Money Matters - Where Will It Take the Longest to Pay Off Credit Card Debt?

With Americans projected to increase their collective credit card debt by $100 billion this year, and the grand total at nearly $1.4 trillion, the personal-finance company WalletHub today released its report on the States Where It Will Take the Longest to Pay Off Credit Card Debt, as well as expert commentary. Alongside this report, WalletHub also released its Financial Insecurity Survey, which examined the connection between people's financial self-image and their mental health.

To determine the time and cost required to repay the median credit card balance in each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia, we drew upon data from TransUnion, the Federal Reserve, and the U.S. Census Bureau, then used WalletHub’s proprietary credit card payoff calculator.
 

Longest Payoff Timeline		Shortest Payoff Timeline
1. District of Columbia		42. Ohio
2. Alaska		43. Iowa
3. Vermont		44. Mississippi
4. Colorado		45. Pennsylvania
5. Connecticut		46. Hawaii
6. Washington		47. Kentucky
7. Massachusetts		48. Utah
8. New Mexico		49. Arkansas
9. New Hampshire		50. Montana
10. Oregon		51. West Virginia

Survey Key Findings

• Government Debt Anxiety: 63% of Americans say the U.S. government’s debt level is making them feel financially insecure.
   
• Money and mental health: Nearly 3 in 4 people say their financial situation impacts their mental well-being.
   
• Retail therapy: 61% of Americans say they spend money to improve their mood.
   
• Financial Guidance Fears: Nearly 2 in 5 people are scared to ask for financial advice.
   
• Widespread insecurity: 69% of Americans feel insecure about their finances.
   
• Budgeting Confidence: 80% of Americans say budgeting makes them feel more financially secure.

 



“Looking at the median credit card debt in a state can give you a good idea of whether people are struggling or doing well compared to people in other states, but it’s also important to look at how much residents put toward paying their debts off each month. Low average payments lead to long payoff timelines, which in turn lead to high amounts of interest accrued. For example, Vermont’s median credit card debt is relatively low, but it ranks as the state with the third-biggest debt problem due to low average monthly payments.”
–
“The District of Columbia has the worst credit card debt problem in the nation, with the median debt reaching $3,647 across an average of three credit cards per person. The average resident pays $255 per month on their credit card debt, which means it would take an average of over 16 months to pay off their debt and they would accrue $541 in interest during that time.”

- Chip Lupo, WalletHub Analyst
 

Expert Commentary
 
What daily behaviors lead people to amass credit card debt?
 
“Daily behaviors that can lead to credit card debt include impulse spending, poor budgeting, overspending on nonessential items, relying on credit cards for routine purchases, failing to track expenses, making only minimum payments, and lacking the discipline to live within one's means.”
Guan Jun Wang, Ph.D. – Professor, Union University
 
“Many behaviors can lead to amassing credit card debt, with the most frequent being impulse buying. It is so easy to purchase anything online or on your phone with a single click or tap. Often, that purchase is impulse-driven, and people do not always have a plan to repay the credit card balance. For example, people use a credit card to purchase everyday necessities such as groceries when they are hungry, and impulse buying creeps in. This leads to overspending, paying only the minimum balance, and incurring high credit card interest, making the balance far worse than that of simple purchases. Another significant behavior is spending beyond your means. Many people pay for entertainment or vacations with their credit cards without a repayment plan in place. It is important to note that many entertainment and vacation purchases are safest to make online with a credit card. However, it is also very easy to use cash intended for repayment for other purposes, leading to unpaid balances that accrue large amounts of interest. These habits can make debt harder to manage; in some cases, debt can still be worth it.”
Jeanette Landin, Ed.D., MBA – Professor, Landmark College
 
 
What are the key situations when going into debt is worth it?
 
