Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theater & Academy has opened the curtain on a new chapter with its move to the Boulevard in the historic Merrimack Mill district. The official ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly renovated space took place on August 13. Attendees included FPCTA leadership, Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, Madison County Commission Chairman Mac McCutcheon, and other Alabama leaders in the arts and culture sector.

This strategic move marks a pivotal moment for FPCTA, bringing together years of performances, educational programming, and imaginative experiences into one central location. The move to 3320 Triana Blvd. SW—affectionately referred to as “the Boulevard”—not only provides FPCTA with an expanded physical footprint but also a unified vision for its future.

The new FPCTA home spans 24,534 square feet. This facility features a fully-functioning, accessible 278-seat theatre and various classroom spaces, nearly doubling the organization’s usable space. Significant upgrades include the full build-out of the building’s previously unfinished bottom floor, which now houses dedicated classroom spaces, a loading dock and shop, and a new office wing. The theatre space upstairs is also enhanced for improved accessibility and audience comfort, while backstage areas provide young performers with professional-level experiences.

“These enhanced facilities allow us to serve more than 20,000 patrons annually, host over 500 students each semester, and engage the nearly 200 volunteers who make our productions possible,” says CEO Karen Mockensturm. “It’s not just a move, it’s an investment in the creative future of North Alabama.”

As a result of the move to the Boulevard, FPCTA is forging strong connections with surrounding businesses and community partners in the Merrimack area. University Pickers, located across the street, is among the first to collaborate with plans for cross-promotional events and neighborhood arts initiatives.

The 2025–2026 FPCTA Season includes beloved family favorites and inspiring new works, including Cinderella, an original adaptation by Stephen Tyler Davis, musical classic Winnie the Pooh, and a modern favorite, Disney’s Descendants: The Musical. FPCTA’s annual holiday tradition, A Christmas Carol, will return to downtown Huntsville at the Von Braun Center Playhouse for a limited two-weekend run in December. Tickets for all performances can be purchased online at fantasyplayhouse.org.

Educational offerings span year-round classes, summer camps, private lessons, and workshops for ages 3–18, plus specialized programs for differently-abled students and underserved communities. Registration for fall classes is now open.

As FPCTA settles into its new home, community support remains vital to sustaining and expanding its programs. Donations are accepted online, by mail, or in person. Naming opportunities for classrooms, rehearsal spaces, and other areas remain available for those who wish to leave a lasting legacy.

The inaugural public celebration in the new space is FPCTA’s annual fundraiser, Cocktails Under the Stars, on August 16, 2025, from 6–9 p.m. Guests enjoy live entertainment, signature drinks, local cuisine, and a first-hand look at the new facilities—all while supporting arts education for children across North Alabama. Event tickets are available now at fantasyplayhouse.org.