We want your band for a speCTAcular night of music, competition, and unforgettable performances! This vibrant event where music groups compete and showcase their talent. We want to feature diverse bands from rock to hip-hop and more. The atmosphere is electric…a thrilling glimpse into local talent and a celebration of music and community.
Event Details
Date: Saturday, March 14, 2026
Time: 4:00-8:00pm Battle of the Bands ….. 8:00-10:00pm – After party and awards
Location: Children’s Theatre of Annapolis, 1661 Bay Head Road, Annapolis, MD 21409
NOTE: This event will be livestreamed. A video of performance will be provided to each competing band.
Send a video of your band’s past performance to CTAbattleofthebands@childrenstheatreofannapolis.org. This video is necessary to enter the competition. Videos may also be used to publicize the event and promotional material.
Within the email submission, please state the name of your band and number of band members. Click here to fill out the band entry form. Feel free to include any information you feel will make your case to be included in this debut event!!
After completing the band entry form, click here to make your entry payment.
Contest Rules
It is free to apply, but if chosen, there will be a $75 Registration fee. This fee will help to support operational and administrative fees for the contest.
All band members must be 13 years of age or older.
Minimum of 1 member in each band, but the one band member must play an instrument live on stage.
No foul language, or crude/offensive/vulgar behavior of any kind is allowed on stage, in lyrics, off stage, or otherwise. Absolutely no moshing (audience included).
Band members are only allowed on stage during their set. Bands or members who go on stage while another band is competing, will be disqualified from the competition.
Winning bands will be determined by a panel of judges based on musical talent as determined by our panel of judges, crowd enthusiasm, showmanship of band members, ability to follow contest rules and originality of song.
Ticket sales are not a factor in the judging of the winning bands.
Each band will have a 15 minutes set limit for the first round.
The two bands voted as finalists will have another 12 minute set before the winner is announced.
Once selected, further contest details and logistics will be shared.
CTA is offering all furloughed military & federal workers two (2) complimentary tickets to attend West Side Story this weekend. Go to www.ticketleap.events/tickets/cta-md/wss to reserve your tickets. At checkout, enter the discount code CTACares to complete your reservation, free of charge. Thank you for your perseverance and service to our country. This small token of appreciation is being offered in recognition of your dedication during these difficult times.
Children’s Theatre of Annapolis is partnering with Anne Arundel County Food Bank. Your donated food helps make sure we can support thousands of Anne Arundel County residents who are experiencing food insecurity.
An estimated 30% of county residents (individuals & families) are below the federal poverty level or are employed but are unable to meet basic needs: food, childcare, housing, healthcare, and transportation. Your donation helps us provide free and nutritious foods to those in need.
What Foods Should I Donate?
High-priority items are shelf-stable items, especially those high in fiber and low in both sodium and sugar, including:
Peanut butter and jelly (plastic jars)
1-pound bags or boxes of rice
1-pound bags of dry beans and legumes (pinto, black, lentils)
“The air is humming,” and something great has come to the Children’s Theatre of Annapolis (CTA) stage! An extraordinarily talented cast of young performers is currently staging “West Side Story,” arguably one of the most challenging shows in musical theater. The troupe triumphantly delivers on this feat, demonstrating remarkable stamina and skill. Splendidly directed by Michelle Bruno, this production is an impressive presentation of Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim’s celebrated masterpiece.
Based on Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet,” “West Side Story” revolves around two rival teenage street gangs in 1950s New York City. The American Jets and Puerto Rican Sharks have relentless hatred for one another, and this clash leads to raging conflict and escalating violence. At a town dance, Maria (from the Sharks) and Tony (from the Jets) meet and fall in love. Because they each come from different groups, their romance is forbidden, and this budding relationship creates much contention. Amid the continuing animosity between the Jets and the Sharks, the teens witness murder and social unrest, leading to a tragic culmination.
As Maria and Tony, Leila Bennett and Jeremiah Gilbert each gave superb performances. Their chemistry was enchanting, and their gorgeous voices blended beautifully on their duets. Gilbert’s tender rendition of “Maria” showcased his mellow, tenor voice, and he grippingly expressed every emotion from elation to heartache. Bennett’s soaring soprano was on full display in “I Feel Pretty,” and she brilliantly maintained a convincing accent when delivering her lines. She movingly illustrated the winding path of the bond between Maria and Tony, effectively conveying both apprehension and devotion.
Amaya Shannon was spectacular as Maria’s mentor and confidante, Anita. She exhibited magnificent vocal talent in “A Boy Like That” and “I Have a Love.” Her dynamic stage presence dazzled the audience, demonstrating phenomenal dance technique and radiating grace and enthusiasm. The effervescent Caylee Rogers was wonderful as Anita’s best friend, Rosalia. Rogers’ resounding voice was featured in her duet with Shannon in “America,” and her animated facial expressions were delightful. In a standout performance as, Riff, the leader of the Jets, leader, Liam Cool brilliantly personified this character with bravado, displaying smooth vocals as a featured soloist in “Jet Song” and “Cool.” Israel Gilbert, as Bernardo, the Sharks’ leader (and Maria’s older brother) presented a rich baritone, and his protective behavior toward Maria was heartwarming. “Somewhere” soloist, Madelyn Luebbers, delivered a stirring rendition of this iconic number, and her vocals perfectly conveyed the song’s moving message.
Music Director LeVar Betts led the cast through the notoriously complex score, which was exquisitely played by his 11-piece orchestra. Betts’ expert leadership was reflected in the cast’s ability to flawlessly execute these difficult pieces. Katie Sheldon’s intricate choreography (based on original work by Jerome Robbins) featured a vast range of styles, from the haunting ballet in “Somewhere” to the lively acrobatics in “Gee, Officer Krupke.” Atticus Cooper Boidy’s striking set design vividly depicted the tone of each setting, from the bleak New York City streets filled with grime to the vibrant neighborhood drugstore decked in 1950s decor.