“It is worth going into credit card debt for true emergencies. This might include an unexpected medical expense, major car repair needed to maintain employment, or urgent household repair such as a new furnace or roof replacement. Ideally, someone would save money in a liquid savings account for these types of emergencies, but this is not always possible. In these cases, someone should pay off the debt as quickly as possible to avoid costly interest expenses.”
Chris Douglas – Professor The University of Michigan-Flint
 
“Not all debt is bad. The key consideration is whether the debt creates future value or improves long-term financial outcomes. Examples of productive debt include: education that increases earning potential, purchasing a reasonably priced home that fits within a sustainable budget, starting or expanding a business with a realistic revenue plan, financing reliable transportation needed to maintain employment. Before taking on debt, I encourage individuals to ask themselves one simple question: ‘Will this purchase improve my future financial position, or is it simply satisfying a short-term desire?’ When debt helps build assets, generate income, or increase opportunities, it can be a valuable financial tool. When debt is used to fund everyday living expenses, it often signals a larger budgeting or cash flow challenge.”
Nicole Hickson, MSM, PHR – Professor, Atlanta Metropolitan State College
 
 
What steps can a person take to be better prepared for unpredicted financial difficulties?

“One important step would be to create an emergency fund. Your emergency fund should ideally be about six months of income, but having even $500-1,000 would cover an emergency… Even a few dollars each paycheck could help defray the cost of a future emergency. Second, create a budget. Many apps…offer computer and smartphone access to manage your money realistically, based on your spending habits and savings needs. These apps often sync with your bank and credit card, if desired, and offer real-time insights that can help you improve your emergency fund balance. Finally, review your financial situation regularly. Look at your insurance coverages and benefits, bank and credit balances, and goals. You could find hidden gems, such as vacation discounts or emergency auto service coverage, that could save you money. Getting rid of credit card debt does not mean you have to stop enjoying life – just plan for it wisely and use the tools already available to you.”
Jeanette Landin, Ed.D., MBA – Professor, Landmark College
 
“A person can prepare for unexpected financial difficulties by building and maintaining an emergency fund to cover several months of living expenses. In addition, living within one's means, reducing unnecessary debt, and maintaining access to credit can provide financial flexibility. As a last resort, a credit card may be used to cover emergency expenses when other resources are unavailable.”
Guan Jun Wang, Ph.D. – Professor, Union University
 

 
More From WalletHub

• Credit Card Debt Statistics for 2026
• Credit Card Statistics by State
• Average Credit Card Debt in 2026
• States With Largest and Smallest Credit Card Debt Increases
• States Where Credit Card Delinquency Is Increasing the Most
• Cities Adding the Most Credit Card Debt

Money Matters - How to Start a Trusted and Secure Tax Preparation Business

New tax preparers drawn to a tax preparation business startup often expect the hard part to be learning the tax code, then get blindsided by the real pressure: earning trust while staying compliant. The core tension is simple, clients hand over sensitive financial details, yet one misstep with financial service industry regulations or basic business setup can damage credibility fast. Add the entrepreneurial challenges of pricing, workflow, and serving small business tax services, and “good at taxes” stops being enough. A strong start comes from knowing what must be true before the first return is filed.

Understanding the Credibility and Compliance Baseline

A trusted tax practice starts with a baseline: what qualifies you to prepare returns, what IRS credentials fit your role, what rules govern handling client data, and what legal structure your business uses. Think of it as building a professional “operating system” so your work is legitimate, consistent, and easy to explain to clients.

This matters because confidence comes from clarity. When your credentials and setup are straightforward, clients worry less about mistakes, privacy, or whether you are a real business. It also reduces preventable surprises like needing a fictitious name registration because you advertise under a different name.

Picture a new client asking how you operate: you can point to your credential path, your security habits, and your registration basics like a federal employer identification number. That simple explanation often closes the trust gap. With the baseline set, an LLC can add credibility and liability protection while you formalize registration step by step.

Form an LLC to Look Legit and Separate Business Risk

Once you’ve nailed the credibility and compliance basics, formalizing your business structure helps clients, and regulators, see you as a real practice. Forming an LLC can give a new tax prep firm a more professional identity while separating personal and business liabilities, which matters when you’re handling sensitive financial information and signing client-facing agreements. An LLC also creates a cleaner foundation for business banking, insurance applications, compliance paperwork, and the contracts you use to define scope and responsibilities with clients. If you’re mapping out the steps for tax preparation, the formation process typically includes choosing a registered agent, filing Articles of Organization with your state, drafting an operating agreement to document ownership and operating rules, and applying for an EIN so the business can be identified for tax and banking purposes.

