Monthly Archives: October 2018

THE ROOMMATE Review

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Margaret Daly as Sharon & Mary Jo Mecca as Robyn. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

THE ROOMMATE presented by the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park through Oct. 21. Click here for a synopsis and more information on the production. I attended the opening night performance.

Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park kicks off its Shelterhouse Theatre season with the two-woman dark comedy, THE ROOMMATE. Described as a “The Odd Couple meets Breaking Bad”, the Playhouse’s production seems to lean more toward to the former at the expense of the latter.

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Margaret Daly as Sharon & Mary Jo Mecca as Robyn. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

The humor of the first half of the performance relies heavily on the old city mouse vs. country mouse stereotypes. While the script does generate some good laughs, it doesn’t really cover any new territory. It also, for me at least, tends to skew the time period of the show a bit older than present day.

As Iowan divorcee Sharon, Margaret Daly handles the comedy of the role well. But as her character begins to explore the darker side of her personality, it seemed to be something that Sharon was more playing at then truly embracing.

Mary Jo Mecca’s portrayal of Robyn doesn’t have the edge to her personality that I would expect from a Brooklyn native. I understand the idea of pulling back a bit to give a good impression for her fresh start, but there is a lackadaisical quality to the character that doesn’t quite ring true to me.

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Mary Jo Mecca as Robyn & Margaret Daly as Sharon. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

Since the characters don’t quite work individual, their relationship doesn’t seem to evolve too much as the story jumps forward in time. For me, this lessens the impact of the final scene.

Overall, on opening night, this production of THE ROOMMATE doesn’t have the bite it needs to meet the demands of the script.

My rating: 4 out of 5.

I would enjoy hearing what you think about the show or my review. All I ask is that you express your opinion without attacking someone else’s opinion. You can post your comments below.

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CSR Sought by 3CDC for Memorial Hall

MISC_3CDC logoLevel – Undisclosed
Job Location – Memorial Hall – Cincinnati, OH
Position Type – Part Time
Education Level – Not Specified
Salary Range – $10.00 – $10.00 Hourly
Travel Percentage – None
Job Shift – Undisclosed
Job Category – Customer Service

Job Summary:
Reporting to the Event Lead and Memorial Hall Box Office Manager, the Box Office Customer Service Representative (CSR-Box) assists the Memorial Hall Management Team in facilitating ticketed events in 3CDC managed civic space, Memorial Hall. During ticketed events, the Box Office CSR will execute will-call and door sales, troubleshoot ticketing issues, and work alongside additional box office staff. CSRs are integral to our success at supplying a quality experience to each and every visitor to our public spaces. The CSR is also responsible for adhering to company policies to maximize sales and minimize error, allowing the public spaces to meet their revenue goals. This is an hourly seasonal position.

The CSR-Event is responsible for working with the 3CDC staff to (1) provide top level customer service to all visitors within our civic spaces and entertainment districts. (2) achieve a mission of “class A” physical maintenance of our civic spaces and entertainment districts, and (3) ensure safety for the residents and patrons of our civic spaces and entertainment districts.

Tasks:

  • Ensure each patron at our events has an enjoyable and safe visit by tending to all needs as directed by supervisors and coordinators.
  • Interact with patrons during an event as well as resolve issues over the phone.
  • Deliver quality customer service experiences by appropriately addressing patron needs to increase guest satisfaction.
  • Operate the ticketing system and follow all procedures for will call and door sales.
  • Follow all loss prevention and cash handling policies and procedures, including completing transactions, making change, counting tills, securing cash and currency, and completing daily paperwork.

Qualifications:

  • Box Office experience preferred
  • Excellent customer service skills
  • Ability to work flexible hours, primarily evenings & weekends
  • Ability to clearly, effectively, and professionally interact with peers, supervisors and the public. Will collaborate effectively with others to produce results.
  • Personable, positive and enthusiastic attitude with capability to deal effectively with people (both internal and external).
  • Cash-handling experience preferred.
  • Theater or performance experience a bonus.
  • Sense of initiative with a desire to become truly involved in the operations and programming of Memorial Hall.
  • Ability to work flexible hours, understanding some shifts will be less than 4 hours and event-based. Some weeks will have an estimated workload of 12 hours while others may be only 2 hours.

