Monthly Archives: April 2020

2020 Season Update from Merit Theatre Company

MTC_logoWe hope that you are staying safe and healthy! Like you, we at Merit have been monitoring the developments surrounding COVID-19 with growing concerns. In light of the current situation, the decision has been made to postpone JANE EYRE until summer 2021.

While this has been a difficult, though necessary, decision, we are already discussing other ideas and options to still bring you quality, inspiring entertainment this year without compromising the safety and health of our patrons and artists. Stay tuned for updates about summer and fall, as we will continue to keep you informed. We are also excited to announce that, as long as it is possible, our concert A CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION will return to Parrish Auditorium in Hamilton, OH, this December!

We are eager to explore new opportunities and discover creative ways to serve our community during this time. Thank you for your continued support. Stay well!

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NKU Music Prep to Host Virtual Open House April 28

NKU_Virtual-open-house2Northern Kentucky University’s School of the Arts Music Preparatory Division will be hosting a FREE Virtual Open House for their Early Childhood Programs on Tuesday, April 28 from 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Calling all families with Toddlers through Age 9! NKU Music Prep is launching an 8-week summer session of Virtual Early Childhood Classes from May 12-July 2, 2020. Not sure what these classes would look like for your family? Try them out at a FREE Virtual Open House! The classes will be taught on Zoom, so in order to receive the information to join in, registration is required at https://forms.gle/j5b8yCgRMbEVAPw96.

The following classes will be offered at the Open House:

  • 9:30 a.m. “Toddler and Me” (Walking-Age 3, with a participating caregiver)
  • 10:30 a.m. OR 4:30 p.m. “Arts for Tots” (Ages 3-5) (Music and Dance)
  • 11:15 a.m. “M&M’s (Music and Movers)” (Ages 5-6) (Music and Dance)
  • 3:30 p.m. “Rhythm Rockers” (Ages 7-9) (Bucket Drumming)
  • 4:00 p.m. “Summer Strummers” (Ages 7-9) (Ukulele class)

For descriptions of each class and sign-up form, visit the Open House event on Facebook: fb.com/events/326053161705827

Or, visit the Early Childhood page on the Music Prep website: nku.edu/academics/sota/musicprep/programs/earlychildhood.html

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Auditions Announced for NEWSIES at INNOVAtheatre

INNOV_logoINNOVAtheatre is excited to announce that the auditions for NEWSIES are now open and are being done virtually. We know most (not all) summer theatre groups have cancelled their productions and we wanted to still give the kids who have lost their spring musicals or summer arts programming a chance to still shine.

Auditions are available for children ages 5 – 19. Rehearsals will begin June 1st and performances will be August 20-29.

Deadline to submit is May 3.

If you would like more information please visit our website at www.INNOVAtheatre.com/auditions you will find the song tracks, sheet music and rehearsal tracks for each character in the show. You will also find the dance audition video. At the top of the page you will also find the audition form and rehearsal conflict calendar. Everything you need in one easy location.

If you have any questions please feel free to email the director at RichardLeeWaldeck@INNOVAtheatre.com or if you want to ask a specific question to one of the staff, you can email them at Auditions@INNOVAtheatre.com.

To submit your audition materials just click the submit button next to the character materials on the webpage. Show us what you’ve got and Seize the Day!!!!!!

Below are the character descriptions.

