. Plan Ahead with Preview performances: Tickets for the first Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday performances of each show can be purchased in advance and are substantially discounted.
  3. Be Spontaneous with Rush Tickets: Starting 2 hours prior to the show, you can show up at CTC and purchase unsold seats for $15 each at the ticket office. While this is the same price as the C Level tickets, the seats will often be better.
  4. Check reciprocal benefits. We recently saw a 10% off discount through AAA.
  5. Season Tickets. If you plan to see several or all the shows, than season tickets will net you the best prices.

Feet of various sizes wearing puppet booties in the lobby of Children's Theatre Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Magical Puppet Booties – even for adults!

 

Family-Friendly Amenities

CTC is built for families and offers several family-friendly amenities, including:

  • A Private Nursing Room.  Just ask the staff if you want to use this space (but remember in Minnesota you have a legal right to nurse your child anywhere and CTC will support this right). You can also use the room for prayer or other private needs.
  • Sensory Tools. The concierge desks will loan ear plugs, noise cancelling headphones and fidget toys as well as listening devices and other basic necessities.

Acting classes for kids at Children’s Theatre Company

Summer camps at CTC

Children’s Theatre Company offers an array of captivating summer camp options for students interested in theatre and theatre making. Camps offer opportunities to create and act out original stories, take on some of today’s hottest musicals, learn stagecraft, directing, theatrical makeup, and so much more. Our program provides professional theatre and educational experiences that help to build curious, creative, and confident young artists and individuals. With 11 weeks of camp, each week brings a new adventure for students in grades K-12. Visit CTC website for a full listing. Scholarships are available.

We include CTC summer camp options in our annual article: Twin Cities Summer Camps: Theater & Performing Arts Camps.

Collage of children participating in a story re-enactment during theater arts training at Children's Theatre Company in Minneapolis, MN

Theatre Arts Training

Besides children’s productions, CTC also offers the Theatre Arts Training (TAT) Program. Gianna shared her experience with TAT here; and Joy, who has taken advantage of classes through the ACT Pass program, lists 10 benefits of theatre classes here.

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Share Your Experience/Tips:

We would love to hear your thoughts and parental tips. Share your experiences and any information you think other parents would find useful. Leave us a comment below.

Upcoming Family-Friendly Events


Fun Past Events We Hope to See Again

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Please Note: FamilyFunTwinCities.com is an independent website run by Twin Cities families for Twin Cities families. We attempt to include the information we find most essential as parents. We make every effort to keep up with changes. However, we are not employed by or connected to this venue, and information sometimes changes without our knowledge. We recommend calling or checking the venue’s website for up-to-date information.

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