Licenses, Credentials, Certifications:
n/a

Skills or specialized knowledge (examples below):
n/a

Physical and Mental Demands:

  • Ability to remain, efficient, positive and professional when handling large crowds or under pressure.
  • Job requires lifting 25lbs. (e.g. beer cases, bags of ice, bags of salt) and at least 8 hours on one’s feet.
  • Additional mental requirements: compare, decide direct, problem solve, analyze, instruct, and interpret.

Disclaimer:
This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. It is not intended and should not be construed to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or work conditions associated with the job. Furthermore, the employer reserves the right to revise or change the job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

Click here to apply for the job.

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Theatrical Events Supervisor Sought by 3CDC for Memorial Hall

MISC_3CDC logoTheatrical Events Supervisor

Level – Experienced
Job Location – Memorial Hall – Cincinnati, OH
Position Type – Full Time
Education Level – 2 Year Degree

Job Summary:
Memorial Hall is a 556-seat performance and event venue located across from Washington Park and directly south of Cincinnati Music Hall. The structure, built in 1908 as a memorial to war veterans and owned by Hamilton County, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 2015, 3CDC entered an agreement with Hamilton County and the Cincinnati Memorial Hall Society to renovate the building, bringing much-needed upgrades. Today, Memorial Hall hosts more than 300 events annually, ranging from performing arts, themed parties and cinema to third-party receptions, weddings and award ceremonies.

The Memorial Hall Theatrical Events Supervisor is tasked to oversee the initiation, development and execution of theatrical third-party theatrical events at Memorial Hall, as well as execution of Memorial Hall and partner events. Additionally, the Memorial Hall Events Supervisor will field incoming theatrical rental inquiries and manage bar and concessions inventory in the facility. Reporting to the Memorial Hall Manager, with oversight from the Senior Events Production Manager and Customer Service Manager, he/she will work directly with their administrative colleagues and event staff to plan and execute third-party theatrical events, and to execute Memorial Hall and partner theatrical events, making sure the delivery is held to the 3CDC standard. This position is responsible for comprehensive planning and execution of events on site; including (but not limited to) distributing rental information, taking clients on tours of the facility, building rental estimate and event planning documents, receiving and tracking payments, managing staff levels in accordance with the needs of the space, developing and facilitating daily event setups, ensuring events are properly executed, and developing the overall team to be flexible and manage events of various sizes.

It is projected that approximately 50% of the Memorial Hall Event Supervisor’s time will be allocated to administrative responsibilities, and 50% to the on-site execution of events. This is a general metric; the Theatrical Event Supervisor’s overall workload will ebb and flow with the calendar of events.

Tasks:

  • Receive and reply to event inquiries within 24 hours (or as soon as possible for weekend inquiries) and in a courteous manner, promptly sending rental information and checking availability. Re-route non-theatrical rental inquiries to the Memorial Hall Event Supervisor and to the Memorial Hall Manager, as needed.
  • Maintain accurate records of rental inquiries and produce periodic reports on inquiry data.
  • Take clients on tours of Memorial Hall.
  • Assist the Memorial Hall Manager in maintenance of the Memorial Hall calendar.
  • Build and manage event rental estimates. Build rental contracts and accept and track payments and certificates of insurance.
  • Build and manage other event paperwork, including layouts, nightly concessions and operations checklists.
  • Manage Memorial Hall by focusing on exceeding patrons’ expectations for customer service, quality and cleanliness.
  • Working with the Memorial Hall Box Office Manager to implement ticketing and seating for events.
  • Work with third-party clients and partners to exceed their expectations for the same.
  • Working and coordinating with event staff and volunteers to convey the needs for third-party and assigned events.
  • Oversee event setup, operation, teardown, and post event cleanup to ensure quick and efficient turns between events.
  • Conduct pre-shift meetings each work day to ensure onsite staff and volunteers know the goals and key points of each event.
  • Provide on-the-job coaching of the operations and customer service representatives and report accurate feedback on all event staff to the Senior Events Production
  • Manager and Customer Service Manager.
    Coordinate with technical staff to ensure smooth execution of event production elements.
  • Continue onsite training to staff on all event related tasks; POS, cash handling, bar tending, pre/post event cleaning checklists, and all other event tasks related specifically to Memorial Hall.
  • Take ownership of beverage service delivery, from what selections we offer to how we deliver the product to the consumer.
  • Maintain inventory by accurately tracking the procurement, receipt, and reconciliation of all beverage, beverage supplies, and event equipment.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with 3CDC community partners and event stakeholders such as police, sponsors, performers and third-party event organizers. Assist the Memorial Hall manager in generating rental business from among these parties.
  • Under the guidance of the Memorial Hall Manager, plan and execute events designed to generate rental business for Memorial Hall.
  • Continually evaluate onsite safety measures, as well as conduct immediate and complete reporting of all liability issues, including maintaining an incident report log.