Character Breakdown

  • Jack Kelly
    The charismatic leader of the Manhattan Newsies is an orphaned dreamer and artist who yearns to get out of the crowded streets of New York and make a better life for himself out West. Fiercely protective of his best friend, Crutchie, and strongly loyal, Jack isn’t afraid to use his voice to attain better conditions for the working kids of New York City. Though living on the streets has given him a tough-guy exterior, Jack has a big heart and can demonstrate a sweet vulnerability – especially when it comes to bantering with a certain female reporter. Must have a great pop tenor voice and sense of physicality.
    Gender: Male
    Vocal range top: A4
    Vocal range bottom: Bb2
  • Crutchie
    A dedicated newsie with a bum leg that’s painful, but helps sell more papes. Though he walks with the assistance of a crutch, Crutchie doesn’t let it define him; when in a jam, Jack Kelly’s best friend relies on a goofy- sweet sense of humor and optimistic resilience. Crutchie is the heart of the resistance. Though his movement will suggest his bum leg, Crutchie should still be included in the dance numbers.
    Gender: Any
    Vocal range top: A4
    Vocal range bottom: C3
  • Davey
    Les’s straight-laced, bright big brother starts selling newspapers to help his family earn a living, but becomes swept up in the fervor of the strike. A leader in his own right who is learning to use his voice to uplift others, Davey is the brains of the resistance.
    Gender: Male
    Vocal range top: A4
    Vocal range bottom: D3
  • Les
    Davey’s cheeky younger brother, is inspired by the freedom of the newsies and loves their independent lifestyle. A precocious and natural newsie, Les is an intuitive salesboy and a pint-sized charmer. He should present as younger than the other newsies.
    Gender: Male
    Vocal range top: Bb3
    Vocal range bottom: Db3
  • Newsies
    Including Albert, Buttons, Elmer, Finch, Henry, Ike, Jo Jo, Mike, Mush, Race, Romeo, Specs, Splasher, and Tommy Boy, are some of the hard-working kids of New York City that go on strike for a livable wage.
    Gender: Male
    Scabs
    Three newsies who are hesitant to join the strike.
    Gender: Any
  • Spot Conlon
    The proud leader of the Brooklyn newsies, boasts an intimidating reputation and a short singing solo in “Brooklyn’s Here.”
    Gender: Any
  • Katherine Plumber
    An ambitious young reporter, works hard to make a name for herself as a legitimate journalist in a time when women aren’t taken seriously. Quick, funny, and resourceful, she boldly captures the voice of a new generation rising in her coverage of the newsies’ strike. While she generally has no time for cocky, streetwise young men, she makes an exception for Jack Kelly. Though she only has a brief dance solo in “King of New York,” Katherine should have a great contemporary pop voice with a high belt – diction is key.
    Gender: Female
    Vocal range top: F5
    Vocal range bottom: A3
  • Darcy
    The upper-class kid of a publisher who sides with the newsies. Can double as a newsie.
    Gender: Any
  • Bill
    The son of William Randolph Hearst who joins the newsies’ cause. Can double as a newsie.
    Gender: Male
  • Wiesel
    Or “Weasel,” runs the distribution window for the World and knows most of the newsies by name. Assisted by the intimidating Delancey brothers, who keep order by any means necessary, Wiesel is Pulitzer’s disgruntled paper- pusher.
    Gender: Male
  • Oscar and Morris Delancey
    Tough brothers who work at the distribution window for the World, take the side of the publishers in the strike and are known to use their fists to make a point.
    Gender: Male
  • Goons
    Assist the Delanceys in roughing up the newsies at the end of Act One.
    Gender: Male
  • Joseph Pulitzer
    A pompous businessman through and through, owns the World and is concerned solely with the bottom line. Katherine’s no-nonsense father, Pulitzer doesn’t sympathize with the strikers, but he does eventually – and grudgingly – respect Jack.
    Gender: Male
    Vocal range top: F4
    Vocal range bottom: C3
  • Seitz
    Editor, advises Pulitzer, but ultimately admires the kids’ newspaper.
    Gender: Any
  • Bunsen
    Pulitzer’s bookkeeper, comes up with the ideas to raise the newsies’ price per paper.
    Gender: Any
  • Hannah
    Pulitzer’s practical and insightful secretary.
    Gender: Female
  • Nunzio
    Pulitzer’s barber.
    Gender: Male
  • Guard
    The Guard removes the newsies from Pulitzer’s building.
    Gender: Any
  • Snyder
    The crooked and sinister warden of The Refuge, a filthy and horrible orphanage, is concerned only with catching enough kids to keep his government checks coming.
    Gender: Any
  • Medda Larkin
    Inspired by vaudeville performer Aida Overton Walker, this big-voiced saloon singer and star of the Bowery offers her theater as a safe haven for the newsies. An astute entertainer with great comic delivery, she’s a good friend to Jack and stands firmly behind the newsies in their fight for justice.
    Gender: Female
    Vocal range top: E5
    Vocal range bottom: F3
  • The Bowery Beauties
    Female performers at Medda’s Theater.
    Gender: Female
  • Stage Manager
    Introduces Medda’s act.
    Gender: Any
  • Nuns
    The three nuns offer breakfast to the hungry newsies. Feel free to cast additional nuns.
    Gender: Female
  • Photographer
    Takes the triumphant photo of the newsies at the end of “Seize the Day.”
    Gender: Any
  • Woman
    A newspaper customer.
    Gender: Any
  • Mr. Jacobi
    Allows the newsies to congregate in his restaurant to plan their strike – when he doesn’t have any paying customers, that is.
    Gender: Any
  • Policemen
    Assist Snyder and turn against the newsies in the fight that concludes Act One.
    Gender: Male
  • Mayor
    The Mayor of New York City rebuffs Pulitzer’s attempts to shut down the newsies’ strike.
    Gender: Male
  • Governor Teddy Roosevelt
    A well-respected lifelong public servant, inspires Jack to stand up to Pulitzer.
    Gender: Male
  • Ensemble
    In the original Broadway production, the adult (non-newsie) ensemble comprised eight actors who doubled and understudied as indicated below. All other featured roles and understudies were cast from the ensemble of newsies. We may follow these tracks depending on audition turnout.

