Emily Rodrick

Marketing/PR Manager

Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theater & Academy 

marketing@fantasyplayhouse.com 

For Immediate Release

Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theater & Academy announces major updates to its Capital Campaign “Spotlight on the Future” 

Huntsville, AL - Fantasy Playhouse Children's Theater & Academy (FPCTA) is excited to announce a strategic pivot in its capital campaign “Spotlight on the Future”  expansion project.

In 2019, demand for FPCTA’s programming was at an all-time high as our region grew to be the largest in the state. FPCTA purchased roughly 5.5 acres of property at the corner of Holmes and Triana to develop a 35,700-square-foot theatre arts campus to meet these demands. 

However, in light of evolving global economic dynamics since the pandemic, including escalating construction and labor costs, FPCTA has strategically decided to revise its capital expansion plans. Instead of pursuing the construction of a new facility at the corner of Holmes & Triana, FPCTA will focus on expanding and enhancing its current location on Long Ave.

This change represents a proactive response to the changing economic landscape, ensuring that FPCTA can continue to fulfill its mission of providing outstanding theatre arts education and family entertainment to the North Alabama regional community. By optimizing its existing facilities, FPCTA aims to maximize efficiency and resource utilization while maintaining its commitment to excellence. In the coming weeks, you will be invited to attend a listening session to hear more about our plans and progress as we move forward in our exciting new venture.  If you have any questions, please contact Karen Mockensturm, CEO (karen.mockensturm@fantasyplayhouse.com) or Amy Gandy, Board Chair (amy.gandy@fantasyplayhouse.com) 

FPCTA remains deeply committed to its students, patrons, and community stakeholders. The decision to change its capital campaign expansion project underscores Fantasy Playhouse's adaptability and dedication to delivering exceptional programming and fiduciary responsibility to our donors. 

FPCTA is dedicated to nurturing young talent and fostering creativity by providing theatre arts access through production, education, and outreach. Reaching more than 31,000 residents annually, including 21,000 children and youth,. FPCTA enriches the lives of children and families through theatre and arts education, encouraging students to become self-confident, academically successful, creative-thinking citizens who are more likely to invest in their communities as adults. FPCTA’s core programs include live children’s theatre productions, classes, camps, workshops, private lessons, and educational outreach through after-school classes and touring programs. Recognizing the transformative power theatre arts can have in the life of a child, FPCTA prioritizes theatre arts access for all by engaging communities. 

(Huntsville, AL) - After a nationwide search, Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theater & Academy is excited to announce that Taylor Bogan has been hired as FPCTA’s new Education Director. She will join FPCTA starting July 3, 2023. 

“We are incredibly excited to have Taylor joining us at FPCTA.” said Karen Mockensturm, Executive Director. “Her decades of experience in the classroom and background in theatre for young audiences will undoubtedly bring new and exciting educational offerings to our families and our region.”  

“I am thrilled to join the FPCTA team on their mission to enrich the lives of children and families through arts education.” stated Taylor Bogan. “I am excited to share my knowledge and passion for the arts with the greater Huntsville community. I am honored to continue a legacy of high-quality arts education experiences at FPCTA.”

Taylor Bogan is an actor, singer, director, and arts educator who grew up at the New Jersey Shore. She began her career at seven, auditioning for film, tv, and theatre in New York City before attending the Performing Arts Academy High School as an acting major. In 2013, Taylor received her B.A. in Theatre and Minor in Musical Theatre from Monmouth University in Long Branch, New Jersey. In the following years, Taylor toured as a vocalist with Australian music artist Turk Tresize, Co-hosted a video blog series, worked as a freelance voiceover artist, and performed at various theatres in the tri-state area. While continuing to audition and perform, Taylor co-founded the JoiStar Summer Intensive, a triple-threat summer arts camp for students of all ages, which ignited her passion for teaching. In 2016, Taylor became the Vocal Director of Manasquan Music & Dance Academy, where she coached the award-winning children’s vocal team, The Vocal Stars, taught various voice and acting courses, and served as Studio Manager. In 2022, Taylor received a Dual Track M.F.A. in Theatre for Young Audiences (Directing concentration) and Acting from the University of Hawaii at Mānoa. While studying in Hawaii, she was an Acting Lecturer at the university, teaching Intro to Acting, World Theatre, and Acting for TV & Film. Taylor was a Jim Rye Fellow at the International Performing Arts for Youth Conference and has been an invited presenter at the Hawaii Book and Music Festival, and Artists Meet Early Years, Italy. Taylor has received the John Young Scholarship in the Arts, the Glenn Cannon Award for Excellence in Acting, and the Tara Montgomery Award for Excellence in Theatre for Young Audiences. Most recently, Taylor was teaching middle school theatre arts courses in Las Vegas, Nevada. Favorite productions include Interstellar Cinderella (Director/Cinderella), The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Olive Ostrovsky), and Eddie Wen Go (Assistant Director). Taylor’s passions in the arts include social-emotional learning, devised theatre, and accessible arts education for everyone.

