Monthly Archives: July 2020

The Carnegie Launches Creative Disruption Committee to Support Local Art-Making and Performance Community

TC_Creative Disruption Committee logoVolunteer consortium to create original works, partner with existing groups to create new arts experiences

COVINGTON, KY – COVID-19 has significantly impacted the arts and live performance industry, leaving many workers fighting for their livelihoods and without a creative community. In a bid to support local theatre artists and entertainment professionals, The Carnegie is launching the Creative Disruption Committee, a thinktank dedicated to creating live arts experiences for a socially distant world.

FLIPPING THE SCRIPT
At its core, The Carnegie Creative Disruption Committee (The Carnegie CDC) is a volunteer consortium of artists, educators, business and social service professionals that will act as a creative engine and rapid response team to the current struggles of the entertainment industry. It will also provide a new community-based structure for performing arts programming. Instead of The Carnegie planning new projects and then hiring artists to work for us, The Carnegie will go to work on ideas brought forward by artists and organizations and support them with our resources and staff.

PUTTING CREATIVE MINDS (BACK) TO WORK
Although the administrative committee is made up of volunteers, the projects created by The Carnegie CDC will specifically aim to create paid roles for local artists and performers. The Carnegie will devote 75% of profits from The Carnegie CDC-related programming to the artists and organizations collaborating on the projects. Membership in The Carnegie CDC is open to anyone in need of creative community or interested in supporting art-making during the pandemic. The committee seeks to dismantle traditional systems that have excluded minority voices from the arts by promoting and creating art that is inclusive of and/or created by artists from underrepresented communities. Together, we will advocate for the arts and bring joy in uncertain times.

Maggie Perrino, Theatre Director for The Carnegie, believes the creation of the new committee can – and will – be a landmark moment for the region’s live performance community and all its supporters.

“We’re all missing the buzz before the the curtain rises and the thrill of the applause. There is just nothing like live performance. Unfortunately, we can’t safely enjoy these moments in a traditional setting right now, which is why we launched The Carnegie CDC – to assist all those who have dedicated themselves to this industry,” said Perrino. “Our new stages will be the world around us – front porches and parks, city streets and bridges, public squares and personal backyards. And through all of this, we’ll bring a commitment to live theatre experiences in a socially distant world.”

In addition to exploring opportunities for safe, socially distant live experiences, The Carnegie CDC will develop companion digital components for these experiences – all of which equates to the most massive community engagement undertaking in The Carnegie’s history.

Current projects on The Carnegie CDC’s working list include:

  • Development of theatrical, audio-based walking tours;
  • Creation of an emotion-based curriculum to utilizing acting techniques to develop empathy;
  • A fall performance at Pyramid Hill staged in small sections with pre-recorded music;
  • A Halloween haunted theatre walk-thru experience;
  • A social issues performance series focused on topics in today’s headlines and offering educational and discussion components; and
  • Improv show performances at group homes for people with disabilities and living in retirement communities.

To find out how you can become part of The Carnegie CDC or for more information, visit https://www.thecarnegiecdc.com or email mperrino@thecarnegie.com.

CCDC Membership
Maggie Perrino, Committee Director

Committee Chairs
Ria Villaver Collins, Artist/Volunteer Coordinator
Shauna Nelson, Carnegie @ Homes Stage Manager
Kelcey Steele, Keeper of the Pandemic 

Committee Members

  • Clarity Amrein
  • Thomas Hart Boeing
  • Jules Breslin
  • Robert Breslin IV
  • Chris Logan Carter
  • Carissa Gandenberger
  • Tyler Gau
  • Justin Glaser
  • Hannah Gregory
  • Claire Hingsbergen
  • Jennifer Howd
  • Royce Louden
  • Kaitlin McCulloch
  • Sean Mette
  • Ashley O. Morton
  • Stix Newman
  • Farley Norman
  • Genevieve Perrino
  • Sarah Perrino Priestle
  • Caleb Redslob
  • Sharisse Vernelle Santos
  • Maddie Sensenstein
  • Spenser Smith
  • Cassidy Steele
  • Cian Steele
  • Jessica Steuver
  • Doug Stock
  • Elizabeth L. Taylor
  • Kyle Taylor
  • Sarah Willis

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About The Carnegie
The Carnegie is Northern Kentucky’s largest multidisciplinary arts venue providing theatre events, educational programs and art exhibitions to the Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati community. The Carnegie facility is home to The Carnegie Galleries, the Otto M. Budig Theatre, and the Eva G. Farris Education Center.  More information about The Carnegie is available at thecarnegie.com or by calling (859) 491-2030. 

