Celebrate TCT’s 101st season 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.
Without strong leadership, an organization is nothing. Kudos to our fearless leaders, beginning in 1948 when TCT officially incorporated; these brave, arts-inspired community leaders propelled The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati throughout its century-long, magical journey and into the company’s next 100 years of imagination.
1948-1950
Marjorie McCullough Lunken Ittman Hiatt Motch
“The Children’s Theatre promises to become a Cincinnati institution to boast about.”
Marjorie Lunken in a letter to Miss Weisgerber, November 13, 1949.
First TCT documented Board President, founder and long-time community leader with causes ranging from health to the arts and civic affairs.
1950 – 1952
Worthington Kite Minor
“Mrs. Minor was a founder of what is now Cincinnati Children’s Theatre. A former board member of the Junior League of Cincinnati, she was an active member of the Junior League Players. Theater was her main interest, her son said. Mrs. Minor had directed plays at Cincinnati Country Day School.“
The Cincinnati Enquirer
1952 – 1953
Edith Wyman Prosser
1953 – 1955
Fanny Smith
1955 – 1957
Mary Callaway Gores
“A former New Yorker, Mrs. Gores moved to Cincinnati in 1949 and quickly became involved in the world of theater, art and community service. A leader who exuded confidence, Mrs. Gores devoted decades of volunteer service to her new hometown. According to her son she was in children’s theatre and had leading roles when she was younger.”
The Cincinnati Enquirer, November 19, 1999
1957 – 1959
Emily Frank Adler
1959-1961
Betty Baker Sheffield
1961 – 1963
Mary Florence Wydman
“Mary loved acting in the early days of Children’s Theatre, was a sharp bridge player, was President of the Junior League and Seven Hills PTA. She later became a business leader guiding Witt Industries to new heights as Chairman and CEO.”
From Cincinnat.com, powered by Legacy in her obituary
1963 – 1965
Mary Bruce Cobb
“Mary Bruce Cobb, an artist noted for her portraits and sketches, was a lifelong student of art. Her art expanded her world as she sketched the peoples of Morocco, Ghana and elsewhere. NBC featured her courtroom drawings. Her work shown in many galleries, the book Waiting and Being as well articles, and interviews. Family and friends were accustomed to hearing her say, “The light is perfect. Sit down and let me draw you.”
From Ms. Cobb’s obituary
1965 – 1967
Martha Seaman
1967 – 1969
Ellie Shepherd
“Ellie along with her partner and husband Bill Hartnett were inducted into the 2008 CEA Theater Hall of Fame. Ellie was part of The Junior League and got involved with The Children’s Theatre. When asked about her work on the TCT board, she remarked, “Well this is fun.” Ellie was a regular, directing children’s plays, acting, painting scenery and handling all sorts of other tasks that engage volunteers in community theatre.”
CityBeat on Aug. 20, 2008
1969 – 1971
Helen Beam Hummel
“A registered nurse and community volunteer. A longtime member of the Junior League Players, she volunteered her time to put on plays for local school children. She served The Children’s Theatre helping to set up bylaws and financing.”
The Cincinnati Enquirer, January 29, 2006.
1971 – 1972
William Sullivan
1972 – 1973
Sheila Coxworth Dinsmore
“She was the type of lady that everyone looked to for leadership,” said her husband, Wiley Dinsmore. “She was a very strong, active person.” Amongst other volunteer endeavors she was in charge of membership at the Cincinnati Museum of Natural History, a former board and treasurer of the Children’s Theatre and Friends of the Cincinnati Parks.”
The Cincinnati Enquirer
1972 – 1975
Ruth Upson
“She was a “professional volunteer,” giving countless hours of service through The Junior League and to Children’s Theatre, The Christ Hospital, and The Church of the Redeemer.
From Ms. Upson’s obituary
1975 – 1977
Sallie R. Wadsworth
“Sallie was deeply committed to Greater Cincinnati and left a legacy of philanthropic support in the visual arts, music, and theater communities.”
A press release published January 10, 2018
1977 – 1979
Bourque Minor
1979 – 1981
Anne Drackett Thomas
“In the 1970s when I was actively volunteering for Children’s Theatre, I found it irresistible to see the reaction of the children coming to the theatre for the first time. Their eyes would get so big with excitement at seeing the characters come to life on the stage. Now, all these years later, my granddaughter enjoys having the same experience and being able to meet the characters after a show.”
Anne Drackett Thomas
1981 – 1983
Barbara Wagner
1983 – 1986
Leslie Brueggeman
1986 – 1987
Linda Elam Young
1987 – 1989
Rosemary Haverland
1989 – 1990
Patti Gaines
1990 – 1992
Skip Merten
1992 – 1994
Nancy Brinker
1994 – 1997
Lee Mehnert
1997 – 2003
Chris Stubbins
2003 – 2005
Karen Hoguet
2005 – 2007
Nancy Grote
2007 – 2011
Owen Wrassman
“Because I’ve been on the board over 20 years, I’ve had the opportunity to watch not only the board and staff grow and mature, but the number of people we’ve touched in the community has also grown exponentially not only locally but globally. Even though the basic mission has not changed, the current TCT organization is now recognized nationally (globally) for its work. That is what I am most proud. “
Owen Wrassman
2011 – 2015
Craig Hurwitz
2015 – 2019
Scott Stubbins – TCT Board Chair
“Performing on stage gave me confidence that was difficult to find in those searching years. My career led me to New York, but Wall Street instead of Broadway.”
Scott Stubbins
2019 – Present
Greg Adams – TCT Board Chair
Would you honor TCT’s Past Board Presidents and Chairs with a gift to recognize the impact made on TCT?