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FPCTA’s 63rd Season of four productions features three world premieres, A Christmas Carol, Rapunzel & the Beanstalk, and Space Monkeys! The Adventures of Baker and Able, and The Jungle Book. Season subscription packages and renewals for the 63rd Season are on sale and can be purchased online at: fantasyplayhouse.org/ticket-information or by calling the main office at 256-539-6829. 

Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theater and Academy (FPCTA) provides theatre arts access through production, education and outreach, reaching more than 31,000 residents annually, including 21,000 children and youth. FPCTA enriches the lives of children and families through theatre and arts education, encouraging students to become self-confident, academically successful, creative-thinking citizens who are more likely to invest in their communities as adults. FPCTA’s core programs include live children’s theatre productions, classes, camps, private lessons, workshops, and educational outreach through after school theatre classes and In-school touring programs. Recognizing the transformative power theatre arts can have in the life of a child, FPCTA prioritizes theatre arts access for all by engaging local underserved communities.

FPCTA is supported in part by the Alabama State Council on the Arts and the City of Huntsville Arts and Cultural grant program. Season support by Redstone Federal Credit Union and The Daniel Foundation.

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. - State Senator Tom Butler (R) Madison, State Senator Sam Givhan (R) Huntsville, and Rep. Howard Sanderford (R) Huntsville, along with members of the Alabama Mountains Rivers Valleys (AMRV) Resource Conservation & Development (RC&D) Council recently announced a $25,000 grant to Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theater & Academy (FPCTA). 

The AMRV RC&D grant helped launch the FPCTA Technical Theatre STE(A)M Lab. The lab will provide students with hands-on learning opportunities to master the basics of technical theatre including: color theory, sound engineering and design, lighting design, rigging, set and costume design.  

The funds were used to purchase a teacher workstation and multiple student workstations which consist of equipment such as: computer towers, monitors, microphones, tablets, sound mixers, and software. 

Sen. Butler thanked FPCTA for taking the initiative to seek funds and support, providing additional tools to help mentor younger generations that are interested in art and production. 

“I’m happy to see that these funds are going to Fantasy Playhouse,” said Butler, “They have a wonderful program and I look forward to seeing all of their continued progress and success.” 

Sen. Givhan commended the FPCTA staff for all their hard work and thanked RC&D for the funding. 

“We see that your program is continuing to grow and as more young people walk in your doors, it’s just an opportunity to teach them STEAM skills that are in high demand in North Alabama,” said Givhan, “We like working with RC&D to invest in the future and believe this will have a lasting impact.” 

Rep. Howard Sanderford said the technical theatre learning lab was impressive. 

“I want to also thank you for your presence in the area because you touch several counties with this program. There is a lot going on here and you are working in many areas to serve the community,” said Sanderford. 

FPCTA Executive Director Karen Mockensturm said she is excited to use the technical theatre learning lab and provide industry level performing arts education.

“We’ll be able to teach audio engineering, sound design, set design, color theory for costume design and many other skills with this equipment,” said Mockensturm, “I would like to thank RC&D and the Madison County legislators for all their support in helping to fund this program and other programs we’ve offered over the years.” 

FPCTA provides theatre arts access through production, education, and outreach, reaching more than 31,000 residents annually, including 21,000 children and youth. 

FPCTA enriches the lives of children and familie through theatre and arts education, encouraging students to become self-confident, academically successful, creative thinking citizens who are more likely to invest in their communities as adults. 

FPCTA’s core programs include live children’s theatre productions, classes, camps, workshops, fine arts preschool program, and education outreach through after school theatre classes and In-School Touring programs. 