    • FEMALE ENSEMBLE 1 – Nun / Hannah / Bowery Beauty / Katherine understudy
    • FEMALE ENSEMBLE 2 – Nun / Woman / Bowery Beauty / Medda understudy
    • FEMALE ENSEMBLE 3 – Nun / Medda Larkin
    • MALE ENSEMBLE 1 – Wiesel / Stage Manager / Mr. Jacobi / Mayor / Pulitzer understudy
    • MALE ENSEMBLE 2 – Seitz / Roosevelt understudy
    • MALE ENSEMBLE 3 – Bunsen / Male Ensemble 1 understudy
    • MALE ENSEMBLE 4 – Nunzio / Guard / Policeman / Roosevelt
    • MALE ENSEMBLE 5 – Snyder / Pulitzer understudy
      Gender: Any

Official page |

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General Auditions for Adult Actors Announced at Human Race Theatre Company

HRTC_new logoWe will be accepting audition video submissions only at this time.

Beginning WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15 through WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2020

ACTORS will be auditioning for:

  • NOW AND THEN, Sean Grennan
  • AIRNESS, Chelsea Marcantel
  • EVERYTHING THAT’S BEAUTIFUL, Elyzabeth Gregory Wilder
  • INCIDENT AT OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP, Katie Forgette

The roles in WHO’S HOLIDAY and MY 80-YEAR-OLD BOYFRIEND have been cast.

AUDITIONS FOR YOUNG ACTORS: Young roles in EVERYTHING THAT’S BEAUTIFUL and INCIDENT AT OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP will be posted at a later date.

For more information on the characters for each show please see below.

Also please visit here for a short blurb about each show. 

Auditions are open to Non-Equity and Equity Actors (unless otherwise noted), with Non-Equity actors having the opportunity to join the Equity Membership Candidacy Program.

Procedures for auditions:
Prepare 2 one-minute contrasting monologues in the style of the show(s) or from the show(s) you are interested in OR 1 two-minute monologue tailored toward the specific show you are interested in.

There is an information form HERE.  We ask you to please complete it and send it with your video, headshot, resume and which show(s)/character(s) you are interested in (please be specific.)

Send your audition package to BOTH Kevin Moore and Tara Lail:

If you have any questions, please contact Tara Lail, Associate Artistic Director, at tara@humanracetheatre.org

Official page |

The Human Race 2020-21 Loft Season – Character Descriptions

NOW AND THEN by Sean Grennan
Rehearsals:  July 21 – Aug 19, 2020   Performances:  Aug 20 – Sept 6, 2020

  • Jamie– Late 20’s-Early 30’s. Bartender and aspiring pianist. Attractive in a regular guy way. Fit, sincere, hardworking, very much in love with Abby.
  • Man– Mid 60’s A bit beaten down but good-natured. Easy to talk to, well spoken, sincere and very intent on his mission tonight. Husband of 35 years to WOMAN. He is desperate.
  • Abby– Late 20’s-Early 30’s. IHOP waitress and one time English major. Attractive and funny, very much in love with Jamie.
  • Woman – Mid 60’s or a bit younger. Strong, direct, loving, a little coarse. She is MAN’s wife of 35 years. No one knows her like he does and no one knows him like she. She and MAN bicker but there is a bedrock of love there. They’d do anything for each other and no one can hurt either of them like the other. 

AIRNESS by Chelsea Marcantel
Rehearsals:  Sept 21 – Oct 14, 2020   Performances:  Oct 15 – Nov 1, 2020
Each character represents one of the pillars of Air Guitar.

