Commemorating a Quarter-Century of Showcasing Youthful Performing Artists: Children's Musical Theaterworks
CMT Celebrates 25 Years of Nurturing Young Talent in Fresno
Children's Musical Theaterworks (CMT), based in Fresno's historic Memorial Auditorium, has been a cornerstone of the city's arts community for the past 25 years. Founded in 1997 by Joel Abels, CMT has been dedicated to providing theatrical opportunities for young actors and enriching the local arts scene.
This season, CMT's lineup includes the timeless classics "The Wizard of Oz", "Bye Bye Birdie", and "Shrek". Judy Stene, the current Executive Director of CMT, personally finds "The Wizard of Oz" special as it was her introduction to musicals as a child. Judy invites newcomers to CMT performances, promising a high-quality production and impressive young performers.
CMT's productions are not just about showcasing talent; they are about fostering artistic growth, confidence, and community involvement among youth in Fresno. The performers, including those as young as six, are expected to read scripts, memorize lines, and perform under lights. This emphasis on responsibility and commitment helps prepare young artists for future endeavours.
In 2001, CMT assumed the lease and nonprofit status from the longtime Fresno Playhouse. Since then, the organization has faced financial hardship, managing to be $100,000 in debt at one point. However, the community has rallied to support CMT, including during a time when the city threatened to close the Memorial Auditorium.
CMT's impact goes beyond the stage. Many young artists who have had successful professional careers, such as Chris Colfer (Glee), Michael Willett (Faking It), Miranda Mayo (Chicago Fire), and Frankie Rodriguez (High School Musical: The Musical: The Series), started at CMT. The organization also launched an Educational Division named SKILLZ to create new year-round learning opportunities for young people.
CMT's community engagement is evident in its productions, which are supported and celebrated by local media and audiences. The organization's role extends beyond performance to community engagement and youth artistic education, helping to sustain and grow the cultural life of the region.
To learn more or get tickets for upcoming shows, visit cmtworks.org and sign up for updates. Whether you're a long-time supporter or a newcomer, CMT invites you to be a part of its ongoing legacy of developing young performers, offering large-scale youth musical productions, and nurturing future theater professionals.
[1] Children's Musical Theaterworks. (n.d.). About Us. Retrieved from https://cmtworks.org/about-us
[2] Fresno Art Beat. (n.d.). About Us. Retrieved from https://fresnoartbeat.org/about-us
[3] The Fresno Bee. (2025, March 15). Review: Independent theater shines in Fresno. Retrieved from https://www.fresnobee.com/entertainment/arts-culture/article253965808.html
[4] Fresno State University, Department of Theatre and Dance. (n.d.). Alumni. Retrieved from https://www.fresnostate.edu/arts/theatre-dance/alumni.html
- In addition to exploring Fresno's artistic scene through theater, one might also delight in various aspects of lifestyle such as fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, home-and-garden, and shopping.
- When it comes to staying informed about the latest fashion trends, keeping a home beautifully landscaped, or exploring a new restaurant, learning is always an essential part of the process.
- For ardent travelers and car enthusiasts, heading to Fresno could offer a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in local history and culture while experiencing an exceptional performance by talented young artists from CMT.
- Pets offer boundless joy and companionship, and many young actors from CMT find solace and support in their furry friends during demanding rehearsal schedules.
- As education and self-development go hand in hand with artistic growth, CMT's SKILLZ Educational Division aims to foster creative learning for young people, preparing them for a bright future in various fields.