Launch Rhythm: Plan, Protect, Serve, Improve

A trusted, secure tax preparation business is built through consistent habits, not one-time setup. This workflow turns credentials, client trust, security practices, and insurance choices into a routine you can run before, during, and after each filing season.

Stage	Action	Goal
Plan the offer	Define services, boundaries, pricing, and ideal client	Clear scope and fewer misunderstandings
Confirm compliance	Track credentials, filings, renewal dates, and recordkeeping rules	Reduced regulatory surprises
Secure the workflow	Standardize access controls, storage, backups, and device hygiene	Client data stays confidential
Prepare client intake	Use checklists, ID verification, and consent forms	Accurate inputs and documented permission
Deliver and document	Prepare returns, explain outcomes, capture approvals, store notes	Reliable service with audit-ready files
Review and adjust	Debrief issues, update templates, refine security and coverage	Continuous improvement without chaos

Each stage feeds the next: tighter scope makes intake cleaner, strong intake supports accurate filing, and solid documentation protects you if questions arise. The review step closes the loop so your process gets safer and smoother with every cycle.

Tax Preparation Business FAQs People Worry About

Q: What confidentiality rules do I need to follow with client tax data?
A: Treat every return and document as highly sensitive and share it only with written client permission. Use secure portals for uploads, lock down who can access files, and keep clear records of consent. If you ever have a breach, act fast with a documented response plan and client notifications.

Q: How do I protect client information if I work remotely or from home?
A: Use encryption, strong passwords with multi-factor authentication, and separate work devices from personal use. Regular patching, backups, and access logs make problems easier to spot and recover from. Some firms reduce impact by improving monitoring since companies using an AI and automation program mitigated data breaches sooner.

Q: What licenses or certifications do I need to start preparing taxes?
A: Requirements vary by services and jurisdiction, so confirm your local rules before taking clients. Even when not required, a recognized credential and documented continuing education can raise credibility and reduce avoidable errors.

Q: Should I carry insurance for a tax preparation business?
A: Yes, professional liability coverage helps if a client claims a mistake caused penalties or missed refunds. Consider cyber coverage too, since tax businesses handle identity data that attracts fraud.

Q: How can I handle disputes when a client disagrees with a result or fee?
A: Use a written engagement letter that defines scope, deadlines, and what is and is not included. Keep a paper trail of client-provided documents and approvals, including essentials like W2 forms, so misunderstandings are easier to resolve calmly.

Launch a Tax Practice Built on Trust and Risk Control

Starting a tax preparation business can feel like a balancing act between serving clients fast and protecting them, and the business, from costly mistakes. The steady path is a professional mindset grounded in best practices for tax preparers: the importance of thorough preparation, clear client trust building strategies, and disciplined risk management in tax preparation. Apply that approach and launching successful tax businesses becomes less about luck and more about repeatable reliability season after season. Trust is earned through preparation, consistency, and responsible control of risk.

Parenting Pointers - Expert advice on getting your children to sleep during the summer break

Summer break is here, and when children aren’t motivated by school the next day, it can be a challenge to get them to settle. The excitement of summer creates ‘FOMO’ for little ones, meaning ‘fear of missing out’, so bed by 9pm doesn’t sound so appealing. 

 

Knowing how daunting the lack of routine can be, bed-furnishings expert Ashley Hainsworth of Bed Kingdom has created a guide to help parents of young children win their bedtime battles.

 

Consistency is key

 

The classic bath, book and bed routine is an effective method and, when done consistently, eliminates fuss. By starting this tradition around the same time each night, your little ones will know what to expect and should respond positively. This routine can look different for every family, so do it your way and enjoy this quality time.

 

Make it fun! You can let your children use toys in the bath and pick their favorite books so that they can look forward to this time. As soon as your children view the bedtime routine as boring, making them comply is tough.