The RC&D program was established by the Agriculture Act of 1962 to provide a program that empowers rural people to help themselves. RC&D areas include adjacent counties that have substantial natural resources to use for economic improvement and community betterment. 

There are eight RC&D councils throughout the state. RC&D Councils in Alabama or non-profit, tax-exempt organizations within the state that are designated 501(c)(3) entities by the Internal Revenue Service. AMRV RC&D serves Cullman, Morgan, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marshall, Dekalb, and Jackson counties. 

RC&D Councils are made up of citizens in the RC&D area who want a better life for themselves, their children, and future generations. RC&D Council representatives and alternates are volunteers who assist RC&D. 

For more information about the AMRV RC&D program, please visit: https://amrvrcd.org. 

Back Row L to R: Leah Snowman, Sen. Tom Butler, Renona Seibert, Jacina Swinehart
Front Row L to R: Dana Clark, Candice Cooper, Rep. Howard Sanderford, Karen Mockensturm, Sen. Sam Givhan, Marcus Garner, Andrea Boswell, Maegan McLaughlin

(Huntsville, AL) - This September, Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theater & Academy (FPCTA) will expand its educational programming to include a new fine arts preschool pilot program. FPCTA’s Fine Arts Preschool Program will specialize in early childhood development through the arts while helping to meet the demand for quality childcare in the North Alabama area. The specialized program will combine theatre arts learning, early childhood educational benchmarks, and STE(A)M. Through this unique program, young imaginative minds will be guided through a creative arts based foundation for academic success and early reading engagement in preparation for Kindergarten. Curriculum includes acting classes, creative movement, music therapy, yoga, mixed media processing, developing critical thinking skills, and more. 

FPCTA welcomes Maegan McLaughlin as the Preschool Education Coordinator to lead this new program. McLaughlin, a native of Huntsville, has worked as an educator in the area for over a decade. Along with her years in the classroom, McLaughlin is a board certified music therapist, and in recent years has served on the part time teaching staff for FPCTA including the Fantasy in the Classroom initiative working with teachers and students of all ages in Madison City, Madison County, Athens City, and other Title 1 schools. McLaughlin brings her niche experience in early childhood development not only from her educational training and teaching credentials, but also from growing up through FPCTA and working with their original teen acting troupe, The Fantasy Players. McLaughlin says, “FPCTA has always held a special place in my heart. I look forward to many more wonderful years of working to bring laughter, joy, and theatre through enrichment to the Tennessee Valley as the Preschool Education Coordinator.”  

Registration for FPCTA’s Fine Arts Preschool Program is available now. Parents can register via phone or in person. Classes meet Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9:00 a.m - 1:00 p.m. Tuition is $140/week. The program is set to start on September 7. For more information, visit FantasyPlayhouse.org/fine-arts-preschool.

Space is limited for this new Fine Arts Preschool pilot program with a plan for expansion at the forthcoming new home of FPCTA on their new Terry Heights property in Huntsville. Early childhood teaching facilities, playgrounds, and activity spaces for all FPCTA programs are detailed through the Spotlight on the Future campaign. To learn more about this capital campaign or to learn about legacy giving and sponsorship opportunities, please visit FantasyPlayhouse.org/Spotlight-Campaign.

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Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theater and Academy (FPCTA) provides theatre arts access through production, education and outreach, reaching more than 31,000 residents annually, including 16,000 children and youth. FPCTA enriches the lives of children and families through theatre and arts education, encouraging students to become self-confident, academically successful, creative-thinking citizens who are more likely to invest in their communities as adults. FPCTA’s core programs include live children’s theatre productions, classes, camps, workshops, fine arts preschool program, and educational outreach through after school theatre classes and In-school touring programs. Recognizing the transformative power theatre arts can have in the life of a child, FPCTA prioritizes theatre arts access for all by engaging local under-resourced communities.

FPCTA is supported in part by the Alabama State Council on the Arts and the City of Huntsville Arts and Cultural grant program. Season support by Redstone Federal Credit Union.

