Monthly Archives: February 2016

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati Presents A Special Performance of SNOW WHITE for Most Valuable Kids

TCTC_Snow White and Roderick Justice

Margot Grom-Mansencal as Snow White with Producing Artistic Director, Roderick Justice. Photo by Phil Groshong.

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati is proud to present a special preview of the world-premiere production, SNOW WHITE AND THE DANCING DWARFS, for the families of Most Valuable Kids of Greater Cincinnati, Inc. (MVK) on Thursday, February 11 at 5:15 PM at the Taft Theatre.

MVK was co-founded by Sherri Jaffe Friedman while she was serving on the Board of Directors of The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati (TCT). She has been the CEO of MVK since its inception in October 2005 and has been responsible for the growth of the organization, which has distributed over 100,000 tickets/experiences to deserving kids. The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati has worked with MVK since the beginning.

Live entertainment provides a source of positive inspiration for kids. MVK brings this inspiration, at no cost, to underserved kids in our community and does this by offering charitable children’s organizations access to sports and cultural events through an online ticket donation system. MVK directly impacts more than 90 non-profit agencies in Greater Cincinnati that benefit at-risk kids in our community. MVK’s donated tickets and experiences are used as a reward for academic achievements, enhance social development and encourage kids to dream.

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s SNOW WHITE AND THE DANCING DWARFS performance at the Taft Theatre is unique because families will be seeing the final dress rehearsal before the show opens on February 12. TCT will have a staff member stationed on a microphone to explain the significance of any stops and starts during the rehearsal and share an exclusive look at what the cast and crew do to make a show come to life on stage. This affords these children the exciting opportunity to see unique “behind the scenes” elements of theater, creating a truly educational as well as entertaining evening for these children who, due to financial circumstance, would not have been able to see this performance at all without the TCT/MVK collaboration.

About The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati:
The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati (TCT) is the nation’s oldest theater for young audiences. Its mission is to educate, entertain and engage our young audiences through professional theatrical productions and arts education programming, which is accomplished through three primary programs each season:

MainStage at the Taft Theatre – More than 81,000 children, teachers, and family members, including students from approximately 250 schools across the Tri-State, attend one of four family-friendly and professional musical theater productions annually at the historic Taft Theatre in Downtown Cincinnati.

TCT On Tour – Each year, more than 65,000 children and their families enjoy TCT On Tour productions at one of 280 touring performances or during an arts-integration workshop or residency.

TCT Academy – More than 600 children will receive fine arts instruction annually, including those who participate in the four-week intensive STAR Intensive NKU and STAR Camp Red Bank where professional musical theatre training is provided to some of the region’s most talented youth, as well as those that participate in musical theatre classes offered throughout the year and during Summer Camp.

In December, The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati moved into its brand new facility on Red Bank Road in Hyde Park, opening the doors to a new destination for theater education and expanding its reach into the community. (Important to note: The Children’s Theatre’s four professional, Broadway-style MainStage productions will continue to be performed in the historic Taft Theatre in downtown Cincinnati.)

About MVK:
The MVK mission is to help combat juvenile delinquency, promote an appreciation of athletics and culture and, most importantly, foster academic and social achievement by creating a merit system whereby participating recipient agencies can reward children for social and academic progress and accomplishment. This reward system of being able to attend professional and collegiate sporting events and cultural performances promotes self-esteem and illustrates to children the merits of philanthropy, personal discipline, determination, and perseverance. MVK provides an avenue for building strong character among our local youth, creating unforgettable memories at the same time. And MVK provides an avenue for season ticket holders of professional sports and entertainment events to distribute unused tickets to children in need, in turn receiving a tax deduction for their donation. MVK offers its ticket donors an easy opportunity to give back to the community and add a smile to a child’s face. MVK helps to fill the seats that go unused year after year, as well as greatly expand the interest for teams and events around the area.

MVK overcomes the financial obstacles associated with live events by distributing these opportunities to pre-screened, non-profit agencies that benefit kids in low-income and underserved households, and works collaboratively with more than 90 non-profit partner agencies who use the donated tickets and experiences as rewards and incentives for the deserving kids in their programs.

About SNOW WHITE AND THE DANCING DWARFS:
Did you know that Snow White’s Dwarfs are dancers? Come see for yourselves as the classic Brothers Grimm fairy tale of Snow White, her evil stepmother, the all-knowing mirror and the handsome (but not-too-brainy) prince, step their way back into your hearts and imagination. This is a world-premiere production you don’t want to miss!

Story and book by Ken Jones, music by Jamey Strawn and lyrics by Christine Jones. The trio previously wrote TCT’s 2013 holiday production of “The Day Before Christmas” as well as other successful shows including: “Burgertown,” “CHURCH GIRLS, Umatilla USA,” and “LINCOLN: A Pioneer Tale.” The show will be directed by Producing Artistic Director Roderick Justice.