 

Remember, humans respond positively to routines, so whatever you choose to do, make it consistent. 

 

Create the right environment

 

Little ones need a suitable area and bed for their needs; consider how comfortable your child’s mattress is and whether they have enough space.

 

Everyone has their own tendencies. Some people like just one pillow, while others like multiple layers of comfort.

 

Your child could find sleeping uncomfortable but may not be able to express why, so checking these factors should help you identify why your little one isn’t looking forward to bedtime. Communicate with your child to discover their preferences and how you can cater to them.

 

Dispel any fears

 

Children can often fear being alone, especially in the dark. If your child fears the dark, it is worth investing in a nightlight to ease any worries. A comforter such as a special blanket or soft toy will also help to soothe your child and ensure a blissful sleep.

 

Communication is key here too, as not all fears are textbook. If your child has serious objections at bedtime, it is important to give them the opportunity to explain why. Listening to your child should help you understand any issues at bedtime. 

 

Avoid too much screen time

 

Although it is tempting to place a screen in front of your child when you’re exhausted, try not to do this within the hour before their bedtime, as this may come back to bite you.

 

Research by Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine involving more than 19,000 school-aged children found that having screens in the bedroom and regularly using electronic media were linked to later bedtimes, shorter sleep and greater sleep disruption.

 

Do yourself a favor and avoid gadgets at nighttime; this will prevent a struggle when waking up your children and returning to the school routine.  

 

The bedtime story

 

Bedtime stories are an excellent way to make your child look forward to bedtime and settle. Not only can they inspire your child’s imagination, but they can also relax your little one as you read to them softly.

 

Bedtime stories are also a great way to maintain your child’s engagement in education while they are away from school. 

 

Eliminate noise

 

Summer can be a noisy time. During the lighter nights, people tend to stay outside longer, and BBQs and block parties aren’t the ideal backdrops for your child’s slumber.

 

If your little one is particularly bothered by noise, investing in noise-canceling headphones could be your answer. You could also experiment with white noise this summer and see if a fan would shield your child from their bustling surroundings. 

 

Let your child self-settle

 

During bedtime, attempt to leave the room before your little one nods off, as this will help them self-settle. Start by sitting on the end of the bed, moving a little more towards the door each night until you can say ‘goodnight’ and leave with confidence. This method will take some trial and error but is an excellent way to develop your child’s independence.

 

Ensuring your child is not dependent on your presence to fall asleep will give you time to attend to your own needs and to-do list. It will also prevent issues occurring in the future with sleepovers and babysitters. 

 

Keep the bedroom cool

 

With the warmth of summer able to disturb even the deepest sleepers, it is important to keep your child’s bedroom cool to ensure a restful night. Sleeping patterns can be dictated by temperature, so ensure you don’t make it too cold when cooling your child's room.

 

The optimum temperature for sleep is 60-67 degrees Fahrenheit, which can be achieved with multiple methods. For summer, taking away unneeded blankets and opening windows is ideal. Switching off unnecessary electronics can also reduce a room’s temperature, and you could use a fan to keep the air circulating. 

 

Be sure to check in on your little one’s bedroom a few times before you go to bed yourself, to see if the temperature has changed.

 

Bed-furnishings expert Ashley Hainsworth of Bed Kingdom has commented: “During your efforts this summer, don’t forget to remain confident. Your assertiveness can affect your child’s response tremendously.

“Every child is different, so don’t lose hope if one method doesn’t work – simply try another. Bedtime success is achievable for everyone, but it can often be a case of trial and error to determine what works best for your child and your parenting style.”

 

Post courtesy https://www.bedkingdom.co.uk/.

