Children’s Theatre Co. (CTC) has entered a new chapter. After a transformative 27-year tenure with the organization, Peter Brosius stepped down from his role of artistic director this past summer. CTC embarked on an international search for the perfect candidate to lead its future creative endeavors, and unanimously chose Rick Dildine for the role. Dildine brings his prior experience as a director and producer to CTC—previously, he was at the helm of the artistic programming for the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, one of the largest festivals of its kind in the country.
At the onset of his new position, we caught up with Dildine to chat about his vision for the future of CTC and the importance of supporting young artists.
Prior to your move from Alabama, what drew you to CTC and the Twin Cities’ theater scene?
CTC has an international reputation of excellence, and the Twin Cities [is] regularly recognized for the quality of life. In looking at my next chapter, I wanted to be in a place where I could have an impact through the arts. For some time, I’ve thought there is no nobler a task for an artist than making something for a young person. To get to practice my craft in a community that values the arts is very exciting.
In your opinion, why is it important to get young people involved in theater and the arts?
Our values at CTC are a great example of why young people should be involved in the arts. The arts unleash the power of curiosity, empathy, and imagination.
Artistically, what does your vision for CTC entail? What do you think should be top-of-mind for youth arts programs right now?
CTC is one of our country’s iconic theaters with a reputation for high quality work and tremendous impact on its audiences. The repertoire has been one of rigorous, adventurous, and imaginative work. It values young people and their humanity and brilliance. I want kids to know that it’s okay to have big thoughts and complex feelings. Stories and live theater are a great way to articulate and better understand who we are and aspire to become. I’m interested in expanding the programming to encompass every stage of a kid’s life, especially the teen years. We’ll continue to make new, boundary-pushing, rigorous work. We have a strong foundation at CTC, and I’m looking forward to finding new ways of creating community within this theater and keeping it a place where real conversations happen.
Having worked with young artists in the past, what do you think we can learn from the next generation of creatives?
They question boundaries and concepts without the baggage of cynicism.
What are you most looking forward to in your new role?
I’m most looking forward to the people and the community. I have only worked in regional theaters, and I strongly believe in the roles they play within their community. I see us becoming the nation’s children’s theater—a place people travel to from all over to bring their kids for theater for all ages.