Talespinner Children's Theatre (TCT) is a professional theater for child audiences based in Cleveland, Ohio. Its inaugural season began in early 2012, and since its inception has been based in the Reinberger Auditorium in the Gordon Square neighborhood in the city's Near West Side.
TCT specializes in presenting imaginative original work inspired by or adapted from classic tales from world literature. To date, each play produced (adapted from fables, folktales, myths and literature) has been an original work commissioned by TCT from a Cleveland-area playwright. Presented on the thrust, platform stage in the Reinberger Auditorium, productions feature small ensembles of adult actors, utilizing puppets, dance, movement, music and song and fantastical costumes to bring each play to life for young audiences.
TCT also provides theater-arts classes for children throughout the year.
Founded by Artistic Director Alison Garrigan, TCT has a board of directors and paid staff.
During its brief history, TCT has received strong support from Cleveland area critics. Rave and Pan blog reviewer Christine Howey has said their work is "always engaging" and CoolCleveland.com has asserted that "performances at Talespinner Children’s Theatre are always magical".
Cleveland Critics Circle, Special Recognition (2013) "for producing shows for kids that adults can enjoy, using local writers as adaptors and playwrights".
The Brementown Musicians adapted by Claire Robinson MayRed Onion, White Garlic (a tale of Indonesia) adapted by David HansenSundiata (a tale of Mali) adapted by Nina Domingue GloverThe Rainbow Serpent (a tale of Aboriginal Australia) adapted by Christopher JohnstonMr. Scrooge's Ghosts (a Dickens of a Holiday tale) adapted by Michael SepesyPeter and the Wolf (based on the work of Sergei Prokofiev) adapted by Greg VovosGolden (a Grimm's Faerie tale) adapted by Toni K. ThayerThe Crocodile, the Cobra, and the Girl Down the Well (a Tale of India) adapted by Anne McEvoyThe Mummies and the Magic Prince (a Tale of Egyptian Mythology) adapted by Michael SepesyHook & Smee (a Tale of Never Never Land) adapted by T. Paul LowryThe Fisherman and the Moon (Why Moon Reflects on Water) adapted by Alison GarriganFire On The Water (Part Four of the Elements Cycle) a special presentation produced in collaboration with Cleveland Public TheatreRosalynde & The Falcon (a Topsy-Turvy Tale of England) by David HansenThe Silent Princess (a Turkish Folktale) adapted by Claire Robinson MayFinn McCool (a Tale of Irish Mythology) adapted by Christopher JohnstonPrince Ivan & The Firebird (a Russian Tale of Magic) adapted by Alison GarriganAesop's Pirate Adventure By Michael SepesyThe Floating Dolls (a Polish Folktale) Adapted by Toni K. ThayerLoki & Lucy (a Norse Mythology Story) By Michael GeitherClara and the Nutcracker Adapted by Anne McEvoyThe Tinderbox by Hans Christian Andersen, Adapted by Mike GeitherThe Emperor's Ears (A Serbian Folktale) Adapted by Michael SepesyAdventures In Slumberland (Based on the Characters of Winsor McCay) By David HansenThe Tale of the Name of the Tree (A Bantu Tale) Adapted by Michael SepesyMagic Flute Adapted by Anne McEvoy