The Children’s Theatre Association of San Francisco (CTA)
The Children’s Theatre Association of San Francisco was established in 1934 as an all volunteer, non-profit women’s organization dedicated to providing live musical theatre for school children in the San Francisco Bay Area, particularly for those who might not otherwise experience it.
Coming in 2026!
Once Upon a Mattress:
Youth Edition
A hilarious retelling of “The Princess and the Pea”
“Once Upon a Mattress” is a musical comedy retelling of “The Princess and the Pea”, set in a kingdom where no one can marry until Prince Dauntless finds a bride. The Youth Edition version, suitable for elementary school children, centers on all of the members of the King’s court coming together to try and find Prince Dauntless a bride, while Queen Aggravain keeps rejecting potential brides with impossible tests. When Princess Winifred the Woebegone arrives, her unconventional behavior and strength of character challenge the Queen’s standards, leading to a final, hilarious test involving mattresses and a pea. Children will enjoy the dancing and singing, and meeting the members of the court who are all trying to find the right partner for the Prince, with a blend of classic fairy tale elements and lots of funny twists!
Show Dates: January 24-February 28, 2026
Tickets go on sale September 17, 2025
Watch the Childrens Theatre Association SF Featured on California Live!
Weekend Shows
January 24, 2pm
January 25, 2pm
Jan 31, 2pm
Feb 1, 2pm
Feb 7, 10:30am & 1:30pm
Feb 28, 10:30am & 1:30pm
School Shows
All school shows start at 10:30am
Thursdays Fridays
Jan 22, Jan 29, Feb 5 Jan 23, Jan 30, Feb 6
Feb 12, Feb 19, Feb 26. Feb 13, Feb 20, Feb 27.
Mar 5 Mar 6