The Carnegie receives ongoing operating support from Cincinnati International Wine Festival, The Greater Cincinnati Foundation, Kenton County Fiscal Courts, the Kentucky Arts Council and the City of Covington. The Carnegie is also supported by the generosity of more than 40,000 contributors to the ArtsWave Community Campaign.

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TDW Postpones 2020-2021 Season

TDW_VERTDear Patrons, Members, and Friends of The Drama Workshop,

We had hoped to kick off our 2020-21 season with “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, Abridged” next month.

As it seems unlikely that the state of Ohio will allow performance theatres to reopen anytime soon, The Drama Workshop has decided to delay the start of our 2020-21 season. For the safety and health of our actors, crew and patrons we are suspending preparations of all shows scheduled for the rest of 2020.

Our tentative plan is to open in early 2021 and offer a shortened season. That exact schedule of shows is still being decided, and will be communicated to you soon.

Please keep yourselves safe and healthy until we can meet again.

Eric Thomas, President
The Drama Workshop

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Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company and Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati Announce Reset 2020-2021 Seasons Due to Covid-19 Challenges

Seasons to start later with a smaller slate of shows

PIP_logoCINCINNATI – Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company and Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati today issued a joint announcement that they will delay the start of their 2020-21 seasons due to the complex challenges around continuing live performances. All three theatres plan to kick off their revised seasons this winter with a smaller slate of rearranged, rescheduled or new shows.

In addition to the current ban on mass gatherings in Ohio, the nonprofit theatres must finalize viable plans to play to lower audience capacities for social distancing, communicate with theatre’s professional unions (such as Actors Equity) about performing safely and put numerous, new safety protocols in place.

With so many of the same challenges and the cross-over between audiences, the artistic leaders of the three organizations – Blake Robison (Playhouse), Brian Isaac Phillips (CSC) and D. Lynn Meyers (ETC) – indicated that they are working together to present consistent opening plans and safety guidelines.

The three leaders also announced that COVID-19 safety measures – including intense cleaning, longer runs to accommodate social distancing and other protocols – will be in place when the theatres open, but specifics will be announced closer to opening dates since the overall situation and guidelines from the state of Ohio and the CDC could change. They noted that further adjustments to their schedules could become necessary to ensure the safety of patrons, artists and staff, which is of the utmost importance.

All three organizations will reach out directly to their own patrons regarding procedures and options for 2020-21 tickets already purchased.  Additional tickets will go on sale later in the fall.

Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park brings a new, smaller version of A CHRISTMAS CAROL to celebrate the holidays, followed by seven productions in 2021.

The Playhouse will open its revised season on December 1 with a new, one-person adaptation of A CHRISTMAS CAROL. Two actors will share the role and alternate performances on the existing set, which audiences will recognize, with new lighting and costuming. This would have been the 30th anniversary of the Playhouse’s annual holiday favorite. Artistic Director Blake Robison directs the one-person show.

“This is the most viable way for us to provide cheer and hope this holiday season,” said Mr. Robison. “For safety, we are starting off with the smallest cast shows and building up from there through the spring. The acting, sets, costumes and overall artistry will be at the same level that Playhouse audiences always enjoy.”

The beloved version of the Playhouse’s annual holiday production will return in 2021 if it is safe to do a large-cast show by that time.

A seven-show season will follow A CHRISTMAS CAROL, beginning in January. The Marx Theatre season features four productions: the previously announced world premiere of THE WEST END by Keith Josef Adkins, STEEL MAGNOLIAS and Agatha Christie’s MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS. Newly added to the season is SCHOOL GIRLS; OR, THE AFRICAN MEAN GIRLS PLAY by Jocelyn Bioh, a biting comedy that explores the universal challenges of teenage girlhood and all the drama that comes with it. The Rosenthal Shelterhouse Season consists of BECOMING DR. RUTH, LADY DAY AT EMERSON’S BAR AND GRILL and INCIDENT AT OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP.

A detailed line-up of the 2020-21 season is included below and available at cincyplay.com. In addition, the Playhouse is planning both virtual and outdoor interactive theatrical experiences for late summer/early fall as part of its Off the Grid series and is working on virtual education and outreach programs for schools. Details on these programs will be announced later.

CSC_logoCincinnati Shakespeare Company hopes to reopen with the annual holiday favorite EVERY CHRISTMAS STORY EVER TOLD followed by a spring filled with beloved Shakespeare titles, and to close the season with the return of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE!

