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CMT San Jose
Children's Musical Theater San Jose
Formation1968
FounderJohn P. Healy Jr.
TypeNonprofit
PurposeMusical theater education and training
HeadquartersCMT Creative Arts Center
Location
Coordinates37°19′04″N 121°55′00″W / 37.31778°N 121.91677°W / 37.31778; -121.91677
Artistic Director
Kevin R. Hauge
Managing Director
Dana Zell
Students
  • 950 stage performers
  • 475 class participants
  • 745 camp participants[1]
(2023)
Award(s)12 grants from the National Endowment for the Arts
Websitewww.cmtsj.org

CMT San Jose (Children's Musical Theater San Jose) is a non-profit performing arts organization, which produces and stages musical theatre at the Montgomery Theater in downtown San Jose.

One of the largest youth musical theater and training programs in the US, the organization produces eleven full-scale musicals per year in three different divisions between the ages of 7 to 20. Nine of the eleven productions cast every child who auditions. Two, are showcases for more professional performers who donate their time and talent to benefit the organization. In addition to performances, CMT also runs  workshops, and summer camps, for children as young as four.[2]

CMT is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and is the oldest performing arts organization in San Jose. It was the first non-professional company in the country to stage the musicals Aida and Miss Saigon, and the first to produce a number of others on the West Coast including A Christmas Carol, Billy Elliot, Sister Act and American Idiot. The company has earned 12 grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and, as of 2024 has put on over 400 musical theater productions.[3][4]

At least 12 CMT alumni have gone on to perform on Broadway.

Early years

[edit]

CMT’s origins trace to a musical touring troupe called the Entr'actes, founded in 1968 by 17 year old John P. Healy, Jr.[5] Healy, a musical performer and writer who aspired to build easy opportunities for young people to perform onstage, led a group of 15 young people who would perform scenes from various musicals at local churches, rest homes and hospitals. They also performed operettas, including one based on Hansel & Gretel, produced and directed by Healy. Later, the group moved into the bingo hall at St. Francis Cabrini School and changed its name to the Cabrini Community Theater.[6]

By 1972 the group changed its name to San Jose Children’s Musical Theater (SJCMT) and moved into an old San Jose building that had previously housed the First Church of Christ, Scientist. The building, later became known as the Palace of Performing Arts or P.O.P.A. Performances moved to the Montgomery Theater in downtown San Jose. [7]

CMT continued to grow in size and by 1975 it reported that over 1,000 children would be involved in a year. Healy directed, choreographed, musically directed and designed most of the 150 shows produced by CMT by the time he left in 1982.[8]

CMT today

[edit]

Following Healy’s departure in 1982, the organization was largely run by volunteer parents until 1996, when the organization hired its first full time Artistic Director: Kevin Hauge.

Hauge had started working with CMT in 1982, directing several summer shows, starting with Bye Bye Birdie. After a few years he left for other opportunities, then returned to San Jose in 1996.[9]

While working with CMT he received the Lin Wright Special Recognition Award by the American Alliance for Theatre and Education.[10] He was also the guest speaker at the International Association of Theater Educators Conference in Washington D.C. and at the Education and Technology conference in New York City. In 2016 Hauge received an honorable mention by the Tony Awards for Excellence in Theater Education.[11]

Because of its widening reach beyond its origins, in 2001 the organization changed its name to Children's Musical Theater San Jose, which emphasizes the group's name over its home location.[12]

In 2004 CMT started its "Marquee" program with one Marquee production per year. In 2011 they exchanged one of their Mainstage shows for Marquee, bringing Mainstage down to three a year and bumping Marquee up to two.

To keep children performing and maintain their sense of community during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, CMT Mainstage rehearsed and performed In the Heights remotely. This performance included 200 performers recorded from their homes with the recording presented at a drive-in theater.[13][14]

In 1991 CMT began an annual "Cabaret Night" as a fundraiser event.

To engage the theater community in emerging technologies, in 1998 CMT started the unique "Theater As Digital Activity" program, which lasted until 2003.

