For over 25 years the Fullerton Children’s Repertory Theater (FCRT) has been providing a way for North Orange County youth to experience American musical theater by performing some of the most famous Broadway shows ever produced. But over the last few years the company had begun to outgrow its venue at Fullerton High School. They needed a larger stage which would allow for better stage sets and more seats to accommodate the demand for the shows.

Fortunately they did not have to look too far for the right venue; FCRT made the Pacific Auditorium of Hope International University its new home in the summer of 2012.

“We’ve really enjoyed welcoming FCRT to our campus community and are so pleased to be able to offer our venue at no charge,” said Frank Scotti, Vice President for Business & Finance. “We firmly believe that community connectivity is important and FCRT’s mission meshes well with ours. They are such a wonderful group who are dedicated to instilling family values in children and at the same time exposing them to the arts and the opportunity to participate in high quality productions.”

Since FCRT has been performing at HIU, the Pacific Auditorium has undergone numerous upgrades including an entirely new technical booth with a new sound system, lighting system, and upgraded event presentation capabilities.

The first show performed in the Pacific Auditorium was the Sound of Music in the summer of 2012. Two shows are produced each year, one in summer and one in winter. Following winter 2013’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat and summer 2013’s performance of Fiddler on the Roof is Oliver! in January 2014.

A unique aspect of FCRT’s productions is that all students are assigned lines and parts rather than some merely being part of a chorus. In addition, major roles are double cast in order to give more members the opportunity to grow in their abilities. All students, when “out of cast,” become members of the ensemble, so that they learn how to support their peers.

Vicki Schindele is Co-Director and Co-Founder, and Brian Johnson is Co-Director. To find out more about our wonderful local Fullerton Children’s Repertory Theater and for show times, please visit www.fcrtcompany.com.