Cincinnati — Imagination is the driving force bringing innovation to life; however, innovation does not come from comfort. A pandemic—is certainly uncomfortable, so the nation’s oldest children’s theatre, The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati (TCT), has created some innovative, theatrical solutions hitting the stage, TVs, and devices this fall.
PICK-A-PATH
The company’s most innovative new offering is Pick-A-Path. Traveling TCT on Tour productions have now gone digital, via the interactive video and entertainment platform, eko — the leader in choice-driven entertainment, interactive video that empowers viewers to shape stories by making choices in real time. eko partners with the world’s leading storytellers and independent creators to co-develop interactive narratives for audiences that value control, exploration, and experience. Choice-driven entertainment puts viewers in the driver’s seat, and can be experienced anytime, anywhere.
These brand-new online TCT offerings provide a unique way to experience theatre and gives children the power to “choose their own adventure” during key moments throughout the show, providing an engaging and interactive way to enjoy theatre at home or in the classroom.
Pick-A-Path was created by A. James Jones, TCT’s Creative Project Producer, in collaboration with Cincinnati State Technical and Community College. Dave Killen, Program Chair of the AudioVideo Production Program said, “This has been a wonderful learning opportunity for our students Megan Moore, Rob Bingham and Hunter Brockmann. From the beginning we knew we would have a steep learning curve to achieve the vision (TCT) shared with us. Our Cincinnati State students really embraced the challenge not only with the multicamera linear productions but with the new idea and technology associated with Pick-a-Path, or “branching” production workflows. It has been a special experience for us all and we are so glad these stories can be shared in new and exciting ways.”
Click here to see a sample of Pick-A-Path.
All performances are on sale now for school or home viewing. Visit www.thechildrenstheatre.com to order. Shows include:
- HARRIET TUBMAN: STRAIGHT UP OUTTA THE UNDERGROUND – Available NOW!
- JACQUELINE AND THE BEANSTALK — Available October 23, 2020
- MARTIN’S DREAM — Available January 4, 2021
TCT MAINSTAGE IN-PERSON** AND ONLINE
While TCT’s 101st season may look a bit different, the company will still create life-long memories through its award-winning MainStage productions with in-person, socially-distanced performances, and for the first time ever, digitally through the streaming service, Broadway on Demand.
Tickets and digital passes for TCT’s three available shows are on sale now. Presale prices for digital passes are only available until the date the production becomes available to stream, so BUY NOW for the best price!
In-person seating will be limited to 30% (or 44 seats) per performance. Demand is high and performances are expected to sell out quickly. The TCT Team has been working diligently to create and debut new safety protocols to protect the audience, staff, and the actors on stage. Nose and mouth coverings are being integrated into most costumes and pre-recorded vocal amplification will be used to reduce the amount of respiration created by actors during a performance.
“The theatre has been using masks since 600 BC!” TCT Producing Artistic Director, Roderick Justice said. “I’m actually quite excited to wrap our imaginations around some creative storytelling solutions to provide unique theatre utilizing mask work and pantomime!”
Shows are on sale now and include:
THE VELVETEEN RABBIT Fairy Costume Rendering
THE VELVETEEN RABBIT
In-Person Public Performances on Red Bank Road: November 12 – December 13, 2020
Digitally on Broadway On Demand beginning November 19, 2020
GARFIELD: THE MUSICAL WITH CATTITUDE
In-Person Public Performances on Red Bank Road: January 21 – February 14, 2021
Digitally on Broadway On Demand beginning February 4, 2021
RAPUNZEL’S HAIRY FAIRY TALE
In-Person Public Performances on Red Bank Road: February 25-March 21, 2021
Digitally on Broadway On Demand beginning March 4, 2021
Mandatory masks for the audience as well as social distancing will be required. For complete health and safely protocols, click here.
“The health and well-being of our audience, students, and staff have been and always will be our top priority, said Kim Kern, TCT’s Managing Director and CEO. “In April, we assembled a committee of advisors, health professionals, and community leaders to guide our safety protocols. Through their constant guidance, we receive the most up-to-date information, implement strategies early, and continue to go above and beyond CDC, state, and local guidelines to keep everyone safe, happy, healthy, and creative.”
