101 Stories: Nate Bertone

By The Children's Theatre

Celebrate TCT’s 101^stseason as it comes to a close as we applaud and appreciate those who contributed to the organization’s magic throughout our century-long journey. During 10 weeks of recognition, we honor individuals who have been instrumental in the success of TCT, and who have not only helped TCT grow in mission, but also thrive, thanks to their passion. It is these people and their moments in our history that shaped TCT to become what it is today. We encourage you to consider giving a gift in their honor to ensure the sustainability of TCT’s mission for the next 100+ years.

As a storyteller, Nate is a New York City-based director/writer and designer. Nate’s designs have most recently appeared at Google, Broadway Sacramento, Ogunquit Playhouse, Bucks County Playhouse, North Shore Music Theatre, Merry-Go-Round Fingerlakes MTF, Theatre by the Sea, Arizona Broadway, Engeman Theater, Local Theatre, and more. Recently, Nate’s combined directing and design efforts have shepherded new works to premiere productions of POLKADOTS: THE COOL KIDS MUSICAL (CMU), ENTANGLED (STC), and his new musical, LETTERS FROM WAR (NSMT/MLT/STC).

For TCT, Nate has directed POLKADOTS: THE COOL KIDS MUSICAL and designed DISNEY’S JUNGLE BOOK KIDS. Nate’s new show, LETTERS FROM WAR, was inspired by his late grandmother’s journey through Alzheimer’s disease. Associate Designer: BE MORE CHILL (London), CRAZY FOR YOU (Lincoln Center), SUPERHERO (Off-Broadway 2ST) and assisted on A BRONX TALE (Broadway), FREESTYLE LOVE SUPREME (Broadway) and more. Dean’s Scholar of Central Saint Martins and Alumnus of Carnegie Mellon University. He is a proud faculty member of Manhattan School of Music.

Nate plans to return to TCT for the 2021-22 MainStage season, directing and designing TCT’s long-awaited production of ROALD DAHL’S MATILDA THE MUSICAL JR., which was postponed from the 2019-2020 season due to COVID-19.

Mr. Bertone says:

“When I look back at life before and during a pandemic, I see how art has elevated people’s spirits and Illuminated the world during this dark and difficult time. Without the arts, people would not have had television shows to watch, books to read, music to listen to, or art to stare at. I’m thinking about that, I think about the greats of not only our time but the past and I wonder where their spark came from. Oftentimes, I discover that what sparks someone comes from something at a very young age, and when I think of that, I think of all of the good that The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati has done. TCT is like a home to me, because it is a place of inspiration and innovation — a place where children and families come to escape the difficulties of everyday life, and find joy, inspiration, and excitement about the possibilities of the future. TCT is paving the way for a brighter tomorrow, and I’m grateful to be a part of that journey.”

Would you honor Nate Bertone with a gift to recognize the impact made on TCT?

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