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company will return in late November with the much-loved holiday tradition EVERY CHRISTMAS STORY EVER TOLD (AND THEN SOME!). “This show, which has run at Cincinnati Shakespeare Company for over a decade, will be a wonderful way to welcome back our patrons, who we have greatly missed during this time,” said Brian Isaac Phillips, CSC Producing Artistic Director.

Then, beginning in 2021, CSC will present a rearranged slate of Shakespeare titles back to back to return the company to its roots.  First up in January will be the much-awaited production of HAMLET featuring Sara Clark portraying a reverse gendered Hamlet. This will be followed by a romantic and traditional production of ROMEO AND JULIET opening in March and a slapstick production of THE COMEDY OF ERRORS inspired by vintage Las Vegas opening in April.

And then, to close the season, CSC will reprise the production that was halted only weeks into the performance of Kate Hamill’s adaptation of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE.  “This show had already become the most popular production in Cincinnati Shakespeare Company history before the unfortunate closure. We think it will be very fitting for us to close this triumphant new season with the return of this much loved and very jubilant production” said Mr. Phillips.

A detailed line-up of the 2020-21 season is included below and available at cincyshakes.com. In addition, the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company will continue to present its robust Education and Outreach programs in person and online in the schools and communities of the tri-state including FREE Shakespeare in the Park this summer.

ETC_new_logo_bannerEnsemble Theatre Cincinnati will continue annual community partnerships this winter and plans to open its 2020-21 Season in January with four productions.

Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati will start a four-show season in January, reprising its production of the 2018 Obie Award-winning play PIPELINE by Dominique Morisseau, acclaimed MacArthur “Genius” Grant playwright. Having played a few performances to rave reviews from audiences and critics alike, the show was abruptly suspended the day after it opened this past March as a result of the ban on mass gatherings.

Due to safety precautions for audiences and performers alike, ETC’s previously announced holiday production, SLEEPING BEAUTY, will no longer be included in the upcoming season given its large cast size and singing format. ETC plans to return to its non-traditional fairy tale musicals in 2021 provided large-cast shows are possible by that time.

ETC had been preparing to share the remainder of its 2020-2021 Season this past spring, an announcement which was also delayed in the wake of the pandemic. In the coming weeks, ETC hopes to share the other three productions that will comprise its rearranged upcoming season and which will embrace the spirit of social consciousness that is the organization’s hallmark.

In addition, ETC will continue to adapt its programming wherever possible to be available online, including offering digital versions of its celebrated annual special event Expectations of Christmas along with its general audition call, Meals 4 Monologues, both in December.

All three organizations are supported by the generosity of almost 40,000 contributors to the ArtsWave Community campaign. The Ohio Arts Council helps fund them with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans.

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CINCINNATI PLAYHOUSE IN THE PARK 2020-21 REVISED SEASON
Presented by Schueler Group and Heidelberg Distributing Co.
Season Sponsor of New Work: Rosenthal Family Foundation

 MARX THEATRE:

First Financial Bank presents
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
By Charles Dickens
December 1 – 27, 2020

In an intimate tour de force, one actor takes the stage to tell the story of Ebenezer Scrooge.

THE WEST END
By Keith Josef Adkins
January 16 – February 14, 2021

Set in 1941 in Cincinnati’s West End, this world premiere drama shines a light on a transformative chapter of local history.

Leading Ladies present
STEEL MAGNOLIAS
By Robert Harling
February 27 – March 28, 2021

With beloved characters, heartwarming dialogue and snappy repartee, Steel Magnolias revels in the power and grace of female friendship.

Moe & Jack Rouse and Randolph Wadsworth present
SCHOOL GIRLS; OR, THE AFRICAN MEAN GIRLS PLAY
By Jocelyn Bioh
April 10 – May 9, 2021

This biting comedy explores the universal challenges of teenage girlhood and all the drama that comes with it.

Agatha Christie’s
MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS
Adapted by Ken Ludwig
May 22 – June 20, 2021

Whodunit? Detective Hercule Poirot is determined to find out in this masterpiece from the world’s most popular mystery writer.

 ROSENTHAL SHELTERHOUSE THEATRE:

The Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati presents
BECOMING DR. RUTH
By Mark St. Germain
January 9 – March 9, 2021

This heartwarming portrait is a humorous and illuminating one-woman show about America’s favorite sex therapist Dr. Ruth Westheimer.

LADY DAY AT EMERSON’S BAR AND GRILL
By Lanie Robertson
March 20 – May 16, 2021

Featuring over a dozen jazz standards, Billie Holiday tells the story of her life through music with honesty and a touch of salty humor.