Live performances on TCT’s Ralph and Patricia Corbett’s Showtime Stage on Red Bank Road will take place Thursdays and Fridays at 7pm, Saturdays at 11am, 2pm, and 5pm, and Sundays at 2pm and 5pm.
For showtimes and details click here.
TCT ACADEMY SCHOLARS
The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s WorkShops bring professional Teaching Artists into the classroom (either virtually or in person) to teach a range of lessons and life skills. These WorkShops expand students’ appreciation for music, drama and theater through lessons that are aligned with curriculum.
This year, as an online response to COVID-19, TCT’s Education team has created a new option for teachers — TCT Academy Scholars — available starting October 15, 2020.
“The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati is elated to unveil our a new virtual TCT Workshop experience: Academy Scholars,” said TCT Education Director, Angelo Cerniglia. “Our newly developed virtual workshop provides a link between academics and art by teaching curriculum-based standards through arts integrated activities and lessons. Our STEAM based approach to lessons are designed to be done as a group or independently. All of our TCT Academy Scholars Workshops we’re designed to incorporate social distancing protocols to keep students safe and learning – while still having fun!”
Each module contains grade level linked curriculum lessons taught through the arts in one single video. Lessons can be done as a class or independently.
Modules includes 45-60 minutes’ worth of activities that can be completed at the teacher’s chosen pace. Each lesson introduces students to Common Core standards through song, movement, and activity packets lead by our TCT Education Team. All paper activities are delivered digitally for teachers to print off.
Modules can be purchased as a package for the entire school or individually per grade and team.
Modules include:
- 1st Grade: Math and Multiplying by 3s
- 2nd & 3rd Grades: E.L.A. Acronyms and Conjunctions
- 4th & 5th Grades: American History featuring The Preamble
To book contact Violet Rae Webster at violet.webster@tctcincinnati.com.
TCT ACADEMY CLASSES ONLINE AND IN-PERSON
TCT Academy provides the best ways to exercise young imaginations by engaging children in classes ranging from drama, music and dance to stage make-up, and technical theatre. Our expert teaching artists lead classes for children and teenagers ages 2-18. The benefits of performing arts training has shown results proven to increase self-confidence, socialization, and empathy. And whether you train virtually or in-person, we are committed to make TCT Academy more accessible, inclusive, and engaging no matter your background. Regardless if you are a beginner or advanced, TCT Academy remains a warm, welcoming, and safe environment for everyone.
TCT’s first seven-week Fall Academy session was a big success with more than 75 students participating. The second session of Fall Academy programming is ready to offer students both virtual and in-person training experiences. Details about the virtual sessions and registration is available at www.thechildrenstheatre.com. Registration for the second Fall session ends October 20.
TCT’S LIVING ROOM MUSICALS
It’s a lifelong company goal of TCT’s to be able to reach every kid, any kid, regardless of ability or circumstance with a robust arts education.
Originally created for our young performers, ages 4 through 6, TCT’s LIVING ROOM MUSICALS was designed to bring arts education to the comfort of homes without the use of live virtual software. Not only does this new course provide a gentle stepping stone into arts education for young performers but has also proven successful to some of our students with learning differences of ALL AGES — specifically students with developmental disabilities who enjoy our MainStage Sensory-Friendly performances.
Sometimes, students with developmental disabilities can struggle being in an arts classroom because of many factors that naturally occur in theatrical settings such as bright lights, loud noises, and spikes in energy and movement. These distractions create learning obstacles that are difficult for students to overcome and with no way to turn the proverbial knob down, these students can become frustrated and left feeling defeated. Not because they can’t learn the material, but rather, they don’t have the ability to remove the factors from that classroom.
This unique series of videos delivers new content bi-weekly for 7 weeks. This option allows for flexibility on when a student has class and how much of the class they want to complete in one sitting.
For registration for this course, click here.
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The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati is supported by ArtsWave and the generosity of tens of thousands of contributors to the ArtsWave Community Campaign. The Ohio Arts Council helped fund this program with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans.
** Live productions are subject to capacity restrictions and safety protocol through the CDC and the State of Ohio and may be converted to a digital ticket if the performance must be canceled for any reason due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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