Nashville Children’s Theatre (NCT), the country’s oldest youth-centered professional theatre, is under new leadership.
Executive Artistic Director Ernie Nolan is stepping down after seven and a half years with the organization to pursue a new opportunity with the Unicorn Theatre in Kansas City, Missouri. His final day will be Sept. 7, which is opening day for the 2024-25 season.
Dr. Martha Cantrell has been hired as the interim managing director beginning July 29, and Colin Peterson has been promoted from education director of NCT to serve as the interim artistic director. Both Cantrell and Peterson will remain in these roles until permanent replacements for Nolan can be secured.
“We are deeply saddened to be losing Ernie; but we know working with the Unicorn Theatre is a wonderful next step in his career, and we couldn’t be happier for him,” said board chair Amy Bryant. “We are taking this opportunity to further develop the theatre’s leadership team by reinstituting a multifaceted approach with a managing director and artistic director at the helm – a step we have been looking to take for some time.”
New leadership structure at NCT
The reintroduction of a managing director alongside an artistic director is a typical leadership structure for theatres to maintain.
Cantrell previously served as an executive principal in Metro Nashville Public Schools from 2005 to 2023 and was a trustee on the theatre’s board for the last year.
“I am extremely excited about this opportunity to work alongside the many extraordinary individuals at NCT,” Cantrell said. “Serving three decades in MNPS as well as serving on the board of trustees, I have had the privilege of attending many productions. The theatre has always been a treasured place for me as I have seen firsthand how impactful it is in a child’s life. In this new season, I look forward to supporting the work and foundation that has been established as one of the pillars of Nashville.”
Peterson has been with NCT since 2010 and has instituted many programs and initiatives during his tenure as education director, such as the Teaching Artist of Color Training Program, NCT’s sensory room and more.
“I am honored to step into the role of interim artistic director at Nashville Children’s Theatre and am excited to continue serving the families of Middle Tennessee in this new capacity,” Peterson said.
“As a theatre artist and director, I have worked on over 50 professional shows and have produced numerous successful productions with young people. I will continue to strive for the artistic excellence that NCT is known for while also focusing on elevating and growing our inclusive practices. During this transition, I am committed to upholding Ernie’s legacy by stewarding the artistic process, creating unforgettable experiences for our audiences and supporting our exceptional team.”
The 2024-25 season kicks off on Sept. 7 with the world premiere of The Worst Best School Year Ever, based on the book by Barbara Robinson and adapted by Jahnna Beecham and Malcolm Hillgartner.
Tickets are available at NashvilleChildrensTheatre.org.