Celebrated young talent Traci Allen has been selected to join the Children's Theatre's resident acting company.

The Howard University-trained actor starred as the title character in the premiere of "Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy" at CTC. She also was part of the national tour of "The Color Purple" and has acted at Theatre Latté Da, Penumbra and Park Square, where she wasa standout in Marion McClinton's production of Lydia Diamond's "Stick Fly."

Allen, who had been a performing apprentice at CTC, lands a rare spot in any theater. CTC is one of only a small number of companies nationwide to maintain a salaried acting ensemble.

Artistic director Peter Brosius noted her versatily in selecting her. He said that on first seeing Allen, he was struck by her "intelligence, presence, and great power."

Allen will star as Cinderella at the holidays. Before then, she has been cast in Marcus Gardley's "The road weeps, the well runs dry," which, when it opens at Pillsbury House Theatre on Sept. 27, will be one of the biggest productions in that company's history.