(Huntsville, AL) - For the first time in the organization’s history, Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theater & Academy will roll out new sensory friendly performances as part of their 62nd season mainstage productions this fall. Sensory friendly performances make space for audiences on the autism spectrum and others with special access needs. Fantasy Playhouse will add these special performances for each season production where patrons and their families can enjoy the same quality live theatre with small adjustments. Visual and sound effects will be lowered, fidget toys and other sensory assistance tools will be distributed, and house lights will stay dimly lit to accommodate accessibility access. This new sensory friendly season is part of Fantasy Playhouse’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, one of the first initiatives of its kind to take place in Alabama. Tickets are on sale to the general public to these special performances. For more information, visit our website at fantasyplayhouse.org/sensory-friendly-performances 

All sensory friendly performances are sponsored by Tourism ALL-a-Bama in partnership with DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel Huntsville South. Tourism ALL-a-Bama is a non-profit program designed to equip families with resources to help them enjoy travel, as well as to position Alabama as an autism/sensory disorder-friendly travel destination. Together, these three organizations have teamed up to create a weekend experience for families with differently abled family members through the Sensory Tourism Practice Program.

Artistic Director Stephen Tyler Davis says, “The Fantasy Playhouse family is growing in major ways and we want to make sure there is room for everyone at the table. Our sensory friendly performances are an intentional pathway to arts accessibility in Huntsville and partnering with Tourism ALL-a-Bama and Doubletree is helping us to expand our community impact. This initiative allows Fantasy to meet new audiences where they are and welcome differently abled people and their families to experience the magic of theatre- and nobody makes magic like Fantasy!”

The Sensory Tourism Practice Program gives residents of the State of Alabama with proof of diagnosis the opportunity to apply for a free ONE-NIGHT stay at DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel Huntsville South, complimentary breakfast courtesy of DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel Huntsville South, and complimentary FPCTA tickets for each individual with a sensory diagnosis plus one guest each. Eligible families can apply through Tourism ALL-a-Bama’s Sensory Tourism Practice Application for FPCTA on fantasyplayhouse.org/sensory-friendly-performances. Practice stays are for one night, and cover the expenses of one room + tax only per individual with a sensory diagnosis. This access programming is provided by courtesy of Tourism ALL-a-Bama.

Tourism ALL-a-Bama is managed by United Cerebral Palsy Huntsville and is designed to create lasting change in Alabama tourism through connecting hospitality partners with advocacy communities and Alabama families who are not currently being served in an autism/sensory aware manner. Tourism ALL-a-Bama is made possible through funding from the Alabama Council on Developmental Disabilities.

Fantasy Playhouse 62nd Season Sensory Friendly Performances

Charlotte’s Web | Based on the book by E.B. White | Adapted by Joseph Robinette 

Saturday, October 15, 2022 @ 10 a.m.

Wilbur the pig may be the rambunctious runt of the litter, but his lovable spirit charms a little girl named Fern and the whole Arable barnyard! When Wilbur discovers his woeful fate, he will need the help of Charlotte, a loyal spider with a flair for writing, and a scavenger rat named Templeton for a chance at a new life. With unforgettable characters made popular by the E.B. White children’s book, Charlotte’s Web is a timeless story of  true friendship, perseverance, and working together to help others in need. Suitable for all ages.

A Christmas Carol | Based on the book by Charles Dickens | Adapted by Barbara Fields 

Thursday, December 8, 2022 @ 5 p.m.

Huntsville’s most beloved family holiday tradition returns to the Fantasy Playhouse stage for the 33rd year this December! Take a trip in time through the past, present, and future with the miserly Mr. Scrooge, three Christmas Spirits, and all the whimsical characters of London town. With more theater magic than ever before, this Charles Dickens classic will delight all ages as an inspiration to keep Christmas in our hearts all year long. Suitable for ages 6 & up. 

Snow White and the 7 Littles | Original script by Stephen Tyler Davis 

Saturday, February 18, 2023 @ 10 a.m.

Snow White is not waiting for a knight in shining armor! She's much too busy working to provide clean water for the Littles and all the creatures of the Nysland Woods. But when her mission is halted by the jealous Queen and her magic mirror, Snow will need the help of her forest friends to save herself and the entire village. Can the Littles rescue her in time, or will the Queen's vanity reign supreme? Find out in this new twist on a classic about kindness, community, and the true meaning of beauty. Written by Stephen Tyler Davis, Huntsville native, and Fantasy Playhouse Alumni. Suitable for all ages. 

