Monthly Archives: August 2021

August 9, 2021 · 3:14 pm

Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati Announces 2021-2022 Otto M. Budig Family Foundation Season

ETC_logo(Cincinnati, OH) Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati (ETC), the region’s premiere theatre, is delighted to reopen its doors for a five-show 2021-2022 Season, reprising its production of the 2018 Obie Award-winning play Pipeline by Dominique Morisseau. Having played a few performances to rave reviews from audiences and critics alike, the show was abruptly suspended the day after it opened in March of 2020 in response to COVID-19. In addition to Pipeline, ETC will present the following productions that embrace the spirit of social consciousness for which the organization is known: Cinderella, Queen, a double bill of I Shall Not Be Moved and Your Negro Tour Guide, and Tiny Beautiful Things. Season sponsor is the Otto M. Budig Family Foundation.

“Diverse, inclusive, and fascinating. That’s how I would describe our 2021-2022 Season,” explains Producing Artistic Director D. Lynn Meyers. “It’s about triumph over trauma, which we are all experiencing in one way or another. I chose stories that really, genuinely matter and celebrate the tenacity we’ve all had to show to reopen. The most import thing for us was to reopen with Pipeline. The integrity of that show and the crucial need for that show today in our society demands itself on stage.”

About the Plays
The work of  the acclaimed MacArthur “Genius” Grant playwright Dominique Morisseau (Detroit ’67, Skeleton Crew) returns to the stage to open Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati’s 2021-2022 Season with the reprising of Pipeline. Nya, an inner-city public high school teacher, is committed to her students but desperate to give her only son, Omari, opportunities they’ll never have. But when an explosive incident at his prestigious private school threatens to get him expelled, will all her efforts be lost? A compelling, must-see portrait of parenthood, education, and the experience of young black men in America, Pipeline, September 22–October 16, 2021, brings an urgent conversation powerfully to the forefront. This is the deeply moving story of a mother’s fight to give her son a future—without turning her back on the community that made him who he is. Sponsored by the Otto M. Budig Family Foundation.

For the holidays, ETC revives one of its most treasured family-friendly holiday musicals, Cinderella, with book by Joseph McDonough and music and lyrics by David Kisor, December 1–30, 2021. What do you get when you combine a nearsighted bookworm heroine, two fabulously self-absorbed stepsisters, one devilishly diva stepmother, along with a self-empowering Well-Wisher? A fun spin on the classic fairy tale that demonstrates being smart is true beauty! When the King pressures his romantically challenged son to choose a bride from hundreds of “applicants,” a cross-country tour of the kingdom ensues to reunite a missing sneaker—yes a sneaker!—with its rightful owner. Cinderella is suitable for all ages. Sponsored by the Schueler Group.

Next, ETC presents the new play that’s created quite a buzz, Queen by award-winning playwright Madhuri Shekar, January 26–February 26, 2022. PhD candidates Sanam and Ariel have spent the better part of the last decade exhaustively researching vanishing bee populations across the globe. Just as these close friends are about to publish a career-defining paper, Sanam stumbles upon an error in their calculations, which could cause catastrophic damage to their reputations, careers, and friendship. Now, Sanam is confronted with an impossible choice: look the other way or stand by her principles and accept the consequences?

ETC is thrilled to present two one-act productions with the newly commissioned world premiere of I Shall Not Be Moved followed by the return of Your Negro Tour Guide, playing back-to-back March 23-April 23, 2022. The riveting play I Shall Not Be Moved is by Cincinnati native and emerging young playwright Isaiah Reaves. This one-woman show thrillingly recounts the story of Reave’s grandmother, nationally recognized Civil Rights pioneer Betty Daniels Rosemond and her beautiful, horrifying, and trailblazing journey through the American South as one of the first Freedom Riders during the 1960s. Audiences far and wide will experience the internal conflicts and joys of a dark-skinned Black woman’s fearless battle for equity and equality.

The one-woman stage adaptation of Your Negro Tour Guide, which has been updated, draws heavily from columns and National Public Radio commentaries collected in Kathy Y. Wilson’s book, Your Negro Tour Guide: Truths in Black & White based on her former CityBeat column. Throwing a glaring light on misguided notions of natural black beauty, black homophobia, intra-racial bigotry, and other cultural stereotypes, this play allows us, once and for all, to laugh at every secret we’ve held against and sideways glance we’ve cast at “The Other,” whoever she happens to be.