SNOW WHITE AND THE DANCING DWARFS presented by The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati, February 12-21, 2016. Public Performances: Friday February 12 at 7:30 PM; Saturday February 13 at 2 PM; Sunday, February 14 at 2 PM; Saturday, February 20 at 2 PM and 5 PM; and Sunday February 21 at 2 PM. At the Taft Theatre, 5th and Sycamore Streets in Downtown Cincinnati. Tickets $7-$25. 1-800-745-3000 and www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets are selling fast!

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s production of SNOW WHITE AND THE DANCING DWARFS is made possible by the generous support of Chemed, and the generosity of community contributions to the ArtsWave Campaign. Season Sponsors are the Charles H. Dater Foundation and the Marge and Charles J. Schott Foundation. The Ohio Arts Council helped fund this program with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. Media sponsors are Cincinnati Enquirer, LOCAL 12 and Q102. The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati Kids Club is presented by Time Timer.

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Directors Wanted for 2016-2017 Season at Tri-County Players

TCP_logoDirectors with projects wanted……Give Tri-County Players a try.

TCP is seeking directors for our next season.

To submit send your directorial resume and electronic copies of any plays you are submitting to Nancy Hughes at weirdsisternan@twc.com by March 1, 2016.

TCP has been producing plays for 55 years and we are currently preforming at The Sharonville Cultural Arts Center.

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Cast Announced for GIRLS OF THE GARDEN CLUB at Village Players

VP_logoThe Village Players of Fort Thomas is pleased to announce the cast for:

GIRLS OF THE GARDEN CLUB
Written by John Patrick

Directed by Amy Hamilton
Produced by Teresa Myers

Rhoda Greenleaf lives to garden.  It’s her obsession and her house looks like a jungle.  She’d love to expand her plant collection to a greenhouse behind her home, and husband Vincent remarks that if she’s ever elected president she’ll have a greenhouse – only he didn’t say president of what!

Thanks to Vincent’s comments, Rhoda’s newest passion is seeking the presidency of the local Garden Club, and she’ll do everything she can to achieve her dream.  She plots to oust the long-time president by winning the local flower show. But fate comes up with obstacles to her quest that she must overcome with the help of her Garden Club friends.

Cast:

  • Rhoda Greenleaf — Jeri Nakamura
  • Cora — Elaine Michael
  • Lillybelle Lamont — Gretchen Gantner
  • Birdie — Gaylene May Schumacher
  • Evie — Jessica Moore
  • Dede — Kaitlyn Sansom
  • Marigold Greenleaf — Bethany Simpson
  • Clara — Meredith Conner
  • Dora — Lori Bowling
  • Angelica — Teresa Myers
  • Sophie – Megan Schultheis
  • Ginger — Leslie Hillner
  • Zelda — Judy Littlefield
  • Francine — Elizabeth Farrar
  • Agnes — Jenetta Anderson
  • Madge — Betsy Evans
  • Judi — Erica Brady
  • Vincent Greenleaf — Doug Bruening
  • Dillson — Hunter Bruening

Performance Dates

  • Friday, April 22nd @ 8:00 PM
  • Saturday, April 23rd @ 8:00 PM
  • Sunday, April 24th @ 3:00 PM
  • Thursday, April 28th @ 8:00 PM
  • Friday, April 29th @ 8:00 PM
  • Saturday, April 30th @ 8:00 PM

Where
The Village Players of Fort Thomas
8 North Fort Thomas Avenue
Fort Thomas, KY 41075

Ticket prices
$17

Reserve tickets

Website:  http://www.villageplayers.biz/
Ticket phone line: (859) 392-0500

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Auditions Announced for SOUTH PACIFIC at The Children’s Theatre of Mason

CTM_logoSOUTH PACIFIC

AUDITIONS: Feb. 15-16, 2016 by appointment
CALLBACKS: Feb. 18, 2016 5:30pm – 9:30pm
SHOW: June 16-19, 2016

Director: Dirk Doebereiner
Choreographer: TBD

CAST REQUIREMENTS: Includes 2 principal women and 2 principal men; 21 named parts, and a large ensemble that includes Islanders, Nuns, Officers, Sailors, Marines, and Soldiers. We will also offer a Prologue for a grouping of younger actors that will tie in with the beginning of the show.

Click here to view CTM’s Guidelines for Casting

An Audition Appointment is NECESSARY

Ages 7-11 Click Here for an Audition Appointment
Ages 12-18 Click Here for an Audition Appointment

  • Audition ages 7 – 18
  • Place: Mars Hill Academy
  • Bring a headshot photo to the audition (photos will not be returned). Photo does NOT need to be professional.
  • Make an Audition Appointment and print the resulting audition form. Be sure to bring that printed audition form to the audition.
  • You only need to come to one of the audition dates. Appointments are very strongly recommended. Those without an appointment may not be able to audition if time slots are not available.
  • If you cannot make either audition date, you may submit a video audition. Please click Video Audition Information for details.
  • Callbacks will be held Thursday Feb. 18th at Mars Hill Academy, those who are called back must be available for the entire callback time.
  • Email any questions to auditions@childrenstheatreofmason.com.

