Town Theatre — Attraction in Columbia

Just be aware that if you’re kids want to get involved it’s a pay to play environment.

We know people who have kids there now and our child has been there in the past. When you’re paying for all the classes your kid gets picked for a larger role. If you are new or haven’t been there in a while, regardless of talent, your kid is in the ensemble. The longer kids are there the more preferential treatment they get. I’ve sat in on some of the auditions and seen some amazingly talented kids that either get cut or get ensemble roles because they are new to the theatre.

Used to be better when the previous director was there. She cast roles and really looked at what that role required and tried to pair it with the different talents of the different kids. Since left she a few years ago the new director just picks the same kids for the lead roles in every show. It’s obnoxious how blatant it is.

It’s also a shame. Theatre kids often use these opportunities to get away from the cliques at their schools. To have to deal with them being created in a place they would normally enjoy being is not something they should have...

This theater is ok for the most part. There Main stage shows are very good but I have many complaints with there Youth Theater Program. Personally I would not sign your child up for the youth program. They may put on good shows but the casting, the directors, the strict rules are not ok. If your child is an experienced actor then definitely don't go here because they tend to pick favorites, they don't pick who deserves it. Youth Theater is supposed to be a place where kids find who they are on stage but here, it doesn't matter to them, as long as there favorites are front and center. My daughter was always put as Ensemble and was told that they need good dancers and while that might be true, you can't put them ensemble everytime. Give them a chance to shine. Let them act, they came to do theater not dance the entire time....

Mary Poppins on Saturday, November 7th was excellent! The actor playing Bert was fabulous and the actress playing Mary Poppins was fabulous too! The kids Michael and Jane did a wonderful job! my only complaint is the seats. The new seats leave no legroom and are extremely uncomfortable on your back for 2 1/2 hours. I thought the renovation of the theater seats would be more comfortable and more roomy but they're not. The seats are Very close together leaving no room to cross your legs or stretch. Red Velvet Cake War play was not up the the quality of other plays. I would not...