In 2021 the organization moved its headquarters to a new 25,000 sq ft building to be used for rehearsals, classes, prop/costume storage and office space. It also set up the side parking lot for its three outdoor summer productions while indoor productions were prohibited.[15]

In 2022 CMT increased their total annual shows to 11 by adding a second Junior Talents show.

In 2024 it was announced that Kevin Hauge would retire from his position as artistic director at the close of CMT's 57th season in 2025.[16]

Management

[edit]

In 1993 Michael Mulcahy was brought on as CMT's first executive director. In 1996, he hired Kevin R. Hauge to be the company's first full-time Artistic Director.

CMT went through a number of executive directors after 2001 including: Jennifer Sandretto Hull from 2001 – 2006,[17] Michael Miller from 2012 – 2016[18] and Dana Zell from 2016 until today.[19]

CMT Creative Arts Center, in use since 2021

Performance venues

[edit]
The Montgomery Theater in 2024

CMT's original performance venue was the St. Frances Cabrini Hall. Over the years the organization occasionally performed in a few other locations as well, including various high schools and the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts.

Since 1973, CMT's performances have almost exclusively occurred at the Montgomery Theater, which shares a building with the San Jose Civic.[20]

Performance divisions

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The musical productions CMT puts on every year are separated into four different named categories, based on different age ranges.[21][22] Occasionally the age range may be adjusted for a given performance.

Junior talents

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Youngest age range (7–11). Currently two performances every season, though not every season has included Junior Talents shows.

Rising stars

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Age range 8–14. Currently four performances every season.

Mainstage

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Age range 14–20. Currently three performances per season (four performances before 2011). High quality shows that usually include a live orchestra.

Marquee

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Introduced in 2005, Marquee performances can include children as well as adults from the Bay Area across all age ranges, including many CMT alumni. Equally high production value as Mainstage shows.[22]

Unlike other performance groups, casting is not guaranteed for those who audition for Marquee shows. Two performances every year (one before 2011).[23]

Programs

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Theater As Digital Activity (TADA!)

[edit]

In 1996, CMT started an online program to allow children from around the world to collaborate and fully create musicals to be produced by CMT and performed by their members. The program ended after its last production in 2003.

A website called ConvoNation, which was a communications platform for sick and disabled children created by Apple’s Worldwide Disabilities Solutions Group,[24] collaborated with CMT to create TADA's first project, the original musical "Pulse: The Rhythm of Life." It was released and performed in 1998, featuring Alex Brightman in a lead role. In 1999 PBS made a documentary about the development of Pulse, hosted by Annette Benning.[25][26]

Other projects developed under the TADA program included Our Tree: The Family Chronicles, released in May 2000, 2101 in 2001, A Little Princess in 2002 and Persephone in 2003. Of these, three were written and composed in part by Richard Link.[27]

Classes and Workshops

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CMT offers classes for recital, dance, acting, improv, vocal and auditions for ages ranging from 4 to 20. Occasionally, professional guest artists are brought in to teach classes. The following notable artists have taught or presented at CMT: Thomas Schumacher, theatrical producer, Anthony Rapp, broadway & film actor, Jason Robert Brown and Drew Gasparini, broadway composers and Jacob Brent, actor and choreographer.

CMT alumni have also returned in a teaching capacity, including Alex Brightman, Aaron Albano and Matt Hill, among others.

Student Audience Matinees (SAM)

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For each of its shows performed in a season, CMT offers special discounted matinée (morning) performances exclusively for schools and other local community groups. These will include a Q & A session during intermission and a study guide for teachers to help their students and prepare them for their experience.[28]

Touring Groups

[edit]

From its beginnings continuing up until 1999 CMT had one or more tour groups, in which members would perform at various community events as well as for private parties, organizations, hospitals and schools.

