The Children’s Musical Theater San Jose’s new space is an inspiring creative hub for youth performers and the community alike.
A scene from CMT San Jose’s production of American Idiot
The Children’s Musical Theater San Jose has been revered in the community for producing vibrant performances and providing acclaimed theater education and programming for 53 years. With various rehearsal studios, a costume shop and a set shop, the theater has become a key location for students to collaborate, learn about the arts and to simply have fun.
As it has grown, CMT has had to conduct business in two separate locations—but that’s about to change. Now, home is the Creative Arts Center: a larger, 25,000-square-foot building filled with state-of-the art technology such as a SMART sound system, more room for classes and workshops, a box office, an administrative area and a fully functioning set. CMT is now able to operate under one roof. However, performances will continue to be held at the Montgomery Center, as they have for many years, starting in the fall.
The opening of the new Creative Arts Center, located at 1545 Parkmoor Ave., coincided with finally being able to join the San Jose community in person again after a difficult year. Throughout 2020, CMT set a goal to raise $2.2 million, and the theater managed to meet its phase one goal of $2 million thanks to grants and generous donations from the community. Those funds were able to keep the organization open throughout 2020, support its staff and students while working with online classes, and, of course, create the Arts Center.
The organization’s artistic director, Kevin Hauge, is excited to finally open the new building’s doors to the community. “We have worked hard with so many people on our board and beyond to make the new home easy for young people to navigate, for parents to thrive and for enabling the best experience for our performers,’’ he says. “This is a milestone moment for this organization, and I’m privileged to have led it toward its bright future.”
CMT has long been an integral part of the San Jose community, and has created an inclusive environment for students to grow and train as artists. The building of the new Creative Arts Center will allow the organization to continue to provide students with exclusive opportunities to perform on a grand stage and learn about musical theater for years to come.
Photography by: PHOTO BY CHRIS AYERS/COURTESY OF CMT SAN JOSE
