Monthly Archives: October 2020

October 21, 2020 · 8:45 am

Remainder of 2020-2021 Season Cancelled at Beavercreek Community Theatre

bctAfter much discussion and consideration the board of directors of BCT has made the difficult decision to cancel the rest of its 2020-2021 season.

This decision was not made lightly, but we feel we must put the health and safety of our volunteers and patrons first. We are deeply sadden that we must do this, but there is just no way to safely rehearse and perform with out putting peoples health at risk.

We look forward to opening our doors next August for a full 2021-2022 season and celebrate our 25th anniversary.

If you have the means and would like to help BCT through this difficult time donations may me sent to:
BCT
P.O. Box 340054
Beavercreek Ohio 45434

As always we thank you for your support of BCT and hope that you are all safe and healthy.

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October 20, 2020 · 11:38 am

NKU School of the Arts Hosts Community Conversations

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, KY- – Northern Kentucky University’s School of the Arts (SOTA) launches a Summit Series, a new virtual roundtable. Led by SOTA’s Michael Hatton and Daryl Harris, the series hosts guest professionals in the arts to prompt conversation and the exchange of ideas.

The first topic kicked off on October 7 with Experiencing Race in the Arts: Battles and Biases. Harris and Hatton talked with Gee Horton, a visual artist and Mercantile Library’s first African American Artist-in-Residence, Jaime Morales-Matos, a music director of Central Ohio Symphony, and Darnell Pierre Benjamin, a dancer, director, choreographer, educator with Pones and the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company.

“We need to provide our students with opportunities to respond to the events, movements, especially the Black Lives Matter Movement, and subsequent climate around the heightened racial tensions this summer,” said Harris.

Kim Popa.
Kayla Upthegrove.

The next session begins on October 28 at 7:00 p.m. to discuss Arts in the Age of Me Too: Women in the Arts. Guests include Meghan Bennett, NKU faculty member and a classical flautist, Kim Popa, NKU alumna and executive director and co-founder of Pones, which provides artistic opportunities for community growth by creating engaging new ways for audiences to experience dance, and Kayla Upthegrove, NKU alumna and the first African American female jazz saxophonist to work in Greater Cincinnati.

 

Ronnie Gladden.

The final session of the Summit Series is on November 18 at 7:00 p.m. The final topic focuses on Equity and Allyship: LGBTQ+ in the Arts. Along with a student panel, Ronnie Gladden breaks down his diversity leadership work and research. Dr. Gladden coined the term, transgracial theory, which embodies the intersection of the transgender and transracial phenomena. Dan Davidson, aka Sparkle Leigh, will join Dr. Gladden. He recently was quoted in Cincinnati Magazine as saying, “Remember to breathe. Maybe that’s enough, that little reminder to keep grounded and keep going. When I wasn’t able to be that, Sparkle was.” 

Community members are invited to join SOTA’s Summit Series. To learn more and to register, visit the NKU Theatre + Dance Facebook page.

About NKU:  Founded in 1968, we are a growing metropolitan university of more than 15,000 students served by more than 2,000 faculty and staff on a thriving suburban campus near Cincinnati. Located in the quiet suburb of Highland Heights, Kentucky—just seven miles southeast of Cincinnati—we have become a leader in Greater Cincinnati and Kentucky by providing a private school education for a fraction of the cost. While we are one of the fastest growing universities in Kentucky, our professors still know our students’ names. For more information, visit nku.edu.

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October 20, 2020 · 10:31 am

It’s Time to Get Out of the House! Hallelujah!

GLP_logoThe Gaslight Theater Players are pleased to announce their upcoming production, THE HALLELUJAH GIRLS, written by Jones, Hope, and Wooten.

Show dates are Nov 13, 14, 20 at 8pm (doors open at 7:30). For the finale, on Nov 21, the Gaslight Theater House Band will be premiering at 7pm, with the show at 8pm (doors open at 6:30pm).

Tickets are sold at the door – cash only, and correct change is appreciated.  General Admission tickets are $10, seniors $8.  No additional cost for the band performance.

This hilarious show features the talents of Elaine Michael, Lori Bowling, Cathy Woodruff, Jenifer Binder, Jennifer Stewart, Rachel Bellamy, Jeff Carlson, and Kyle Overstake.  The show is directed by David Little.

The Gaslight Theater Players will be following all Ohio Board of Health COVID-19 mandates for patrons, including wearing masks, maintaining social distancing, and availability of hand sanitizers.  Currently, per mandates, the Gaslight Theater has a minimally safe usable capacity of 80 patrons, but we are in the process of asking for a variance so that we can increase the number of patrons that can be allowed to see this wonderful show, while still following all mandated safety precautions.  Please check our website, gaslighttheaterplayers.com, or follow us on Facebook (Gaslight Theater Players) for more details the week of the show.  For questions/concerns, please contact us at gaslighttheaterplayers@gmail.com.

