Fitton Stage Academy launches

Hamilton, Ohio – The Fitton Center for Creative Arts lifts the curtain on a new venture in the new year.

Modeled after its award-winning education department, the community arts center today announced the launch of Fitton Stage Academy for young theater artists.

Children not only rehearse and perform a children’s version of a popular musical, they’ll learn fundamental elements of stagecraft – movement, dance, costumes, makeup, sound, lighting and more – from experienced professionals.

“We want to make this a fantastic experience for the kids,” said Fitton Center Executive Director Ian MacKenzie-Thurley. “Theater is great fun and a great challenge. Having the chance to perform on a professional stage with expert light and sound at a young age is so exciting for the children.

“And while the program is designed for kids with an interest in theater, we also want this to be a phenomenal experience for the parents. They will know their child’s schedule - from auditions to closing night - well in advance. Rehearsals and shows will start and end on time. Families will receive clear communication through every step of the production.”

The inaugural Fitton Stage Academy production of Finding Nemo Kids – a 30-minute, fully licensed musical adaptation of the beloved Pixar film - will be limited to 25 children ages 6 to 10, with an eye toward growth to include larger (or multiple) casts, productions for older children ages 11 to 16 and – eventually – a full season of youth performances.

Auditions are set for Sunday, December 14, with time slots available at noon, 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. Available parts, audition requirements and signups will be available on the Fitton Center website right here. Callbacks for named roles begin at 3 p.m.

Rehearsals run 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday mornings beginning January 10, 2026 and shift into a 6 to 7:30 p.m. time slot for tech week starting Tuesday, February 3.

Participation cost for the production is $100 for Fitton Center members, $120 for non-members. There is no cost to audition and no registration fee is due until the student artist accepts a role. All auditionees will receive an email that includes a casting notification or a thank you for auditioning. The Fitton Center offers scholarships for youngsters who otherwise might not be able to participate.

Fitton Stage Academy presents two public performances – 7 p.m. Friday, February 6, and 2 p.m. Saturday, February 7. Tickets cost $12* for Fitton Center members, $15* for non-members and will be available at www.fittoncenter.org, by phone at 513-863-8873, ext. 110 and in person at the Fitton Center box office.* Plus a $3 service fee per ticket

The Fitton Stage Academy employs theater professionals and educators, all fully background checked and cleared to work with children. Eileen Earnest – a veteran educator and performer – has a musical theater degree from Ohio Northern University and serves as program manager.

She works with the drama departments at both Milford and Moeller high schools in suburban Cincinnati, and has previously worked with Madcap Puppets, Cincinnati Young People’s Theatre and the School of Creative and Performing Arts, among others.

“We have the facilities to rehearse and perform,” MacKenzie-Thurley said. “We have all the technical equipment. We’ve got free wi-fi in the building and will have free coffee and water for parents in the Monument Gallery if they want to hang out here while the kids rehearse.

“We have an amazing instructor in Eileen and we have the best staff around that will make this a first-class experience for everyone involved.”

The Fitton Center for Creative Arts is located at 101 S. Monument Avenue on the Riverfront in downtown Hamilton, Ohio.

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