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Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theater and Academy (FPCTA) provides theatre arts access through production, education and outreach, reaching more than 31,000 residents annually, including 16,000 children and youth. FPCTA enriches the lives of children and families through theatre and arts education, encouraging students to become self-confident, academically successful, creative-thinking citizens who are more likely to invest in their communities as adults. FPCTA’s core programs include live children’s theatre productions, classes, camps, workshops, fine arts preschool program, and educational outreach through after school theatre classes and In-school touring programs. Recognizing the transformative power theatre arts can have in the life of a child, FPCTA prioritizes theatre arts access for all by engaging local under-resourced communities.

FPCTA is supported in part by the Alabama State Council on the Arts and the City of Huntsville Arts and Cultural grant program. Season support by Redstone Federal Credit Union.

(Huntsville, AL) - Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theater & Academy (FPCTA) is thrilled to announce Redstone Federal Credit Union (Redstone) as their 62nd Season’s Presenting Sponsor. Redstone has been a long standing supporter of FPCTA since 2012. 

Joe Newberry, CEO and President of Redstone, states, “We are very fortunate to have an organization like Fantasy Playhouse in our community that stimulates a child’s mind and helps to create self-expression and creativity through arts. The arts have so many positive impacts on the individuals involved and people in the community. The arts should continue to thrive as an essential part of education and society. This is one of the main reasons why we chose to be the presenting sponsor of their upcoming season.” 

FPCTA’s 62nd season is full of adored classics and new twists on fairy tale favorites. FPCTA will kick off this unforgettable season with E.B White’s Charlotte’s Web followed by FPCTA’s annual holiday tradition, A Christmas Carol. In the spring, join us for the world premiere of the adaptation of Snow White and the 7 Littles by Stephen Tyler Davis, a contemporary spin on the classic Brothers Grimm story. Each production will take place at the Von Braun Center in Downtown Huntsville with a season extra presentation of Tinker Bell at an immersive Huntsville location to be announced. Season tickets on sale, June 6, 2022. Individual tickets on sale August 1, 2022. For more information about the 62nd Mainstage season and our Academy classes and camps, visit our website: http://www.FantasyPlayhouse.org.

About Redstone Federal Credit Union: 

With more than $8 billion in assets, Redstone Federal Credit Union is the largest member-owned financial institution in Alabama and one of the largest federal credit unions in the nation by assets. Based in Huntsville, Alabama, Redstone serves more than 650,000 members. Chartered on November 28, 1951, Redstone has proudly served its members for 70 years and has 27 conveniently located branches across North Alabama and Tennessee. Redstone provides a level of service that is not generally available at other financial institutions through its philosophy of - People Helping People. www.redfcu.org

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Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theater and Academy (FPCTA) provides theatre arts access through production, education and outreach, reaching more than 31,000 residents annually, including 16,000 children and youth. FPCTA enriches the lives of children and families through theatre and arts education, encouraging students to become self-confident, academically successful, creative-thinking citizens who are more likely to invest in their communities as adults. FPCTA’s core programs include live children’s theatre productions, classes, camps, workshops, and educational outreach through after school theatre classes and In-school touring programs. Recognizing the transformative power theatre arts can have in the life of a child, FPCTA prioritizes theatre arts access for all by engaging local underserved communities.

FPCTA is supported in part by the Alabama State Council on the Arts and the City of Huntsville Arts and Cultural grant program. Season support by Redstone Federal Credit Union. 

(Huntsville, AL) - Fantasy Playhouse is thrilled to announce our 62nd season of adored classics and new twists on fairy tale favorites presented by Redstone Federal Credit Union. Fantasy kicks off this unforgettable season with E.B. White's Charlotte’s Web followed by Huntsville's favorite family holiday tradition, A Christmas Carol. Then join us for the world premiere adaptation of Snow White and the 7 Littles by Stephen Tyler Davis (Huntsville native and Fantasy Alumni), a contemporary spin on the classic Brothers Grimm story. Each production will take place at the Playhouse at the Von Braun Center in Downtown Huntsville with a season extra presentation of Tinker Bell at the Huntsville Botanical Gardens. Fantasy Playhouse is committed to our legacy of enchanting audiences of all ages through our live theater productions. Don’t miss the chance to share the magic of Fantasy Playhouse with your family. For more information about the 62nd Theater Season and our Academy classes and camps, visit our website at http://www.FantasyPlayhouse.org.