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October 20, 2020 · 9:22 am

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company Announces Updates to the 2020-21 Season Due to Pandemic Challenges

CSC_logoVirtual performances, audio dramas, and educational programs still planned.

CINCINNATI (Oct. 20, 2020 at 9am) – Cincinnati Shakespeare Company today announced their annual holiday production of “Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!)” has been cancelled, and the reopening of their mainstage productions postponed until fall of 2021. Cincinnati Shakespeare Company will continue to deliver on its mission of bringing Shakespeare and the classics to life for all through many of its established programs, like this past summer’s FREE Shakespeare in the Park Tour, and through new, innovative community outreach and educational programs.  An announcement of the 2021-22 season will come later and may include some previously announced shows from the 2020-21 season, subject to timing and availability.

Tickets for current subscribers and other ticketholders will be automatically rolled over to the 2021-22 season.  All subscribers and other ticketholders will be contacted directly with details and the process for alternate options.

Below are some of Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s programming plans for the remainder of the 2021-22 season.  More programs will be announced:

The War of the Worlds: An Audio Drama: This original version, written and directed by CSC’s own Jeremy Dubin and Brian Isaac Phillips, and featuring the vocal talents of CSC’s Touring Company and current staff Sara Clark, Cal Harris, Jeremy Dubin, and Brian Isaac Phillips, will premiere in partnership with WXVU on Friday October 30 on 91.7.  It will be available for replay following the premiere broadcast.

More on “War of the Worlds”: In 1938 the legendary Mercury Theatre Company, led by Orson Welles, delivered the single most notorious broadcast in radio history- a riveting adaptation of H.G. Wells’ “The War of the Worlds.” The broadcast’s depiction of a Martian invasion was so realistic, it incited a nation-wide panic. This Halloween, CSC brings Wells’ chilling sci-fi thriller back to life in a brand new auditory experience inspired by the Mercury Theatre’s original broadcast. Learn more at https://www.cincyshakes.com/event/war-of-the-worlds/

Holiday Video TBA:  This holiday season, CSC plans to bring audiences a dose of comic (and irreverent) holiday cheer via an on-demand video in the same spirit as our beloved “Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!)  Additional details to be released soon.

Educational Programming: For over 25 years, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company has worked with students and schools in the tri-state and beyond.  This year, CSC has adjusted programs to align with school safety protocols performing in outdoor spaces, large indoor spaces with distancing, and virtual workshops and programming.  These programs have been happening this fall and will continue January through May 2021. Cincinnati Shakespeare will all continue to offer its signature Educational Program, PROJECT38 this school year adjusting to meet the needs of the 38 local schools who participate. Learn more at https://www.cincyshakes.com/education/

FREE Shakespeare on the Radio and on Video:  After safely presenting FREE Shakespeare in the Park to 10 in person parks this summer, CSC expanded the reach of the program to continue to fulfill its mission of reaching more people with FREE Shakespeare. CSC is providing filmed and recorded audio drama versions of popular Shakespeare titles.  These will be available on a rotating basis from now through summer of 2021. Learn more at https://www.cincyshakes.com/programs/

Podcast: The Good, the Bard, and the Ugly: Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, in conjunction with Travis McElroy, presents “The Good, the Bard, and the Ugly” your guide to Shakespeare in pop culture. Each week Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s own Jeremy Dubin and accomplished Shakespeare scholar Dr. Niamh O’Leary explore the wealth of Shakespeare-centric entertainment that can be enjoyed right from the comfort of your living room! Joined by a rotating panel of guests from CSC and beyond, they tuck into the wide (and occasionally weird) array of Shakespeare movies, recorded performances, adaptations and more available for your consumption.  Learn more at https://www.cincyshakes.com/podcast/

Shakes Makes: CSC announced this innovative new program a few weeks ago.  In the program, people are able to order handmade products designed and crafted by the behind-the-scenes theatrical creatives at CSC including scenic, costume, crafts, and digital artisans.  There are also ready-made items for purchase like harvest and holiday print masks that have been popular.  This program utilizes the highly specialized skills of these makers to create items for the community while they are unable to create costumes, sets, and designs for theatrical productions due to the current pandemic closure.  Items include custom woodworking projects, fabric crafts and alterations, Halloween costumes, custom-sized and fashion masks, digital Shakespearean pet portraits, a collection of zero waste products such as reusable napkins, paper towels, shopping bags, and more! Learn more at https://www.cincyshakes.com/shakesmakes/

For more information visit www.cincyshakes.com

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About Cincinnati Shakespeare Company:
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is a professional theatre company dedicated to bringing Shakespeare and the classics to life for audiences of all ages.  In the summer of 2017, the theater relocated to the Otto M. Budig Theater, a brand new facility in OTR. CSC’s repertoire is made up of the works of William Shakespeare, literary adaptations, and contemporary classics.  CSC performs on a Small Professional Theatre contract with Actors’ Equity Association. Cincinnati Shakespeare is a member of the Theater Communications Group and the Shakespeare Theatre Association.  Each year, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s Education and Outreach Programs reach over 50,000 young people and underserved community members each season by taking Shakespeare into schools, parks, community centers and by hosting educational matinees of mainstage productions.  In 2015, CSC was proud to become one of the first five theaters in the United States to “Complete the Canon” by producing all 38 plays by William Shakespeare. CSC is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization and all donations are tax deductible.  Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is proud to be Cincinnati’s stage for the classics! More information: www.cincyshakes.com.

