Ellis County Children's Theater

★★★★★CHRISSY BALLANCE

Our daughter has been performing with ECCT for the past 6 years, from the time she was 7 until now being 13 years old and going into 8th grade. She has done several elementary productions with them as well as many middle/ high school aged productions. Her dream is to be on Broadway one day so she takes her craft very seriously and LOVES the instruction that comes with being cast as part of their shows. They have actual theater teachers with theater degrees and music directors and well as professional choreographers they bring in for the middle/ high school performances to teach the cast. The level of professional direction these kids get at ECCT is top notch. We have also participated in a few other local theater groups just to be a part of performances they offered, I can can tell you Ellis County Children's Theater is by FAR the best, most professional theater group where your child will get top notch singing, dancing and acting instruction to build their skills. We highly recommend them!

★★★★★Robin Linek

I had the privilege of performing with Ellis County Children’s Theater a few years ago in their production of Matilda, and I also briefly served on the board. It is truly a wonderful organization that has grown into an incredibly supportive and vibrant community for children. One thing that really stands out is their commitment to education and safety. They employ certified teachers in their productions, which creates an environment that is not only creatively inspiring but also structured, safe, and genuinely enriching for young performers. It’s been inspiring to watch their growth over the years. Ellis County Children’s Theater is a fantastic place for kids to build confidence, learn teamwork, and experience the joy of theater in a nurturing setting.

★Calandra James

I’m writing this because families deserve to know what they are walking into. A few of my siblings had been students with ECCT since last summer and participated in main-stage productions and classes. I myself taught, volunteered, and assistant-directed during that time. We found community easily — the kids, parents, and teachers poured their hearts into these shows, my siblings made close friends, and I genuinely enjoyed working with the other instructors and volunteers. Unfortunately however, the leadership of ECCT does not reflect that same level of transparency or accountability. While serving on the board, I reached out to leadership with a concern that genuinely needed to be addressed. I expected a conversation or at least a chance to clarify the situation. Instead, the only response was to remove me from the board entirely. There was no meeting, no discussion, and no opportunity to be heard. When I followed up requesting a review of that decision, they simply repeated that I was removed — again without any explanation or conversation. They also told my family and me that we should “find somewhere else,” despite knowing how much the community meant to my younger siblings. As a result, our entire family was effectively pushed out. Later, I learned that at the actual board meeting, my situation wasn’t brought up or discussed at all. This experience made something very clear: when concerns arise, ECCT’s leadership avoids uncomfortable conversations rather than addressing issues directly. Decisions seem to be made quietly, behind closed doors, with the hope that problems will disappear if they aren’t acknowledged. It’s disappointing, because the cast, families, and volunteers are truly wonderful; and the potential for a healthy, supportive theatre community is absolutely there. But right now the organizational side does not reflect those values, and I would advise others to find another theatre.

★★★★★harlem

good hamburs

★★★★Leticia Lampkins

Unfortunately I had to leave before the end of the performance, my grandchildren froze.