Charlotte’s Web | Based on the book by E.B. White | Adapted by Joseph Robinette

Oct. 14-16*

Wilbur the pig may be the rambunctious runt of the litter, but his lovable spirit charms a little girl named Fern and the whole Arable barnyard! When Wilbur discovers his woeful fate, he will need the help of Charlotte, a loyal spider with a flair for writing, and a scavenger rat named Templeton for a chance at a new life. With unforgettable characters made popular by the E.B. White children’s book, Charlotte’s Web is a timeless story of true friendship, perseverance, and working together to help others in need.

A Christmas Carol | Based on the book by Charles Dickens | Adapted by Barbara Fields

Dec 2-4, 9-11

Huntsville’s most beloved family holiday tradition returns to the Fantasy Playhouse stage for the 33rd year this December! Take a trip in time through the past, present, and future with the miserly Mr. Scrooge, three Christmas Spirits, and all the whimsical characters of London town. With more theater magic than ever before, this Charles Dickens classic will delight all ages as an inspiration to keep Christmas in our hearts all year long.

Snow White and the 7 Littles | Original script by Stephen Tyler Davis

Feb. 17-19

Snow White is not waiting for a knight in shining armor! She's much too busy working to provide clean water for the Littles and all the creatures of the Nysland Woods. But when her mission is halted by the jealous Queen and her magic mirror, Snow will need the help of her forest friends to save herself and the entire village. Can the Littles rescue her in time, or will the Queen's vanity reign supreme? Find out in this new twist on a classic about kindness, community, and the true meaning of beauty. Written by Stephen Tyler Davis, Huntsville native, and Fantasy Playhouse Alumni.

Times: Friday nights at 7:00 PM, Saturdays and Sundays at 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM

Where: Von Braun Center Playhouse, 700 Monroe St SW, Huntsville, AL. 35801

Tickets: $21 for Adults; $16 for Children ages 3-18. Children 2 and under are free if sitting on a lap. A lap seat ticket needs to be picked up at the Box Office just prior to the show.

Tinker Bell | Based on the works of J.M. Barrie | By Patrick Flynn

5/13-5/14*

You don't know Peter Pan until you've heard Tinker Bell’s side of the story! When all the fairies in Neverland start to disappear, Tinker Bell zips to London to find a friend. There she meets a young boy named Peter who follows her back to Neverland. All is fun and games in this magical world of flowers, wild animals, and goofy pirates until Peter welcomes the Lost Boys and the Darling children back to Tink's island. She quickly discovers she does not like sharing her friend with anyone else! A new, twinkling light shines on themes of imagination, play, and the complicated nature of friendship from this feisty fairy’s point of view.

Times: May 2023*

Where: Huntsville Botanical Garden, 4747 Bob Wallace Ave SW, Huntsville, AL 35805.

Tickets: $5 for Adults & Children. Ticket does not include admission to Huntsville Botanical Garden.

*Dates and times are subject to change

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Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theater and Academy (FPCTA) provides theatre arts access through production, education and outreach, reaching more than 31,000 residents annually, including 16,000 children and youth. FPCTA enriches the lives of children and families through theatre and arts education, encouraging students to become self-confident, academically successful, creative-thinking citizens who are more likely to invest in their communities as adults. FPCTA’s core programs include live children’s theatre productions, classes, camps, workshops, and educational outreach through after school theatre classes and In-school touring programs. Recognizing the transformative power theatre arts can have in the life of a child, FPCTA prioritizes theatre arts access for all by engaging local underserved communities.

FPCTA is supported in part by the Alabama State Council on the Arts and the City of Huntsville Arts and Cultural grant program. Season support by Redstone Federal Credit Union.