  • Ed “SHREDDY EDDY” Leary: (20s-30s, any ethnicity) artistic merit
  • Gabe “GOLDEN THUNDER” Partridge: (20s-30s, person of color) originality
  • Mark “FACEBENDER” Lender: (older than the rest of the group by a few years, white) feeling
  • Astrid “CANNIBAL QUEEN” Anderson: (20s-30s, any ethnicity) technical ability
  • Nina “THE NINA” O’Neal: (20s-30s, any ethnicity) airness
  • David “D VICIOUS” Cooper: (20s-30s, any ethnicity) charisma/stage presence
  • Announcer/Sprite Exec/Hooded Figure: These parts are played by the same actor; sometimes his/her voice may be heard, without the actor being onstage.

EVERYTHING THAT’S BEAUTIFUL by Elyzabeth Gregory Wilder
Rehearsals:  Jan 25 – Feb 17, 2021    Performance:  Feb 18 – Mar 7, 2021

  • Luke (around 40) A good dad who feels responsible for the success of his family. Luke struggles to navigate this new territory. He wants to be a good dad to Morgan, but questions the decisions they have made.
  • Jess (around 40) Jess holds the family together. She too struggles with the decisions they have made and the stress is has placed on her family.
  • Morgan (playing age – 8) Smart, sensitive. Morgan knows who she is and often gets frustrated that others don’t see her true self.   Casting Note:  Morgan was assigned male at birth, now identifies as female.  Because of the challenging nature of this role, we are open to audition a young girl, young boy, transgender or non-conforming actor in the role.
  • Theo (playing age-15) Son of Luke and Jess; brother to Morgan.  Pissed off and resentful, but quick-witted. Theo struggles to make sense of Morgan’s identity, while being angry about the stress it’s placed on the family.
  • Gaby (early 20’s) Beautiful and likeable, there is something a little dangerous/seductive about her as well. She is effortlessly cool and a flirt who knows her power. Maybe a little punk/goth. Or maybe not.
  • Will/Dr. Miller   Will (40’s) is fun and flirty. Will allows Jess an escape without being threatening.   Dr. Miller is kind and well-intentioned. He knows the challenges the family faces and is invested in their success.

INCIDENT AT OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP by Katie Forgette
Rehearsals:  Mar 22 – Apr 14, 2021   Performances:  Apr 15 – May 2, 2021

  • Linda O’Shea (20 years old) Linda is highly intelligent, caring, and curious. She alternates between thinking she knows everything and thinking she knows nothing. Responsible and rarely impetuous.
  • Josephine ‘Jo’ O’Shea (late 40s, early 50s) Jo juggles more plates than Cirque de Soleil. A great mom who defines multi-tasking. She’s also a little more emotional and prone to outbursts than usual because she’s pregnant.
  • Theresa ‘Terri’ Carmichael (late 50s – Linda’s Aunt) Terri is definitely going through a rough patch, but she is not a depressive or phlegmatic. Think Thelma Ritter or Eve Arden, with a touch of Dorothy Parker. Fast talker.
  • Becky O’Shea (13 years old) Becky is an unusual child. Bright and verbal. Full of energy and a crazy-huge imagination. She speaks quickly, not unlike some of the characters in the movies she loves, like “His Girl Friday.”
  • Triple role: Mike O’Shea (early 50s)/ Father Lovett (late 50s)/ Betty Heckenbach (late 50s)
    • Mike is loud, loyal, and single-task oriented. His definition of a father is: Breadwinner and disciplinarian. Lousy listener.
    • Father Lovett is an old school, Catholic priest. Egotistical, imperious, and pampered. Unused to any kind of pushback from parishioners or anyone else for that matter.
    • There is a Betty Heckenbach in everyone’s life. She’s right up there with death and taxes—only less fun. Even though the role is played by a man, it has to be played absolutely straight—no winking or flamboyance. Just a homely, judgmental, middle- aged woman sticking her big puss into other people’s business.

About HRTC:
The Human Race Theatre Company is a professional theatre that works under a Small Professional Theatre Contract (SPT 6) and performs in The Loft Theatre, a 212-seat thrust stage.

Kevin Moore, Artistic Director. Kappy Kilburn, Executive Director. Tara Lail, Associate Artistic Director

Rehearsals are primarily Monday – Friday evenings, and daytime on weekends.

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9 TO 5 The Musical Delayed to Summer 2021 at Rivertown Players

RP_logoDue to COVID-19, we will be postponing our summer production, 9 TO FIVE The Musical until next summer. This was not an easy decision to make, but as always, the health and safety of our cast, crew, and audience members are top priority.

We thank the production team for all the work they have put into this show, and we look forward to working with them in 2021.

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