Theatre that Inspires

By providing children with all abilities the chance to shine, Variety Theatre does far more than teach acting, singing and dancing.

About Variety Theatre

Dim the lights, raise the curtain – it’s show time! Variety the Children’s Charity presents Variety Theatre, a unique, award-winning production company featuring children and teens of all abilities performing alongside a professional adult cast.

When you attend a show, you will be transported. Whether to a land over the rainbow, an island where boys never grow older or to a castle under the sea, we invite you to join us on a magical journey across the stage.

Variety Theatre has found a home in the hearts of the St. Louis arts community, and we hope to find a place in your heart as well.

Current Production

Stay tuned to learn more about what’s coming next for Variety Theatre!

Variety Theatre gives me the opportunity to express myself and take part in something I love doing. It also gives me the ability to do all that without feeling like I have to hide myself”

– Variety Teen Selah

Our History

Variety the Children’s Charity’s history is deeply rooted in theatre and entertainment. The first chapter was founded in Pittsburgh in 1928 by a group of theater owners after discovering an abandoned child in the eat of one of their theaters, Since then, much of what Variety does has a bit of a theatrical flavor, and that is true for Variety the Children’s Charity of St. Louis, Variety’s fourth chapter, which opened in 1933.

In 2009, Variety St. Louis had an idea – an idea to return to these theatrical roots in a way that had not yet been done by any organization anywhere in the world. This idea was to put children with disabilities on stage, but they wouldn’t be on stage alone. A professional cast and crew, as well as an inclusive ensemble of children, would join these Variety Kids for a production that would rival what audiences could see on Broadway.

And the rest, they say, is history. In 2018, the company was also awarded the “Special Award for a Body of Work” from the St. Louis Theater Circle. This award is presented only when the Theater Circle feels a production is truly worthy, and Variety Theatre is honored to have been selected.

Other performing arts

Become a Variety Family

This application is for Variety’s general programs. After this application is accepted, you will be added to our exclusive Variety Family email list and will receive notifications of free family events and outings, registrations for our programs such as Adventure Camp and Performing Arts and more.

Support Our Cause

Every dollar you donate stays in St. Louis to help make the most positive impact on the greatest number of children.

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