Watertown Children's Theatre was founded in 1983 by Artistic Director Dinah Lane, initially as a program of an existing organization known a the Watertown Center for the Arts. The WCA was formed for the purpose of obtaining a building to create an arts center on the property known as the Arsenal Mall.
Although the creation of an arts center was not successful at that time, the Watertown Children's Theatre flourished as an entity in its own right. Led by professional staff, supported by businesses and the public schools, as well as by scores of talented, dedicated parents and community members, the children's theatre grew into the vital creative and educational organization it is today.
In its more than 20 years of service to the town of Watertown and the surrounding communities, this award-winning program has enriched the lives of thousands of children and their families. Combinging values of artistic excellence with inclusiveness, reflected in its affordable fee structure, its open audition policy, and its involvement of entire families, the WCT has continuously ensured its place as a highly valued member of this flourishing artistic community.
As of September 2005, the WCT has moved into its new space at the Arsenal Center for the Arts. As the Center's Resident Children's Theatre, it offers year-round classes, rehearsals and workshops, collaborates with other arts organizations, and performs its mainstage productions in the beautiful new Mosesian Theatre.
The Watertown Children’s Theatre continues to provide a cultural and educational resource for children of all ages. WCT offers classes, productions, workshops, and mini-musical opportunities for all children to appreciate and participate in the performing arts.
WCT Mission
Dinah Lane-Artistic Director
As the Artistic Director for Watertown Children's Theatre since its inception in 1983, Dinah has taught countless classes and workshops and, until recently, directed most of the company's musical productions. She has been an artist-in residence in a number of Watertown Public Schools and has received awards both from Continental Cablevision for “Best Regional Programming for Children and Teens” and from the WBCC for “Outstanding Dedication and Service to Youth”. Last year she was awarded an “Honorable Heroes of Humanity” citation from the Art of Living Foundation in Boston, for her work in starting the WCT.
Before founding WCT, she performed professionally in Boston, New York, and in summer repertory theatres in Vermont, New Hampshire, Cape Cod and the Berkshires, as well as touring as an actress, director, and teacher throughout the Northeast, bringing classical and contemporary plays and theatre workshops to thousands of people of all ages through state Arts Council grants. She holds an MA in psychology, and in addition to her work with WCT, is a practicing family therapist.
Peyton Pugmire-Program Director
Originally from Georgia, Peyton holds a master's degree in Theatre Education from Emerson College and a BA in Theatre Performance from The College of Charleston. As Program Director of the Watertown Children's Theatre, Peyton enjoys helping oversee the company's year round programming of educational programs and productions. In addition to WCT, Peyton stays quite active in the Boston area theatre scene directing, performing, and producing. Directing credits include The Shadow Box, Into the Woods, The Wiz, Ten Little Indians, Peter Pan (WCT), Legend of Sleepy Hollow (WCT), and Singin' in the Rain with the Footlight Club in Jamaica Plain. Favorite performance credits include Nunsense, A-Men!, Forever Plaid, Six Degrees of Separation, Sweet Charity, The Sound of Music (Wheelock Family Theatre), Emerson College's The Shakespeare Stealer (Irene Ryan nomination), and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (Brick).