Originally starting out as the "Entr'Acts", additional groups added in the 1970s were known as the "Finales", the "Melodear" and the "Reprises". From the early 80s through the 90s there was a single touring group known as "The Neighborhood Kids".[29][30]

Events

[edit]

CMT San Jose holds the following annual events:

Gala – Fundraising event early in the year during which alumni and current performers put on multiple show numbers during a brunch and dinner. Includes auctions and raffles. This event started in 1991 and was originally known as Cabaret Night.[31][32]

Preview Night – Free outdoor potluck event in the summer that includes several live preview performances of musical numbers from the remainder of the season and the announcement of all of the musicals for the next season.[33]

Honors Night – Free event in December with presentations and performances in which outstanding performers receive awards for various categories.[34]

While not relating to CMT's own shows, the organization also hosts the Rita Moreno Awards (Rita Moreno California High School Musical Honors) – A competition in May co-hosted with Broadway San Jose to recognize outstanding achievements in high school musicals. The Lead Actor and Actress winners go on to the Jimmy Awards in New York City.[35]

List of Productions

[edit]
Junior Talents Rising Stars Mainstage Marquee
Season 57
2024 – 2025[14]
Season 56
2023 – 2024
Season 55
2022 – 2023
Season 54
2021 – 2022[36]
Season 53
2020 – 2021[37]

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic only 3 productions were produced this season. They were performed outdoors in the summer at CMT's Creative Arts Center.

Season 52
2019 – 2020[38]

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic only 5 productions were produced this season. In the Heights was performed remotely.

Season 51
2018 – 2019
Season 50
2017 – 2018[39]
Season 49
2016 – 2017[40]
Season 48
2015 – 2016[41]
Season 47
2014 – 2015[42]
  • Pinocchio
Season 46
2013 – 2014[42]
Season 45
2012 – 2013[42]
Season 44
2011 – 2012[43]
Season 43
2010 – 2011[44]
Season 42
2009 – 2010[45]
Season 41
2008 – 2009
Season 40
2007 – 2008