Rehearsals

  • First rehearsal will be a full cast read-thru on March 6th. There will also be a mandatory parent meeting during this read-thru. Additional details will be provided.
  • Rehearsals will be on Sunday afternoons and Tuesday and Thursday evenings at CTM’s Main Street Studios in Mason.

Requirements

  • Those cast in SOUTH PACIFIC will pay a $125 participation fee which covers the cost of: a souvenir show t-shirt, garment bag for your costume/s, a one line personal ad in the playbill, and the main parts of your costume. Actors may be asked to supply specific accessories or generic pieces (ex. socks, tights, shoes, etc.)
    t is mandatory that parents volunteer for at least 6 hours on pre-production jobs (set painting, set building, parent monitoring, etc.), as well as for volunteer time slots during the performance weekend (ticket sales, concessions, green room, etc.). Parents who cannot make this commitment should not have their children audition.

Audition Preparation
NOTE: We value your time and that of all actors. You may be stopped before the end of your audition. This is not a reflection of your performance only that the directors have seen or heard what they need to. If you have a specific part of your song you feel is very important, try to start near that portion so you are not stopped before reaching it.

Monologue:

  • Memorized monologue should be a maximum of 30 seconds.

Song:

  • Please prepare 30 seconds of a song. Your song should showcase your acting ability and skills while singing.
  • NO songs from South Pacific and NO pop songs.
  • No accompanist will be available. While you can sing a cappella, it is strongly recommended that you use an accompaniment track. There will be a CD player and speaker connection for mp3 players available.
  • Please bring your accompaniment track on CD or an MP3 Player. Song may have Backup vocals on the CD/MP3 but no lead vocals.
  • When using a CD please edit your track to the beginning of where you will be singing.
  • When using an MP3 Player, please edit your track or cue the track to the beginning of where you will be singing.
  • Please note we cannot be responsible if CD/MP3 does not play properly.
    Suggestions for your song:

    • Select a song that showcases your voice and your vocal range.
    • The Music Director will have a pitch pipe at auditions. Please know your starting pitch and you may ask to hear it before singing.
    • Select a song that has as few key changes as possible.
    • Select a song that does not have lots of rests or sing the song without those rests.
    • If possible, pick a song that shows some quick delivery of words and pitches as well as some longer, sustained notes.

Dance:

  • Auditioners may be asked to learn a simple dance pattern for those selected for callbacks.
  • Please wear dance friendly shoes.

For more information visit http://www.childrenstheatreofmason.com/audition-starting.php.

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Village Players of Fort Thomas Present Winter Production DEARLY DEPARTED

VP_Dearly Departed promo

Melissa Keller & Chris Payne.

[Fort Thomas, Kentucky] – Village Players of Fort Thomas presents its winter production, DEARLY DEPARTED by David Bottrell and Jessie Jones, Feb. 12-20, 2016. Performances for this comedy will be Fridays at 8:00 p.m., Saturdays at 8:00 p.m., Thursday at 8:00 PM and Sunday at 3 p.m. Village Players is pleased to welcome our corporate sponsor, Dobbling, Muehlenkamp-Erschell Funeral Home for this production.

In the Baptist backwoods of the Bible Belt, DEARLY DEPARTED introduces us to the beleaguered Turpin family who prove that living and dying in the South are seldom tidy and always hilarious. This irreverent comedy centers around a community of misfits who (of course) manage to rise to the occasion in the end. The cast includes Betty Coulter, Patrick Downey, Melissa Keller, Judy Littlefield, Chris Payne, Laura Petracco, Richelle Roth, Judy Sceifres, Doug Tumeo, Dustin Wagner and Ginny Butsch.

Opening night (Feb. 12th) is already sold out. Sunday, Feb. 14th will be a Special Valentine Day Matinee. On Feb. 14th, all patrons will receive a valentine treat and be eligible for an attendance prize worth over $25.

Tickets for DEARLY DEPARTED are $17 and can be purchased online at www.villageplayers.biz or by calling 859-392-0500.

Village Players began in 1966 when members of the Fort Thomas Woman’s Club formed a community theatre department and renovated the lower level of the building to house a unique and intimate 102-seat three-quarter thrust stage. Village Players is a member of KTA, OCTA, ACT-Cincinnati and AACT. Located at 8 North Fort Thomas Avenue, Fort Thomas, Kentucky, Village Players mounts four productions each year and donates the proceeds of its spring production to charity. For more information, www.villageplayers.biz or 859-392-0500.

For more information on our corporate sponsor, Dobbling, Muehlenkamp-Erschell Funeral Home, visit http://www.dmefuneral.com/index.shtml.

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