by Molly Eide Marquez
For 25 years, Children’s Musical Theaterworks (CMT) has been shaping the future of local performers—and dazzling Central Valley audiences while they’re at it. Based in downtown Fresno’s historic Memorial Auditorium, this beloved nonprofit youth theater company is marking a major milestone in 2025, and Executive Director Judy Stene couldn’t be prouder of how far they’ve come.
“What sets CMT apart is that education in all things musical theater happens through production—and everyone who auditions gets cast,” says Judy. “This gives every kid an opportunity to experience being on stage in a full theatrical production. Not many other experiences end in applause!”
Founded in 1997 by Joel Abels, who was inspired by CMT San Jose and his own experience performing at Roger Rocka’s, the Fresno-based company got its official home in 2001 when it assumed the lease and nonprofit status from the longtime Fresno Playhouse. That’s when things truly took root.
Judy’s own journey with CMT began as a parent volunteer in 2000 after her daughter was cast in Annie. “I started as Joel’s assistant and later joined the board. It’s been the joy of my life to continue his legacy,” she shares. “Theater takes you to so many places that bring joy—and who can ask for more than that?”
The road hasn’t always been easy. “Surviving has been the biggest accomplishment,” Judy says. “Like many arts organizations, we’ve faced financial hardship. At one point, we were almost $100,000 in debt. Then COVID hit, and we thought we were doomed.” But the team pivoted, launching an Educational Division with classes and camps under the name SKILLZ—a move that has since created new year-round learning opportunities for young people.
CMT’s mission is about more than just singing and dancing. Performers as young as six are expected to read scripts, memorize lines, and perform under lights—developing discipline, teamwork, and confidence. “There’s no crying in baseball, but lots in theater,” Judy jokes. “It’s scary and exhilarating and character-building all at once.”
Each year, CMT typically produces three full-scale shows and two smaller productions in its renovated black box theater. This season’s lineup includes The Wizard of Oz, Bye Bye Birdie, and Shrek, showcasing performers from ages 6 to adult. “The Wizard of Oz is special for me personally—it was my introduction to musicals as a child,” Judy adds.
Current CMT production of “Bye Bye Birdie”
Over the years, CMT has become a launchpad for many young artists who have gone on to exciting professional careers, including Chris Colfer (Glee), Michael Willett (Faking It), Miranda Mayo (Chicago Fire), and Frankie Rodriguez (High School Musical: The Musical: The Series). “Honestly, of the almost 100 productions we’ve done, each one is a highlight,” says Judy.
Equally important is the community that surrounds CMT. When the city once threatened to close the Memorial Auditorium, families rallied to support the theater. “They’ve shown up for us through rough patches, through volunteering, financial support, and—most importantly—by being our audience,” says Judy. “There is no CMT without actors and audiences.”
Looking ahead, Judy is focused on sustainability. “If we can just continue doing what we’ve established, that would be more than enough. Theater will always bring us new plays, new challenges, and new actors and audiences. CMT will be there for all of it.”
For anyone who’s never been to a CMT performance, Judy has a simple message: come and be surprised. “You’ll be blown away by the professional quality you’ll see—both in the production and in our young performers. I’m surprised every time!”
To learn more or get tickets for upcoming shows, visit cmtworks.org and sign up for updates.
Editor’s note: All photos provided by CMT.
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