Alumni

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Broadway performers

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Other alumni

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References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d "Impact Report 2023". CMT San Jose – Children's Musical Theater.
  2. ^ "About". CMT San Jose - Children's Musical Theater. Retrieved 2024-12-25.
  3. ^ "About". CMT San Jose - Children's Musical Theater. Retrieved 2024-12-26.
  4. ^ "CMT San Jose – Children's Musical Theater San Jose". CMT San Jose – Children's Musical Theater.
  5. ^ "S.J. arts director fondly remembered". The Mercury News. 2007-08-30. Retrieved 2024-12-25.
  6. ^ "S.J. arts director fondly remembered". The Mercury News. 2007-08-30. Retrieved 2024-12-26.
  7. ^ "Michael Mulcahy". PAC*SJ.
  8. ^ "Scrooge" program, 1975
  9. ^ "How Children's Musical Theater built a cast of thousands". The Mercury News. 2018-03-30. Retrieved 2024-12-26.
  10. ^ "More Award Winners". www.aate.com.
  11. ^ "The Excellence in Theatre Education Award from the Tony Awards and Carnegie Mellon University". www.tonyawards.com.
  12. ^ "Children's Musical Theater San Jose History". 12 January 2002. Archived from the original on 2002-01-12.
  13. ^ "CMT holds virtual rehearsals for performers sheltering in place". The Mercury News. 25 March 2020. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  14. ^ a b Rabinowitz, Chloe. "Children's Musical Theater San Jose Artistic Director Kevin Hauge to Retire". BroadwayWorld.com.
  15. ^ "Children's Musical Theater San Jose moves into its new $2.2 million home". The Mercury News. 15 April 2021.
  16. ^ Rabinowitz, Chloe. "Children's Musical Theater San Jose Artistic Director Kevin Hauge to Retire". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved 2024-12-26.
  17. ^ "Pizarro: S.J. children's theater group searching for new director". The Mercury News. 17 May 2008.
  18. ^ "Pizarro: Michael Miller jumps from leading San Jose Jazz to Children's Musical Theater". The Mercury News. 29 February 2012.
  19. ^ "Dana Zell Named Managing Director at Children's Musical Theater". AMERICAN THEATRE. American Theatre Editors. 7 December 2015.
  20. ^ "Show Index". sjcmt.net.
  21. ^ "About". CMT San Jose – Children's Musical Theater. Retrieved 31 May 2024.
  22. ^ a b "ABOUT CMT San Jose". 6 February 2015. Archived from the original on 2015-02-06.
  23. ^ "Children's Musical Theater San Jose's Marquee Productions". 11 December 2004. Archived from the original on 2004-12-11.
  24. ^ Tedeschi, Bob. "Apple Pulls Plug on Sick Kids' Site". Wired.
  25. ^ "Pulse". TVGuide.com.
  26. ^ "SJCMT PBS Special about Pulse". YouTube. 16 September 2018.
  27. ^ "Richard Link | News and Info | Theater as Digital Activity (TADA)". richardlink.com.
  28. ^ "Student Audience Matinees". CMT San Jose - Children's Musical Theater.
  29. ^ 1976 Cavalcade of Musical Theater Program, 25 July 1976
  30. ^ 1983 Annie Program
  31. ^ "Pizarro: Children's Musical Theater honoring Shirlee DiNapoli Schiro at 25th annual benefit". The Mercury News. 9 February 2016.
  32. ^ "CMT Gala 2024 - It's A Musical". CMT San Jose - Children's Musical Theater.
  33. ^ "Instagram". www.instagram.com.
  34. ^ "Honors Night 2023". CMT San Jose - Children's Musical Theater.
  35. ^ "Rita Moreno Awards". CMT San Jose - Children's Musical Theater.
  36. ^ "Season 54 Announcement". Mailchimp.
  37. ^ "Season 52 - CMT San Jose - Children's Musical Theater". 11 August 2019. Archived from the original on 2019-08-11.
  38. ^ "x.com". X (formerly Twitter).
  39. ^ "50th Season At a Glance". CMT San Jose - Children's Musical Theater. Archived from the original on 2017-11-11.
  40. ^ "ON STAGE". 25 November 2016. Archived from the original on 2016-11-25.
  41. ^ "ON STAGE". 27 November 2015. Archived from the original on 2015-11-27.
  42. ^ a b c "ON STAGE". 3 October 2014. Archived from the original on 2014-10-03.
  43. ^ "CMTSJ - Children's Musical Theater San Jose - 2011-2012 Season". 2 October 2011. Archived from the original on 2011-10-02.
  44. ^ "CMTSJ - Children's Musical Theater San Jose - Home". 5 March 2011. Archived from the original on 2011-03-05.
  45. ^ "CMTSJ - Children's Musical Theater San Jose - 2009-2010 Season". 19 October 2009. Archived from the original on 2009-10-19.
  46. ^ a b December 13, David John Chávez. "Bay Area teen puts goth angst to work in 'Beetlejuice' musical". Datebook | San Francisco Arts & Entertainment Guide. Retrieved 1 June 2024.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  47. ^ "Getting to Know The Book of Mormon's Myha'la Herrold". El Observador.
  48. ^ "Hamilton star from San Jose offers sage advice". The Mercury News. 13 August 2017. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  49. ^ "How Children's Musical Theater built a cast of thousands". The Mercury News. 30 March 2018. Retrieved 31 May 2024.
  50. ^ Chávez, David John (6 December 2013). "Home-grown choreographer returns for CMTSJ's 'White Christmas'". Bay Area Plays.com.
  51. ^ a b c d "Pizarro: Children's Musical Theater alumni take center stage at gala". The Mercury News. 6 February 2018.
  52. ^ a b "40 years of Broadway musicals". The Mercury News. 26 June 2008.
  53. ^ "Jason Jurman Obituary (1979–2014) – Legacy Remembers". Legacy.com.
  54. ^ "D.C. Douglas Credits: Stage/Theatre Resume". dcdouglas.com.
  55. ^ "CMTSJ Alumni: Paula Benedetti Danner: from Children's Musical Theater to touring company of Annie". CMTSJ Alumni. 19 February 2010.
  56. ^ Matt Roben (6 April 2020). "Composer Darren Korb". What Can You Tell Me (Podcast). Retrieved 31 May 2024.
  57. ^ Barney, Chuck (15 June 2016). "'Voltron Legendary Defender': San Jose voice-over actor makes his mark as Emperor Zarkon". The Mercury News. Bay Area News Group.
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