Sponsors:
CSC’s is generously sponsored by The Otto M. Budig Family Foundation and The John Bridgeland, Crilley, Long, and Mason Families Honoring James R. Bridgeland Jr., The Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile Jr. Foundation, The Robert and Adele Schiff Family Foundation, The National Endowment for the Arts with Arts Midwest, Lightborne, The Shubert Foundation, Ohio Arts Council, and ArtsWave.

The Ohio Arts Council helped fund this program/organization with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans.

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October 20, 2020 · 9:18 am

Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park Cancels One-Actor Version of A CHRISTMAS CAROL and Postpones the Mainstage Season of Plays Until Fall 2021

PIP_logoSpecial events, virtual performances and educational programs still planned

CINCINNATI – Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park today announced that the one-actor version of A CHRISTMAS CAROL has been cancelled, and the mainstage subscription season will be postponed until Fall of 2021 with some of the shows expected to return. The Playhouse will instead present a series of special events on selected weekends with socially distanced seating in the Marx Theatre, as well as its Off the Grid Series and continued educational programming.

The Playhouse Presents will bring a series of special events featuring nationally recognized theatre artists to the Marx Theatre on selected weekends with socially distanced seating. The series kicks-off Nov. 20 to 22 with A NIGHT OF JOY WITH DANIEL BEATY. The Playhouse has previously produced two of Beaty’s acclaimed solo plays: THROUGH THE NIGHT (which featured Beaty) and MR. JOY. Additional events will be announced later.

The City of Cincinnati and State of Ohio approved the Playhouse to open at 30 percent audience capacity. However, the plays and musicals produced for the mainstage season require dozens of artists and staff to work in very close quarters indoors for extended periods of time. Even with comprehensive safety protocols in place, full productions are in perpetual risk of being shut down due to a COVID-19 spike or positive case.

“This decision helps ensure our healthy return in the fall of 2021, while still offering some inspirational, alternative programming at the Playhouse,” explained Blake Robison, artistic director. “Weekend special events require less time and risk to present, and this makes them a better option in the current environment. We plan to be very busy bringing our community virtual and socially distanced ways to experience live theatre in the coming months.”

In addition to The Playhouse Presents, other plans to date include:

  • Off the Grid: Off the Grid creates immersive theatrical experiences. It continues this fall with the previously announced schedule of virtual and socially distanced events, including the sold-out Children of the Corn Maze on Oct. 24 and Nancy Brew Zoom Dunnit on Nov. 12. More events will be announced for winter and spring 2021.
  • Virtual Outreach Touring Plays: A professionally filmed production of THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS is currently available. SNOWY DAY will be filmed for release in January 2021 as well as DRAGONS LOVE TACOS in the spring, which may also have live performances if it is safe to do so at that time.
  • Virtual Education Programs: A robust curriculum of virtual workshops for schools is already online, and more content will be added to it throughout the fall. Schools can access the workshops with an Education Membership.
  • Directing the Future: The Capital Campaign is in the home stretch and ground-breaking on Moe and Jack’s Place – The Rouse Theatre is expected sometime in early 2021. Opening is still slated for Fall 2022.

For more information on The Playhouse Presents and other programming, visit cincyplay.com. An announcement of the 2021-22 season will come later and will include some previously announced shows from the 2020-21 season, subject to timing and availability. The hope is to bring back the full production of A CHRISTMAS CAROL in 2021.

The safety and well-being of patrons, artists and staff is of the utmost importance at the special events and other activities planned. As such, the Playhouse has developed a comprehensive safety plan which follows all measures required by the City of Cincinnati, the State of Ohio and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Those measures will include intense cleaning, hand-sanitizing stations, social distancing, and other safety protocols. Patrons will also be required to wear masks. All
events are subject to change or cancellation based on revised guidelines from the City or the State.

Tickets for current subscribers and other ticketholders will be automatically rolled over to the 2021-22 season, and subscribers who renewed will continue to save their regular seats. All subscribers and other ticketholders will be contacted directly with details and the process for alternate options. For more information, visit cincyplay.com.

Seasonal support of education and outreach programming is provided by The Robert and Adele Schiff Family Foundation. The Playhouse is supported by the generosity of almost 40,000 contributors to the ArtsWave Community campaign. The Ohio Arts Council helps fund the Playhouse with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. The Playhouse also receives funding from the Shubert Foundation.

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