CharACTers Entertainment was originally founded and created by Cody and Santana Carlton in 2007. The first CharACTers production was High School Musical, in conjunction with The Theatre of Gadsden at the Historic Ritz Theatre in Alabama City. It was performed in late summer 2007. Shortly after, Annie, the first sole production by CharACTers, was produced in April 2008. Without a permanent place to call home, CharACTers shows were performed at Wallace Hall Fine Arts Center in Gadsden, AL. Rehearsal spaces were limited, so the cast members had to jump around from venue to venue for a few productions. But as they say in this business, the show MUST go on. And it did indeed "go on."

In late 2008, CharACTers decided to branch out and create a performing arts school, where students could go and attend classes in acting, dancing, and musical theatre. It was originally called Carlton Academy of Fine Arts, but the name was later changed to CharACTers Academy of Fine Arts.
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In August 2009, CharACTers officially became a 501 (c) (3) Non-Profit Public Foundation.

Still without a permanent home, CharACTers has since performed at Wallace Hall Fine Arts Center, The Pitman Theatre in Gadsden, and Elliott Community Center in Alabama City. 

Currently, CharACTers has branched out even more with CharACTers Children's Theatre and we hope to continue growing every year!

Our  main  goal

Why?

The primary goal of CharACTers is to promote cultural curiosity. We want our performances to make a connection to the mind, heart and spirit of our audiences; creating and stimulating a hunger for the experiences only achieved through the arts. As a theatre group in the community, CharACTers largely depends on the commitment and dedication of its many volunteers who donate their time and talent on stage and behind the scenes, from actors and stage crew to box office attendants and family members.

This blend of actors, staff and community volunteers allows CharACTers to achieve its goal of providing enjoyable entertainment. Each production consist of all volunteers, a combination of young and old, first time actors and very skilled and seasoned actors. You can be sure that any involvement will produce great pride in the end result. 

As you may be aware, theatre can be beneficial for the youth of our community and their families in many ways: by developing their self confidence and imaginations, teaching them the techniques of drama and dance, motivating them to learn about their community and become more involved citizens.

We have worked with organizations, such a Big Brothers/Big Sisters, many times to provide their patrons with such opportunities. Through your contribution to CharACTers, Inc., you are also able to invest in our children’s futures.

CharACTers, Inc. is a 501 (c) (3) Non-Profit Public Foundation. We are both State and Federally recognized as a non-profit organization!  and experience the magic that is Theatre! 

Board  of  directors

Cody Carlton - President

Ken Staeck - Vice President

Santana Carlton - Secretary/Treasurer

Debra Whitaker - Board Member

Daniel Henson - Board Member

Experience the Magic of Theatre!