Based on the acclaimed book by Cheryl Strayed (author of the best-selling Wild), Tiny Beautiful Things, May 18–June 18, 2022, is a funny and deeply touching exploration of resilience following the then-struggling writer as she took over the unpaid, anonymous position of an advice columnist named Sugar. At first unsure of herself, she finds a way to weave her own life experiences together to help those seeking guidance for obstacles large and small. Brilliantly adapted for the stage by Nia Vardalos, the Academy Award-nominated writer and star of My Big Fat Greek Wedding, this enrapturing and uplifting play surges with emotion and was described by Variety as “a theatrical hug in turbulent times.” Closing ETC’s 36th Season, Tiny Beautiful Things is about reaching out when you’re stuck, recovering when you’re broken, and finding the courage to ask the questions that are hardest to answer.

Subscriptions On Sale Now
Subscriptions to the 2021-2022 Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati season are on sale now. 4-Show Preview subscriptions are $145 (excludes holiday production); Regular and FlexPass subscriptions range from $223 to $245. ETC will continue its deeply discounted subscription options for students, with packages just $85 for Teen Scene subscribers and just $104 for Student subscriptions. 

Single Tickets On Sale August 23, 2021
All single tickets for the 2021-2022 Season go on sale to the general public starting at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, August 23, 2021.

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2021-2022 Season Presenting Sponsor is the Otto M. Budig Family Foundation.

Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati is supported, in part, by the generosity of community contributions to the ArtsWave Campaign.

The Ohio Arts Council helps fund Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati also receives funding from the Shubert Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati is a professional theatre dedicated to producing world and regional premieres of works that often explore compelling social issues. We fulfill our mission through our stage productions and educational outreach programs that enlighten, enliven, enrich and inspire our audiences.

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August 9, 2021 · 2:07 pm

Auditions Announced for THE GREAT GATSBY at Dayton Playhouse

DPH_logoPlease join us for open auditions for our production of THE GREAT GATSBY, directed by Matthew Smith.

September 20 & 21, 2021 at 7pm.
1301 E. Siebenthaler Ave, Dayton, OH 45414

You will be asked to read from the script.

Auditioners are encouraged to arrive 10-15 minutes before auditions begin to complete the audition form.

Be prepared to list all schedule conflicts between September 22 and November 14.

Resumes and headshots are not required but appreciated.

PLEASE NOTE: proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required at the time of audition. COVID-19 vaccination is REQUIRED to be cast in this production.

Production dates are November 5-14 (weekends).

Cast of Characters:

  • Jay Gatsby 25 to 35: a romantic idealist, with a disarming smile (male)
  • Daisy Buchanan 20 to 30: Southern, with a voice that sounds like money (female)
  • Nick Carraway 25 to 35: Midwestern, with a kind face and gentle manner (male)
  • Tom Buchanan 30 to 40: Daisy’s husband, with a powerful cruel body (male)
  • Jordan Baker 20 to 30: Daisy’s friend, with an athletic, almost masculine, body (female)
  • Myrtle Wilson 30 to 40: Tom’s girlfriend, New York, fleshy and sensual
  • George Wilson 35 to 45: Myrtle’s husband, New York, spiritless and anemic
  • Meyer Wolfsheim 40 to 70: elderly Broadway character (male)
  • Mr. McKee 25 to 40: friend of Myrtle, snobby and effeminate, photographer (male)
  • Mrs. McKee 25 to 40: friend of Myrtle, silly and vapid (female)

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August 9, 2021 · 12:27 pm

Auditions Announced for THE SOUND OF MUSIC at Greater Hamilton Civic Theatre

GHCT_logoDirector and Vocal Director – David Shough
Conductor – Mark Durbin
Stage Manager – Carrie Rusche
Produced by Jane and Barb Winkler
Performances December 2-5, 2021

There will be separate auditions for children and adults – please read carefully below.  Rehearsals begin Friday, September 24, and will generally be held Sunday afternoons and Tuesday, Thursday and Friday evenings.  The rehearsal schedule is subject to adjustment depending on casting.
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Sunday, September 19, 2-5pm
Auditions for Von Trapp Family Children
NOTE: Actors for Liesl should also plan to attend one of the adult auditions to read with actors for Rolf. Actors for Maria will audition primarily with the adults, and will sing their audition song then, but should attend this audition as well so that we can see you interact with the children.