“West Side Story” at the Children’s Theatre of Annapolis is a poignant expression of artistry and sentiment that is a must-see experience. Nearly 70 years after its debut, the core themes that this play explores still resonate today. CTA has staged an outstanding kickoff for its 2025-2026 season, and audiences are guaranteed an astoundingly entertaining presentation.
Running Time: Approximately two hours and 30 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission.
Advisory: Recommended for audiences ages 12+. Parental guidance is suggested (mature themes, violence, language, themes of social injustice).
“West Side Story” runs through November 9, 2025 at the Children’s Theatre of Annapolis, 1661 Bay Head Road, Annapolis, MD 21409. Performances are Fridays at 7:00 p.m., Saturdays at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. (there is no performance on Friday, October 31). For more information and to purchase tickets, go online or visit the box office prior to the performance.
Programs Cost $2 Each at Performances
Children’s Theatre of Annapolis will be offering programs for purchase rather than as a complimentary item at performances. All audience members will receive a one-sheet with the cast list and production credits, along with a QR code to view the full playbill online.
How Do I Buy a Program?
The cost of programs will be $2 and can be reserved ahead of time online while purchasing your tickets. Simply go to the Box Office when you arrive to pick up your pre-purchased printed program.
Why Are You Doing This?
This helps CTA to lower our environmental impact and to save expenses at a time of great financial vulnerability. Producing fewer programs lowers our footprint on the planet plus defrays some of the expenses of putting on quality theatre events while still providing value to our members, providing an important keepsake for theatre-goers, and making sure all content would be available for free online.
Thank you for joining us for this powerful production of West Side Story. As one of the most iconic and emotionally resonant musicals ever written, West Side Story challenges us to reflect on the world we live in and the communities we build. Our cast and crew – these talented young artists – have poured their hearts into this production, and we couldn’t be prouder to share their work with you.
Here at Children’s Theatre of Annapolis, our mission goes beyond the stage. We strive to create a safe, inclusive, and creative space where young people can grow – not just as performers, but as confident individuals ready to express themselves and connect with others through the transformative power of the arts.
We are also looking to the future. Our Growing Our Reach campaign is well underway, focused on the expansion and build-out of our Annex – a project that will truly transform what we can offer to our community. This new space will feature a state-of-the-art Black Box theatre, as well as dedicated educational classrooms and dance studios, allowing us to host more programs, reach more young artists, and deepen our impact in Anne Arundel County and beyond.
In times like these – when the arts are increasingly undervalued or underfunded – it is vital to champion spaces where creativity, empathy, and collaboration are nurtured. CTA is one of those places, and your support ensures that we remain a beacon for youth and families across Annapolis and the surrounding area.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a long-time supporter, we invite you to join us in this exciting next chapter. Please consider donating to our Growing Our Reach campaign, spreading the word, or volunteering your time. Every bit of support makes a lasting difference.
To learn more about the Annex project and how you can help, please visit click here and click on “Growing Our Reach” tab.
Enjoy the show, and thank you for being part of our CTA family.
With gratitude,
Michelle Bruno
President, Board of Directors
Children’s Theatre of Annapolis
CTA conducted a Quick 5 interview with new CTA Board of Directors member, Tamika Bolling, to introduce her to our community.
CTA: What motivated you to join CTA’s Board of Directors? TAMIKA: What motivated me to join CTA Board was the culture and my love for people.
CTA: What special skills/experience do you bring to this position? TAMIKA: The skills/experience I bring are management, excellent customer service and communication skills.
CTA: How has theatre impacted your life? TAMIKA: CTA has impacted my life in an amazing way. I’m constantly learning and given opportunities to grow within the board.
CTA: Why do you think the Performing Arts are important for our youth? TAMIKA: The performing arts are extremely important amongst our youth because it gives them an outlet to express themselves.
CTA: What is your favorite play or musical? TAMIKA:Alice and Wonderland
Effective June 1, 2025, it is with great excitement and pride that Children’s Theatre of Annapolis (CTA) welcomes two outstanding professionals to its leadership team. Amy Schropp is the Executive Director of Development and Engagement with primary focuses on grants, donors, and community partnerships and Jason Kimmell is the Executive Director of Management and Education with primary focuses on business operations, personnel management, and education. These new Executive Directors are expected to bring a fresh perspective and boost the company’s continuous growth.
Amy started with CTA as a volunteer in 2022 and joined the Board of Directors in 2023. With a strong community service background, she’s produced shows, built up and run our volunteer base, and helped strategically lead CTA. Amy has a Ph.D. in clinical psychology. She has proven to be an intrinsic force for community involvement in the organization. With a passion for community partnerships and providing opportunities for youth in the performing arts, Amy brings a fresh and positive perspective to this position.
Jason has worked in community + regional production companies, dinner theatre, television, and Broadway. From 2006-2022 he served as artistic staff for a myriad of our main stage productions and began working as a staff member in 2013. Over the years, Jason has a proven track record of success in CTA as an integral business and arts component. With 40 years in the performing arts + 21 years in youth education, he brings a wealth of experience along with a strong passion for nurturing the growth and development of the love of theater in children.
“Both leaders bring not only exceptional skills but also a heartfelt commitment to the role theatre plays in a child’s development. I am confident that their contributions will elevate our work and deepen our impact.”, says Michelle Bruno – President of the Board of Directors for Children’s Theatre of Annapolis. “We look forward to all we will create together on—and beyond—the stage.”
