RCT is a community-based children’s theatre founded by Celeste Rose in 1978 to help introduce the performing arts to the youth of Lane County. We became a non-profit organization in 1989, and have since operated independent of city funding. We are supported through personal and in-kind donations, corporate sponsorships, and grants.

In 2002, after Celeste Rose retired, RCT was led by a single Artistic & Executive Director for 4 years before moving to its current model of a working board. RCT is now governed by an entirely volunteer Board of Directors composed of local educators, professionals and parents who commit their time and skills to the enrichment and continued success of our theatre. RCT draws its artistic talent from local directors, music professionals and choreographers whose dedication has been demonstrated through a history of personal accomplishment and experience in working with youth.

Each year hundreds of Eugene/Springfield and surrounding area children take the stage to perform with RCT. Our programs include mainstage plays & musicals, workshops and summer camps. We select scripts that are enjoyable and contain a positive message that kids connect with and understand while also teaching children about themselves and community in a respectful, fun and collaborative way.

RCT is truly a fun, family program. Children and their families work together to create a magical experience for our community. Parents, grandparents and siblings also participate by building and painting sets & props, creating costumes, designing stage makeup, supervising actors, ushering, backstage work, spotlight and even as live musicians! This provides a unique opportunity for youth and families to work together on a cooperative and challenging team project. During the production process, we grow stronger through working together, building new friendships and gaining a sense of community. As performers and families are enriched through these experiences, our community audience also benefits from the opportunity to see affordable, professional quality theatre.

RCT has performed at a variety of venues including the Hult Center for the Performing Arts, area high schools, community venues and our current mainstage home at the Richard E. Wildish Community Theater. For our mainstage productions, we invite area classrooms to participate in a special school-day theatre experience. Teachers are provided a packet of theme materials to extend the learning back into the classroom, and a Q & A between the students and our actors is an enriching after performance experience.