Those auditioning for the Trapp family children should bring a list of other performing they have done, including both theatre and choir, a list of conflicts through December 5, and be prepared to sing a musical theatre song of their choice (just one verse).  Sheet music is preferred, but children may also sing a cappella, though they should know what their starting note is.  Children should also be able to sing the chorus of Do-Re-Mi (“Doe, a deer,” etc.) in key with piano.  Auditionees will be photographed and measured for height.  The audition will include some reading of lines, as well as movement and play exercises.

If you cannot attend, please contact David Shough (937-626-2674) and we’ll try to make arrangements.

We are looking for young actors who sing well and are bright, lively, and fearless.  They must appear close to the age of the character, but need not be that precise age. Race and ethnicity are not relevant; all are welcome to audition.
Parents must understand that, if cast, the actors will need to stay as late as 9pm on many rehearsal days, and later during the week or two leading up to the performances.
Some or all of the children, other than Liesl, may be double-cast.

Roles:

  • Liesl (age 16): The oldest child, blossoming into a young lady with an interest in boys. She has a maternal sense and cares very deeply for her younger siblings.  Dance skills and basic guitar playing are a plus.
  • Friedrich (age 14): Tough exterior, very much trying to be “the man” of the family.
  • Louisa (age 13): Rebellious attitude. Can be a bit of a brat.
  • Kurt (age 10): Gentle and mischievous.  Should be able to sing a high G (in So Long, Farewell) in unchanged voice or falsetto.
  • Brigitta (age 9): Smart, observant.  Speaks her mind.
  • Marta (age 7): Very sweet and gentle.
  • Gretl (age 6): The youngest. This young actor must have the cute factor, but also must be outgoing and independent.  She has only a few lines by herself, but they are important.

Monday and Tuesday, September 20 & 21, 7-9pm
Auditions for Adults, including Liesl and Rolf

NOTE: Actors for Maria and Liesl should also attend the Sunday audition so that we can see you with the children.
Please being a resume or list of performing experience, including theatre and choir, a head shot if available, and a list of conflicts through December 5.  You may be photographed as well.  Please prepare up to 1 minute of a musical theatre song that best shows your voice for the role(s) you seek.  Please bring marked sheet music or means of playing recorded accompaniment (with no vocals).  No a cappella auditions, please.  We may test your vocal range as well. Those seeking only nuns’ chorus or male ensemble roles will be finished after all have sung.  There will be a brief dance audition for actors seeking Captain, Maria, Max, Elsa, Rolf, and Liesl.  You may be asked to read from the script.  You need only attend one night but may attend both.  If you cannot attend either, please contact David Shough (937-626-2674) and we’ll try to make arrangements.

Age ranges for all but Maria, Elsa, Liesl and Rolf are very broad; that said, stated ranges are those of the characters, not necessarily of the actors. Race and ethnicity are not relevant; all are welcome to audition.

Roles:

  • Maria (musical theatre mix/soprano, dance, 20s) Young, free spirited, fearless, but doesn’t always believe she is strong enough. Must move well, and basic guitar skills are a plus. (Actors for Maria will sing at this audition but should attend the Sunday audition as well to interact with the children.)
  • Captain Georg von Trapp (baritone, 50s+) A retired Austrian naval captain. Uses his military bearing as a wall to repress his sadness and push aside his children, a wall that Maria breaks through. Basic guitar skills a plus.
  • Liesl (age 16): The oldest child, blossoming into a young lady with an interest in boys. She has a maternal sense and cares very deeply for her younger siblings.  Dance skills and basic guitar playing are a plus. (Actors for Liesl should attend Sunday also and sing their audition song then.)
  • Max Detweiller (tenor/baritone, 30+) Flamboyant, ingratiating friend of Georg and Elsa; wishes he were rich.  Not prone to bravery, but finds his courage in the end. Comic skills a must.
  • Elsa Schrader (mezzo, 35-45) Beautiful, sophisticated, but likes being rich. Adores Georg, but also his money.
  • Mother Abbess (legit mezzo (high A♭), 40+) Motherly, understanding, strong and kind.  Her Climb Every Mountain is the centerpiece of the show. Please don’t audition with this song, but be prepared to sing the last chorus (key of D♭) if asked.