Healthy Habits - Better Breakfasts with Breadfruit: Amasar's Fiber-Forward Innovation Helps Families Fuel the School Day

 As families prepare for another school year, one nutritional challenge continues to concern health professionals: most Americans consume far less than the recommended daily amount of dietary fiber, despite growing evidence that fiber supports digestive health, sustained energy, heart health, and overall wellness. Busy school mornings often leave parents choosing convenience over nutrition as they search for breakfasts their children will actually enjoy.¹

Puerto Rico-based Amasar believes the solution may be found in an ingredient that has nourished Caribbean families for generations. Through its award-winning line of breadfruit-based baking products, the company is introducing American families to a naturally gluten-free, fiber-rich alternative that transforms everyday breakfasts into wholesome meals without sacrificing taste, convenience, or versatility. Unlike many gluten-free products that rely on refined starches, breadfruit naturally contains dietary fiber, complex carbohydrates, and plant-based nutrition while delivering the familiar texture and flavor consumers expect from pancakes, waffles, muffins, and baked goods. As more families embrace clean-label foods and functional ingredients, breadfruit is emerging as one of the most promising innovations in the better-for-you breakfast category.²

"Parents shouldn't have to choose between convenience and nutrition," said Marisol Villalobos, Co-Founder and CEO of Amasar. "Breadfruit naturally provides fiber, versatility, and exceptional taste while creating breakfasts families already love. We're introducing an ingredient that's been treasured for centuries and helping make it part of the modern American breakfast table."

Consumer demand continues to support this shift. Research shows that today's shoppers are increasingly seeking foods made with recognizable ingredients that deliver nutritional value without compromising flavor. The gluten-free category has also expanded well beyond consumers with dietary restrictions as millions embrace naturally gluten-free foods as part of an overall wellness lifestyle.³

Amasar's current product line includes Breadfruit Flour, Breadfruit Pancake Mix, and Breadfruit Waffle Mix, all produced from sustainably grown breadfruit harvested in Puerto Rico. The products are naturally gluten-free, plant-based, NON-GMO, and made with clean-label ingredients that fit seamlessly into today's health-conscious kitchens.

For busy parents, Amasar's baking mixes simplify healthier mornings. Families can prepare fluffy pancakes, crisp waffles, breakfast muffins, smoothie bowls, breakfast sandwiches, mini pancake bites, and make-ahead freezer breakfasts in just minutes. Breadfruit's naturally mild flavor pairs beautifully with blueberries, bananas, cinnamon, vanilla, chocolate, apples, and other favorite breakfast ingredients, making nutritious meals both familiar and exciting.
Families looking for more inspiration can explore Amasar's growing online collection of wholesome breakfast recipes and baking ideas. From Blueberry Breadfruit Pancakes and Banana Cinnamon Waffles to Breakfast Muffins, Sheet Pancakes, and grab-and-go school morning favorites, Amasar's Recipe Blog helps families incorporate breadfruit into everyday meals while making healthy breakfasts simple, delicious, and fun. Visit https://amasar.net/pages/blogs/recipes for recipes and meal inspiration.

Beyond the breakfast table, every Amasar purchase supports sustainable agriculture in Puerto Rico. Breadfruit trees are naturally resilient, high-yielding, and environmentally efficient, requiring fewer agricultural inputs than many traditional crops while supporting local farmers and strengthening regional food systems.
As parents prepare children for another successful school year, breakfast doesn't have to be a compromise between nutrition and convenience. Amasar is proving that a centuries-old Caribbean staple can help fuel healthier mornings with fiber-forward foods that taste as good as they nourish—one pancake, one waffle, and one family breakfast at a time.

About Amasar
Amasar is a Puerto Rico/US-based company pioneering breadfruit as a sustainable, naturally gluten-free, and nutrient-dense ingredient, with currently 3 NON-GMO skus includes breadfruit flour, waffle mix, and pancake mix,  sourced at a woman-owned, 20 acre breadfruit agroforestry farm and state-of-the-art FDA compliant 3,550 sq. ft, QC Lab manufacturing facility. Additonal skus will include breadfruit pizza crust, frozen waffles, brownie and muffin mixes. In 2026, Amasar received the 2026 Mindful Award for Gluten-Free Flour Product of the Year, recognizing the company's commitment to clean-label innovation, exceptional product quality, and healthier food solutions for today's consumers. Amasar products are distributed throughout the US and the Caribbean and with an industry savvy management team and global advisory board including Dwayne Weston, professional Red Sox player, Lucas Arzola PhD, Investment P-18,  and Don Siegel, Bravo Family Foundation, Amasar, with additional investor support, Amasar will reach continuous market growth. 
                                                                                                