Image Courtesy of Stephen Tyler Davis

(Huntsville, AL) - Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theater & Academy (FPCTA) is thrilled to announce Stephen Tyler Davis will join the staff as the new Artistic Director, effective August 1, 2022. Davis makes his return to North Alabama after 15 years working professionally in New York City as a stage director, writer, producer, performer, and educator in the theatre industry. Davis will transition from his faculty position at Sarah Lawrence College in New York where he also serves as their Theatre Program Manager. Additionally, he is the co-founder and Artistic Director for CitySalt Theatricals, an NYC based theatre company producing new plays, musicals, readings, special events, and theatre camps like Huntsville’s Blue Plate Broadway. In 2020 while still working in New York remotely, Davis led a FPCTA creative team in keeping our 30 year tradition alive by adapting and directing a new virtual production of A Christmas Carol, the first of its kind for the organization. In Spring of 2023, FPCTA will produce Davis’s original adaptation of Snow White and the 7 Littles at the Von Braun Center Playhouse as part of the 62nd Production Season. Davis is a Huntsville native and grew up through the Fantasy Academy and on the stages of many Fantasy’s theatrical productions in the 90’s and early 2000’s. As the new Artistic Director, Davis will manage and direct the production programming, community outreach, and creative projects of FPCTA. This new staff position is supported by grant funding from the Alabama State Council for the Arts. The Artistic Director will be vital to FPCTA’s growth as we step into the next stage of history while honoring its strong community-oriented roots. 

Executive Director, Karen Mockensturm stated: 

"I am absolutely thrilled to welcome Stephen’s artistic talent, professionalism and joyful spirit to lead our production programming and enhance FPCTA’s overall mission, vision, and purpose. It is an honor to welcome him back to North Alabama" 

FPCTA Board Director and President and CEO of The Company You Keep, LLC, PeggyLee Wright added: 

“We are so excited to have Stephen join our family and bring his expertise to our community. This is a game changer for FPCTA!”

Davis brings decades of experience with him back to FPCTA. In 2006, he received his BA in Theatre from University of Alabama, with honors for serving as President of Alpha Psi Omega, Gamma Gamma Cast. Then in 2016, he earned his MFA in Theatre from Sarah Lawerence College while also serving as the President of the Graduate Student Senate. He has been a guest artist around the country at universities, state festivals, regional theatres, New York Musical Theatre Festival, and New York International Fringe Festival. Davis is committed to connecting communities and inspiring joy through theatre and music in the artistic work that he makes as a director, teacher, writer, performer, producer, and designer. He is the author of plays, poetry, and original musicals, such as Huckleberry Haywood, Bird Brain, Little Trees, Rusty the Robot, Stargazing With Helen Keller, Lights Out in Cootah County,​ Snow and the 7 Littles, as well as an original adaptation of A Christmas Carol. Davis has toured the United States for three seasons with TheatreWorks USA and is a founder of CitySalt Theatricals NYC, an ordained minister, ASCAP songwriter, and a member of the Actors Equity Association. 

Image courtesy of Hector Lopez

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Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theater and Academy (FPCTA) provides theatre arts access through production, education and outreach, reaching more than 31,000 residents annually, including 16,000 children and youth. FPCTA enriches the lives of children and families through theatre and arts education, encouraging students to become self-confident, academically successful, creative-thinking citizens who are more likely to invest in their communities as adults. FPCTA’s core programs include live children’s theatre productions, classes, camps, workshops, and educational outreach through after school theatre classes and In-school touring programs. Recognizing the transformative power theatre arts can have in the life of a child, FPCTA prioritizes theatre arts access for all by engaging local underserved communities.

FPCTA is supported in part by the Alabama State Council on the Arts and the City of Huntsville Arts and Cultural grant program. Season support by Redstone Federal Credit Union. 

Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theater & Academy 

Megan Carter

megan.carter@fantasyplayhouse.com

256-539-6829

www.fantasyplayhouse.org

For Immediate Release 

November 16, 2020

Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theater & Academy

Announces “Spotlight on the Future” and New Theatre Arts Campus

(Huntsville, AL) – This afternoon, city leaders joined the Board of Directors and staff of Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theater and Academy (FPCTA) to announce a new home for the 60-year-old performing arts organization. At a media event held on the new property, FPCTA’s leadership shared building plans and launched the official capital campaign to fundraise for the project.

While the pandemic has slowed down much of Huntsville’s performing arts activity, hopes are high for a triumphant return to the stage. Prior to shutting its doors to the public in March of this year, Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theater and Academy had served over 27,000 stakeholders and was on target to break records for enrollment and attendance in classes, workshops and performances. Like so many organizations and businesses, FPCTA has adjusted their programming to suit protocols demanded by the COVID-19 pandemic. Today’s good news is an indicator of the continued growth of the arts and cultural scene in the greater Tennessee Valley area despite the current crisis.