Johnson Investment Counsel & Clark Schaefer Hackett present
INCIDENT AT OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP

By Katie Forgette
May 29 – July 25, 2021

It’s 1973, and the Irish-Catholic O’Shea family muddles through a series of hilarious mishaps that jeopardizes their reputation — and their souls.

CINCINNATI SHAKESPEARE COMPANY 2020-21 REVISED SEASON

Season Sponsored by The Otto M. Budig Family Foundation and The John Bridgeland, Crilley, Long, and Mason Families Honoring James R. Bridgeland Jr.

EVERY CHRISTMAS STORY EVER TOLD (AND THEN SOME!)
by Michael Carleton, James FitzGerald, and John K. Alvarez
November 19 – December 27, 2020

CSC’s holiday smash hit is back again for another season of holiday hilarity as we send up everything from Dickens to Dr. Seuss for 90+ minutes of high-octane jollity and frivolity.

William Shakespeare’s
HAMLET
January 15 – February 21, 2021

This much awaited production of the greatest play in the English language finally opens at CSC.  Featuring Sara Clark in the title role.

William Shakespeare’s
ROMEO AND JULIET
March 5 – April 11, 2021

William Shakespeare’s timeless tale of two star-crossed lovers and the feuding families who tear them apart, on stage in all of its everlasting grandeur.

William Shakespeare’s
THE COMEDY OF ERRORS
April 23 – May 23, 2021

Shakespeare’s silliest, screwiest, and slapstickiest comedy! Inspired by golden era Las Vegas, this music filled production will be packed with cool cats, rat packs, showgirls, wise guys, and more.

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE
By Kate Hamill, adapted from the novel by Jane Austen
June 4 – July 3, 2021

One of the single most beloved stories of all time returns in a fresh new adaptation which critics are calling “delightfully different,” “fizzy and festive,” and “unlike any adaptation of Jane Austen one has seen before.”

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FIBBER MCGEE & MOLLY: A Radio Play Available July 25-26

FLI_Fibber McGee logoFIBBER MCGEE & MOLLY: A Radio Play
Footlighters Inc.
July 25-26
[Online]

Directed by Amanda Marasch-Brinkman
Music direction by Matthew Nassida
Produced by Amanda Emmons Shumate

Cast: Joel Lind as Announcer #1, Steve Phelan as Announcer #2, Jeff Richardson as Announcer #3, Timothy J. Cox as Fibber McGee, Laura Berkemeier as Molly, Lauren Woodiwiss as Lady/Neighbor, John McInerney as Mayor, Sharon Shelton as Mrs. Wilcox, Louisa Joy as Teeny, Matt Lovell as Doc, Kate Crotty as Trio Singer #1, Kimberly Toft as Trio Singer #2, Katey Blood as Trio Singer #3, Emily Carroll-Martin as Solo Singer #1 as Amanda Marasch-Brinkman as Solo Singer #2 & Jay C. Gossett as Foley Operator

The Johnson Wax Program with Fibber McGee and Molly (the show’s full sponsored name) is one of the rare radio programs which has achieved a kind of immortality. Well after the series petered out in the mid-1950s, people still respond to the words “Fibber McGee,” even if they’ve never heard the original. Performers and listeners today will find the show a time capsule, full of corny jokes, and timeless references. The show also emits genuine good feelings, a true sense of happiness, and plenty of lessons to be learned.

Free, donations requested.

  • Sat, July 25 at 7pm
  • Sun, July 26 at 2pm

Visit the Facebook event for links to the performances.

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First Two Productions of 2020-2021 Season Postponed at Greater Hamilton Civic Theatre

GHCT_logoDear Greater Hamilton Civic Theatre members and patrons,

GHCT’s highest priority is the safety of our community theater family. After much consideration and discussion, we are postponing the first two shows of our 2020-2021 season. They were originally scheduled for October and December 2020.

We hope to present an abbreviated season when we are able to rehearse and produce our shows safely.

“The Curious Savage” and “The Sound of Music” have been moved to the 2021-2022 season. We are still planning to present “Amour” and “Sweeney Todd” on the currently scheduled dates, in February and April/May 2021. If plans change for these shows, we will inform you as soon as possible.

We hope you will continue to support our community theater group and interact with us online as we navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic.

We will continue to provide updates throughout the season on our website. You may also support GHCT by giving a donation through the site. A button is on the homepage at www.ghctplay.com.

Thank you for your patronage, your support, and your understanding.

Jane Winkler
Board Chairperson

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