1.    U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020–2025. https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/sites/default/files/2020-12/Dietary_Guidelines_for_Americans_2020-2025.pdf
2.    Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Breadfruit – Promoting the Conservation and Use of Underutilized and Neglected Crops. https://www.fao.org/documents/card/en/c/cc1095en
3.    Food Insight. 2024 Food & Health Survey. https://foodinsight.org/2024-food-and-health-survey/
4.    Amasar Recipe Blog. https://amasar.net/pages/blogs/recipes
5.    Mindful Awards. 2026 Mindful Awards Winners. https://mindfulawards.com/2026-winners/
 

Healthy Habits - Camilia Bedtime

Parents know that teething can make even the simplest routines more challenging, especially when little ones are dealing with sore gums and evening restlessness. To help families navigate this developmental milestone, Boiron is introducing a new addition to the Camilia family available at Walmart: Camilia Bedtime.

 

Building on the trusted Camilia Original line, Camilia Bedtime is designed for use as part of an evening routine, helping relieve teething symptoms, including painful gums, irritability, and restlessness associated with teething, so babies can become more comfortable before bed.

 

 

With Camilia Bedtime now on Walmart shelves and online, more families have easier access to Boiron’s baby-focused wellness products when they need them most, including during those challenging evening hours when establishing a calm routine can make a difference.

Healthy Habits - Hair Loss and AI Advice

Millions of Americans are turning to ChatGPT and other AI tools before they ever call a doctor - even when it comes to their health. One growing trend? People are uploading photos, describing symptoms, and asking AI why they're losing their hair. But can artificial intelligence really diagnose hair loss? Or is it giving people false confidence, unnecessary anxiety, or even dangerous advice?

I had a chance to learn more in this interview with Dr. Keith Kantor, PhD, ND, Trichologist, Clinical Director of Regen Therapeutics and a leading trichologist specializing in hair loss and scalp health.

Dr. Kantor says AI can be a useful educational tool, but it should never replace a professional evaluation. Hair loss is often far more complex than people realize and may be the first warning sign of underlying medical conditions including thyroid disorders, nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, autoimmune diseases, chronic stress, or medication side effects. Without proper testing and examination, people risk delaying treatment or spending hundreds - even thousands - of dollars on products that won't address the real cause.

How accurate is ChatGPT at identifying reasons for hair loss?

I jokingly call ChatGPT “my little genius,” because it has become a valuable tool in my practice. Every day I review patient intake forms, and when I see a medication I'm not familiar with, I ask ChatGPT whether it has any known association with hair loss or hair growth. It has consistently been remarkably accurate and saves me a tremendous amount of research time.

That said, ChatGPT is only as good as the information it receives. It can recognize patterns, summarize research, and identify common causes of hair loss, but it cannot examine a patient's scalp, perform blood tests, or make a medical diagnosis. I use it as an educational resource and research assistant—not as a replacement for clinical judgment.

What are some of the biggest mistakes people make when using AI for medical advice?

The biggest mistake is believing AI has diagnosed them. AI provides possibilities, not certainty. Hair loss has many causes that can look almost identical, yet require very different treatments. Another mistake is leaving out important information, such as medications, recent illnesses, rapid weight loss, hormonal changes, or family history. Finally, some people delay seeing a healthcare professional because an AI answer sounds reassuring. That can delay treatment for conditions that are much easier to manage when caught early.

How can AI be used in beneficial ways for medical questions?

I think AI shines as an educational partner. It helps patients understand complicated medical information in plain English, prepares them to ask better questions during appointments, and allows healthcare professionals to quickly review the latest information on medications, supplements, and medical conditions. Used correctly, AI makes both patients and clinicians better informed.

What are some myths about hair restoration that people may encounter on social media?