The Three Nuns (all mezzos or so, all 30+):

  • Sister Berthe Prudish, straight-laced; less tolerant than other nuns. Disapproves of Maria.
  • Sister Margaretta Very kind, understanding and concerned. Supports Maria.
  • Sister Sophia Amused by Maria, but still doesn’t believe she fits in at the Abbey.
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  • Rolf (low tenor, 17) Suitor to Liesl, telegram delivery boy, later Nazi soldier. Sings & dances Sixteen Going on Seventeen with Liesl. A pleasant young man who gets drawn up in the Nazi cause, but comes to his senses in the end. Dance training a plus.
  • Franz (non-singing, 40+) The von Trapp butler; served the Captain in the navy as well.  Formal but not without spirit; he is Austrian, but accepts and admires the German invaders.
  • Frau Schmidt (non-singing, 30+) The housekeeper; stoic, unamused, but fiercely loyal to the family.
  • Herr Zeller (non-singing, 40+) Stern and unsmiling, a Nazi official whose primary concern is to see that everyone toes the line.
  • Admiral Von Schreiber (non-singing, 50+) A German naval officer but not a Nazi.  Sympathetic to Georg’s predicament.

Ensemble:

  • Nuns (16 and older, good singers) We expect to cast 12 or so of various ages to play nuns, postulants, party guests, and contestants.  The Nuns’ four-part chorus is central to the music of the show, so choral experience in a plus.
  • Male Ensemble (20s and older) We expect to cast 6 or so to play party guests, contestants and Nazi soldiers.  Singing in not essential.

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August 9, 2021 · 11:59 am

Auditions Announced for YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN at Mount Notre Dame High School

MNDT_logo2MNDT presents YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN for their Fall Production. Please read all the information below, all questions should be sent to the Artistic Director, Mr. Kyle Imbronyev at kimbronyev@mndhs.org. YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN auditions are open to all high school male students in the tristate area and all students at MND.

Aug. 25 & 26 from 3:30-6pm at Mount Notre Dame High School

Rehearsals are Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. You will not be called for every rehearsal.

There is a $50.00 fee to participate in the production. This fee must be paid in cash or check at the first rehearsal.

We are requiring that everyone prepare 16 bars of any musical theatre piece for their audition. You must bring your own sheet music. An accompanist will be provided, we will not allow any tracks or unaccompanied auditions.

Everyone is required to attend the dance call at 6:00 pm on the day that they signed up.

Callbacks will be at 4:00 pm on Friday August 27th

The first rehearsal is September 2nd at 4:00 pm.

Sign Up Audition Link

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60b054da8a829a6f49-young

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August 6, 2021 · 1:04 pm

Auditions Announced for Benji (Age 6-7) in PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT at CMT

CMT_logoAnnouncing Children Auditions for Cincinnati Music Theatre

CMT is seeking a 6-8 year old boy to play the role of “Benji” in their upcoming November production of PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT. “Benji” is a bright , funny, excited and inquisitive young boy, who lives in the middle of the Australian Outback. He doesn’t know his father, who just happens to be a drag  queen.  Their initial meeting is one of the show’s warmest and most touching moments.

“Benji” is a primarily an acting role. He only sings a brief duet with his stage father. No dance is required for this role.  He appears in only three scenes and can be scheduled to have a minimum of rehearsals.

We are accepting video auditions to be sent to skipfenker@gmail.com no later than September 24, 2021. Video submissions should include 16-32 bars of a favorite song that demonstrates the child’s range and ability to hold pitch, as well as a short monologue from a favorite story.

Based on the Oscar-winning film and powered by a disco beat, this wildly fresh and funny musical is the hilarious adventure of three friends, two drag queens and a transsexual woman, who hop aboard a battered old bus named Priscilla that is bound for Alice Springs in the middle of Australia to put on the show of a lifetime. With a dazzling array of outrageous costumes and a hit parade of dance floor favorites including “It’s Raining Men,” “I Will Survive,” “Hot Stuff,” “Boogie Wonderland,” “Go West,” “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,” and “I Love The Nightlife,” their epic journey is a heart-warming story of self-discovery, sassiness and acceptance.

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