This job description is not intended to be all inclusive. The employee will also perform other reasonably related business duties as assigned by his or her immediate supervisor and other management as required.

Qualifications, skill and/or specialized knowledge:

  • Associates or Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a related degree program is preferred.
  • Relevant event management and/or facility management experience required.
    One to two years’ experience managing staff.
  • Stage management, venue management, and/or technical production experience required.
  • Must have a valid state-issued driver’s license with a current address and acceptable driving record.
  • Willing to work frequent weekends and holidays, and to adapt work schedule to accommodate the events calendar.
  • Ability to work well under stress.
  • Personable, positive, and enthusiastic attitude with capability to deal effectively with people (both internal and external).
  • Ability to communicate clearly verbally and in writing.
  • Excellent organizational skills, work habits, and consistent follow-through.
  • Must be able to maintain the highest degree of confidentiality.

Click here to apply for the job.

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Cast Announced for BASKERVILLE at Falcon Theatre

FT_logoAnother stellar lineup is coming your way! The cast of BASKERVILLE has officially been announced.

  • Sherlock Holmes- Rory Sheridan
  • Dr. Watson- Alan Kootsher
  • Various- Dan Robertson
  • Various- Mia Vera
  • Various- Nick DeNuzio
  • Various- Jordan Trovillion 

Directed by Derek Snow, performances run May 3-18.

For more information visit www.falcontheater.net

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Irving Berlin’s WHITE CHRISTMAS Runs Nov. 1-Dec. 30

LAC_White Christmas logoIrving Berlin’s WHITE CHRISTMAS
La Comedia Dinner Theatre
Nov. 1-Dec. 30
[Springboro]

Directed & choreographed by Chris Beiser

Irving Berlin’s WHITE CHRISTMAS tells the story of two buddies putting on a show in a magical Vermont inn and finding their perfect mates in the process.  Full of dancing, laughter and some of the greatest songs ever written, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas promises a merry and bright theatrical experience for the whole family.

  • Thu-Fri, Nov. 1-2 at 10:30am & 5:30pm
  • Sat, Nov. 3 at 5:30pm
  • Sun, Nov. 4 at 10:30am & 5:30pm
  • Wed-Fri, Nov. 7-9 at 10:30am & 5:30pm
  • Sat, Nov. 10 at 5:30pm
  • Sun, Nov. 11 at 10:30am & 5:30pm
  • Wed-Fri, Nov. 14-16 at 10:30am & 5:30pm
  • Sat, Nov. 17 at 5:30pm
  • Sun, Nov. 18 at 10:30am & 5:30pm
  • Fri-Sat, Nov. 23-24 at 5:30pm
  • Sun, Nov. 25 at 10:30am & 5:30pm
  • Wed-Sun, Nov. 28-Dec. 2 at 10:30am & 5:30pm
  • Wed-Sun, Dec. 5-9 at 10:30am & 5:30pm
  • Wed-Sun, Dec. 12-16 at 10:30am & 5:30pm
  • Wed-Sun, Dec. 19-23 at 10:30am & 5:30pm
  • Fri-Sun, Dec. 28-30 at 10:30am & 5:30pm

Official page |

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