Social media often promotes 'miracle cures' that supposedly work for everyone. In reality, successful hair restoration starts with identifying the correct cause. Another myth is that every case of hair loss is caused by DHT. While DHT is important in hereditary hair loss, other conditions—including autoimmune disorders, nutritional deficiencies, hormonal changes, scarring alopecias, and medication side effects—require completely different approaches. Be cautious of dramatic before-and-after photos that don't explain the diagnosis or the treatment timeline.

When might hair loss be a symptom of something that requires immediate attention?

Hair loss deserves prompt medical evaluation if it appears suddenly in patches, is associated with pain, redness, drainage, or scarring, or is accompanied by symptoms such as unexplained weight changes, severe fatigue, fever, or other signs of illness. Hair loss itself is rarely an emergency, but sometimes it is the first visible clue that something more significant is occurring. Early diagnosis can also prevent permanent follicle damage in certain types of hair loss.

Area Attractions - CTC's Triple Threat Production of Hadestown: Teen Edition (Minneapolis, 8/7-8/8)

Children’s Theatre Company (CTC) is about to put on the 2026 Triple Threat production of Hadestown: Teen Edition, by Anaïs Mitchell – a bold and unforgettable musical journey inspired by the ancient Greek myths of Orpheus and Eurydice. Hadestown: Teen Edition will be directed by Alli St. John, with music direction by Justin Cook, and choreography by Cleo DeOrio. More information is available at childrenstheatre.org/hadestown.

 

Students enrolled in the Triple Threat Summer Intensive spend the first half of their day in theatre arts training (classes in acting, movement, voice, and more) and the second half in rehearsal for the production. Past productions include Carrie, Rent, Be More Chill, Head Over Heels, Twelfth Night, and the World Premiere of The Garden. The students work with professional directors, professional designers, and other experienced theatre artists and practitioners. The focus is on process; students have the opportunity to hone their craft, dig deeper, and build their community.

 

About the Show

Blending folk, jazz, blues, and contemporary musical theatre, Hadestown: Teen Edition follows two intertwining stories: young dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice, and the powerful King Hades and Persephone. As Eurydice is drawn into the underground world of Hadestown, Orpheus must risk everything to bring her home, discovering the power of hope, love, and perseverance along the way.

 

With a hauntingly beautiful score by Anaïs Mitchell and a Tony Award-winning Broadway legacy, Hadestown: Teen Edition offers audiences a theatrical experience that is both timeless and deeply relevant.

I had a chance to learn more in this interview with director Alli St. John.

- What makes a musical like Hadestown, based on an ancient myth, still relevant today?

               The great thing about myths, legends, and folktales is that their themes are enduring. Themes of love and loss, hope and desire, greed and temptation, and the fallibility of man show up in stories old and contemporary. What Anaiis Mitchell has done with the story of Hadestown is highlight those themes in the stories of Orpheus and Eurydice, and Hades and Persephone, and layer in contemporary concerns of capitalism and climate change. There are many moments throughout the show that stab the heart with the familiarity of these circumstances, despite the setting of a Greek myth.

 

- What is your favorite part about working with students to put on a theater production?

               I have been making theater with young people for over a decade and my answer to this question is always the time- their enthusiasm and desire to create something meaningful. The rehearsal process is entirely joyful, and I love watching them grow as theater artists and humans. I lead a room that makes space for their ideas and developing understanding, starting with script analysis before we even get up on our feet. Digging into the text allows them to understand the entire arc of the story, find the nuances, and make stronger choices once we are up and moving.  

 

- Has there been a moment working on this musical that gave you a new perspective?

              I have been directing for many years, and every show teaches me something new. There have certainly been moments in the rehearsal process where suddenly we hear or understand a part of the story in a new way that cracks it wide open and impacts the choices we are making in order to make the story clear. Walking into this project, I had one idea in my head, but now that we are deep in rehearsal, new things are bubbling to the surface that makes this an exciting challenge. 

 

- What do you hope audiences take away from this production?

