Founded in 1946 by the Spokane Junior League, Spokane Children’s Theatre (SCT) is the oldest theatre organization in the Spokane area. Founded by passionate educators and artists who recognized the need for a platform where young people could perform, early productions were staged in school auditoriums and local movie theatres, laying the foundation for a thriving youth theatre community.
Spokane Children’s Theatre Buildings & Locations
In its early years, SCT frequently struggled to find performance space. When using movie theatres, performances had to begin by 10:00 am on Saturdays so the venue could be cleared for afternoon movie matinees. Sets and preparations often began around midnight after the final film screening. Admission cost just ten cents per person.
SCT’s original mission emphasized “teaching audiences to behave responsibly in public theatres.” Three or four productions were mounted each season at venues such as the Orpheum Theatre, the Post Theatre, the Fox Theatre, and The Met (current day Bing Theatre) From 1968 through the late 1990s, most productions were staged at the Spokane Civic Theatre on Howard Street. Over this time period, SCT expanded both its repertoire and its role in the community.
In 2012 the board of directors decided it was time to move into our current space. Volunteer work crews helped to remodel the warehouse spaces into our current lobby and theatre, with space for rehearsals, costume and prop storage, and a set design shop. October 5, 2012, the doors opened at 2727 North Madelia Street to the public.
January 2026 our current board of directors took a leap of faith and rented an additional space that will be used for our expanding education programs. Studio 8 celebrated with a ribbon cutting ceremony on March 21, 2026, welcoming the public to this space that will house education classes and camps so our patrons may develop a lifelong appreciation for the performing arts.
