Mission:
To be the premier youth-focused performing arts center in southwestern Ohio.
Create a life-long love of the performing arts
Deliver professional quality, full-scale theatrical productions
Empower youth with life-impacting experiences and skills
Enrich the community with professional performances
Provide educational opportunities through classes, camps and workshops
History:
In 2002, the nearest children's theatre to the Mason, Ohio, area was 30 minutes away. Unfortunately, this time and distance often prevented children in the Mason area from attending and being involved in a true children's theatre program. One mother found that deterrent to be unacceptable and was determined that Mason should have its own children's theatre program. During this same time period, Mason Community Players was working on a production of Oliver! and they had cast some local children as orphans. The mother approached them with her idea of a local children's theatre. Mason Community Players agreed with the need and helped support the first show.
The Children's Theatre of Mason was incorporated as a non-profit 501(c)3 organization in 2003. The community was excited and over 100 actors auditioned for the first show. On March 28, 2003, the Children's Theatre of Mason (CTM) performed their premier show, Twelve Dancing Princesses. The new theatre group was such a success that a run of Charlotte's Web quickly followed in October of the same year, and productions continued twice a year from then until now.
As the years have passed, our productions have grown from cardboard sets and felt costumes, to large-scale productions with full sets, lighting, sound, props, and high-quality costumes. All of these enhancements are in place to support the wealth of talented actors that come from all around Greater Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky, and Dayton to audition for our shows. We consistently receive great feedback on our overall show quality and the exceptional talent of our actors.
In 2016 we updated our name to ROYAL Theatre Company (Regional Ohio Youth Actors League) to signify to the community that we deliver performances beyond what is expected of a children's theatre. ROYAL produces two large-scale productions per year, each with a cast of around 65 actors, staffed by top quality directors and production crew members. As young performers aged 6 to 18 participate in our shows, they learn skills they will take with them for the rest of their lives. They learn to think on their feet, speak and sing in front of others, and how to handle themselves with poise in a variety of situations. They are accepted and encouraged. They find a place to be known and feel loved.
They become part of the ROYAL family.