               I hope audiences will identify with someone or something in this story. Even though it’s an old story, the themes remain relevant to a modern audience. Whether audiences consider their own love stories or the impacts of industrialization and marginalization and the climate crisis, there’s a lot to think about with this piece. Additionally, I hope audiences leave this production with an increased understanding of what young people are capable of. This is an incredibly challenging musical, and we are asking these students to put so much of themselves out there and try new things. The work they are doing is at a professional level and should be applauded!

 

CTC’s Triple Threat production of Hadestown: Teen Edition will perform on Friday, August 7, 2026 at 7pm, and Saturday August 8, 2026 at 3pm and 7pm.

 

All performances will take place on CTC’s Cargill Stage (2400 Third Avenue South Minneapolis MN 55404). Tickets may be purchased online at childrenstheatre.org/hadestown or by calling the ticket office at 612.874.0400. All tickets are $27.    

 

About CTC’s Triple Threat Summer Intensive (Grades 8-12)
 

Theatre Arts Training’s performance opportunities are specifically designed for students who have a demonstrated commitment to their craft as performers and display a positive attitude in their work. Students work with like-minded peers and industry professionals to produce a play or musical. During this five-week intensive, students spend their mornings in studio classes advancing voice and dance skills; the afternoons are dedicated to rehearsal.
 

About CTC’s Education and Engagement Programs
 

CTC’s Education and Engagement programs deepen the theatrical experience throughout our community, reaching tens of thousands of people each year. We create opportunities for audiences of all ages to connect with the art, the artists, and each other. Grounded in ACT One, the theatre’s commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion, we choose programming and partners that reflect all of the experiences and perspectives that make our community strong, with a focus on communities of color, the LGBTQIAP+ community, and the disability community spanning the full socio-economic spectrum.
 

Theatre Arts Training’s Scholarship Program: Made Possible by You

At Children’s Theatre Company we believe that every child should have the opportunity to experience the arts in order to learn, grow, and discover themselves. But for many families, this exploration is not financially possible. Please consider a donation to help support our Theatre Arts Training Scholarship program. Your gift will help a child live out their dream. Every dollar counts—If we all do a little, we all do a lot. Donate today at childrenstheatre.org/give

 

Children’s Theatre Company’s 2026-2027 Season
 

CTC’s 2026-2027 Season will feature Pinocchio; two world premiere musicals, Twelve Kinds of Ice and Princess Kay of the Milky Way; the return of the beloved holiday tradition Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!; the playful adaptation Chicka Chicka Boom Boom: The Musical; and the Broadway smash hit School of Rock The Musical, based on the popular film.

 

The 2026-2027 Season will also feature a new Discovery Series, including three exciting shows in limited engagements at CTC: Havana Hop, Mr. Messado's School of Magic for the Young and Young at Heart, and Joseph Kekuku and the Voice of the Steel Guitar.

 

Full season subscriptions for the 2026-2027 Season are now on sale and can be purchased online at https://childrenstheatre.org/shows-and-tickets/subscribe-and-save/ or by calling the ticket office at 612.874.0400.

 

Children’s Theatre Company (CTC) is the nation’s largest and most acclaimed theatre for young people and serves a multigenerational audience. It creates theatre experiences that educate, challenge, and inspire more than 200,000 people annually. CTC is the only theatre focused on young audiences to win the Special Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre and is the only theatre in Minnesota to receive three Tony nominations (for its production of A Year With Frog and Toad). CTC is committed to creating world-class productions at the highest level and to developing new works, more than 200 to date, dramatically changing the canon of work for young audiences.
 

CTC is the most significant provider of theatre education opportunities in the region. Every year, thousands of children experience theatre for the first time at CTC. Our student matinees and education programs demonstrably benefit the community, from the intergenerational conversations sparked by our world premieres, to the sequential skill-building that happens in our Theatre Arts Training, to the pre-K focus of our Early Childhood Initiative. ACT One is CTC’s comprehensive platform for access, diversity, and inclusion in our audiences, programs, staff, and board that strives to ensure the theatre is a home for all people, all families, reflective of our community. childrenstheatre.org