At the media event, Karen Mockensturm, Executive Director of the organization, shared FPCTA’s reasons for expansion. The non-profit organization has experienced over 400% growth since 2014, outgrowing their current building on Long Avenue. Coupled with FPCTA’s long-term vision of presenting in a venue that is family-focused, this growth inspired FPCTA leadership to take action. FPCTA purchased 5.5 acres at the corner of Holmes Avenue and Triana Boulevard for a new, state-of-the-art performing arts facility. The project includes a 35,700 square foot theatre arts campus and performance venue complete with a 355 seat theater with an arts access viewing room for nursing mothers, vocal toddlers, or sensory-sensitive children and fully-equipped production support areas that double as technical theatre teaching classrooms. This new home for the organization will bring all of FPCTA’s arts education and live children’s theatre production programming under one roof.

“Our community is the most important part of why we do what we do,” Mockensturm said. “The new Fantasy Playhouse campus will be a high-profile, accessible arts and culture destination for families, building on our organization’s legacy and providing the exact theatre arts education programming opportunities that families relocating to our area expect for their children.”

In addition to the need for performing space, FPCTA currently lacks the facilities to host more advanced instruction for important aspects of technical theatre: lighting design, set design and construction, properties fabrication, and sound design. In addition, FPCTA doesn’t possess the space/equipment to facilitate instruction in other technology-based curriculum related to theatre arts, namely film and music production. This highly sought-after STE(A)M curriculum would be a game changer for engaging students in workforce development training that could lead to careers in advanced manufacturing, engineering, or technical theatre. Expanded programming and space rental income would increase revenue and expand occupational opportunities for artists and non-artists alike.

City planning and economic development staff and city council members joined Mayor Tommy Battle for the announcement. The City has pledged $2 million in support of the project due to the importance of the Holmes corridor to Huntsville’s master planning efforts.

“We are grateful to Fantasy Playhouse for making this significant investment in this area, paving the way for more economic development in this neighborhood,” Battle shared during his remarks. “Fostering creativity is necessary for our future workforce.”

The organization also has deep roots in the Terry Heights/Hillandale neighborhoods, adjacent to the property where the new facility will be built. FPCTA has served residents of those neighborhoods for 18 years through their arts education programs. The Cornerstone Initiative and Second Mile Development – two non-profits focused on serving these areas – are strong partners of FPCTA and working together, have impacted students across the 35805 zip code. 

Today’s event was the kickoff for the organization’s fundraising campaign, titled “Spotlight on the Future”. While final numbers have yet to be determined, FPCTA’s leadership shared that the recent estimates for construction costs range between $11 - $12 million. Torch Technologies, The Daniel Foundation, Alabama State Council on the Arts, Facebook, Kiwanis Club of Huntsville Foundation, PPG, several private donors and the City of Huntsville have already pledged support. 

To enable a free community space where ARTS and STEM education combine to create STE(A)M, Facebook is donating $150,000 to a technical suite. “We've been absolutely inspired by the vision of the Fantasy Playhouse and its innovative new arts campus," said Katie Comer, Facebook’s Community Development Regional Manager. “Its impact on Huntsville will be profound, reimagining the opportunities beyond children’s theater, extending into technical education, workforce development and community building, which aligns perfectly with Facebook’s mission to build community. We've been so proud to be part of the Huntsville community since we broke ground on the Huntsville Data Center in 2018 and can’t wait for this new arts campus to open.” 

“This building, strategically set on the corner of Holmes Avenue and Triana Boulevard, will be a community asset to the Terry Heights neighborhood, prioritizing theatre arts access for all by engaging local underserved communities,” Dale Strong, Madison County Commission Chairman shared. “It is proven that an appreciation of theater arts builds in children self-confidence, academic success, creative-thinking processes, and future investment in their  communities as adults. Arts appreciation lasts a lifetime. The Madison County Commission heartily endorses this project!”

More information about Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theatre and Academy and the Spotlight on the Future building project can be found at www.fantasyplayhouse.org/spotlightonthefuture. 

Please contact Megan Carter, Advancement Director
megan.carter@fantasyplayhouse.com or 256-683-7146 for additional information.

Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theater and Academy (FPCTA) provides theatre arts access through production, education and outreach. FPCTA’s core programs include live children’s theatre productions, classes, camps, workshops, and educational outreach through school partnerships.

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