Monthly Archives: October 2022

Call for Directors for 2023-2024 Season at The Footlighters, Inc.

FLI_logoThe Footlighters, Inc., is accepting submissions for directors for the 2023-2024 season. Interested directors must submit an application and a theatrical resume. Directors will be allowed to submit up to two productions for consideration. In a recent survey, our patrons have expressed that their favorite types of shows are large comedic musicals, followed by small comedic musicals and comedic plays. However, ALL submissions will be considered equally regardless of whether they are of the previously listed genres or not.

We are seeking directorial candidates who feel they can bring a fresh and inclusive perspective to the shows they’ve submitted, and we encourage directors from diverse backgrounds, whether you’ve directed for Footlighters before or not, to apply.

All submissions must be emailed to the Season/Director Committee Chair, Katie McCarthy, at footlighters.seasonchair@gmail.com or submitted via this Google form. The deadline to submit materials is Sunday, October 30, 2022. Interested directors will be contacted to schedule interviews for the week of November 14. Interviews will take place at the Stained Glass Theatre. For more information, visit our website.

We will produce a four-show season for 2023-2024, so we will be selecting four directors and four productions for our season. Should you have additional questions or need assistance, please email footlighters.seasonchair@gmail.com, and we will be happy to help.

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The Footlighters, Inc., is a nonprofit organization located in Newport, Kentucky. For nearly 60 years, Footlighters has been committed to providing Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky with a wide variety of high-quality theatrical experiences and has received local, state, and national awards for outstanding production quality, individual and ensemble performances, and technical achievements.

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Scenic Carpenter Sought at The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati

TCTC_new logoThe ideal scenic carpenter is a skilled carpenter with knowledge of industry standard theatrical woodworking techniques. The scenic carpenter can read and interpret construction drawings and decide, with help from the Scene Shop Manager, how to safely utilize the correct tools and techniques to complete the task.  The scenic carpenter is knowledgeable with basic stationary and portable power tools, as well as basic hand tools.

The scenic carpenter is self-motivated, able to work independently to complete tasks assigned to them safely and quickly without constant and direct oversight.  The scenic carpenter can work nights and weekends as needed to ensure the project is completed on time.

The scenic carpenter can work with other members of the company and other members of the community. The scenic carpenter is willing and eager to assist other departments to help fulfill the goals of the company.

Responsibilities:

  • Work in the Scene Shop fabricating scenery for each production under the direction of the Technical Director.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in the safe operation of power tools, scenic carpentry and theatrical rigging.
  • Prep & load/unload trucks as needed.
  • Maintain an organized and clean work environment
  • Report to the Scene Shop Manager with any questions or issues throughout the build
  • Assist other departments when necessary
  • Provide company with support for special events or projects as needed

Ideal Knowledge/Skills: 

  • BA or equivalent in Theatre, or two years’ experience in scenic construction, or equivalent construction experience
  • Must be comfortable working at heights and able to lift/carry 50lbs
  • Proficiency with power tools, including, but not limited to: table saw, miter saw, jig saw, pneumatic staplers, hand routers, powered sanders
  • Knowledge/experience in MIG welding, scenic painting, tool maintenance and theatrical rigging a plus
  • Experience with automation, theatrical lighting and/or sound systems a plus
  • Able to read and interpret construction draftings
  • Self-motivated, positive, and passionate individual who loves the mission of TCT and can work with a team or independently with a safety-first mentality.
  • Excellent time management skills
  • Valid driver’s license

Compensation/Benefits/Employment Details

  • Annual Salary Range: $35,000-40,000
  • Ideal Start date: November 7, 2022
  • Housing is not provided.
  • Health, vision, and dental benefits available, partially subsidized by employer contributions, after a waiting period.
  • 403(b) retirement plan participation available, after a waiting period, with eligibility for an employer match after one year of credited service.
  • Generous PTO accrual based on years of service.
  • Generous paid holiday schedule.
  • Flexible schedule opportunities.

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati believes the stories on our stages and the work we do behind the scenes must reflect the diverse communities we serve. We believe inclusive work cultures spark wide-ranging, exploratory conversations and learning. Therefore, we strongly welcome and encourage people from all backgrounds, identities, abilities, and ages to apply as we continue our commitment to diversity and build an inclusive environment at TCT.

TO APPLY: 

Qualified candidates should submit whatever they feel best reflects their qualifications. This can come in the form of a video, cover letter/resume, portfolio, and/or demo reels. (Files should be less than 3MB in total, links are welcome). No phone calls, please.

Please submit materials and any references by October 27, 2022 to submissions@tctcincinnati.com. Subject Line: Scenic Carpenter 2022

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FRIDA…A SELF PORTRAIT Captures the Iconic Painter’s Stunning Live Story in a One-Woman Show Beginning Oct. 15

PIP_Frida1

Vanessa Severo in the Portland Center Stage 2021 production of FRIDA…A SELF PORTRAIT. Photo by Owen Carey.

COVINGTON, KY (Oct. 13, 2022)—The stunning life story of iconic Mexican painter Frida Kahlo will illuminate the stage when Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park brings its production FRIDA…A SELF PORTRAIT to The Carnegie in Covington beginning Oct. 15. (Opening night is Oct. 20; the production runs through Nov. 6.)

The intimate, theatrical portrait, written and performed by Vanessa Severo, captures the difficulties and wonders of Kahlo’s life journey through physical hardship, tumultuous romantic relationships and mastering her artistic gifts. With music, movement, raw honesty and moments of deep humor, this one-woman show is as singular as the artist at the center of the play.

“I found this woman that was very ahead of her time — and very tweetable, actually, for today — and kind of the first selfies I would say of the 1930s and ‘40s,” Severo said in an interview with Oregon Public Broadcasting. “But the difference was that in today’s world, we try to put on a patina of ‘everything’s great,’ and here’s this woman who’s painting her pain very clearly and unapologetically, and I thought, I wanted her to be alive and breathing today.”

After years of research and a moving trip to Kahlo’s home at La Caza Azul, Severo brings unparalleled authenticity to the painter’s story. She’s also found uncanny similarities with Kahlo in her own life, allowing her to crack open a powerful portal between them and share inspiring stories of her own.

FRIDA…A SELF PORTRAIT is directed by Playhouse Associate Artistic Director Joanie Schultz, who also directed the world premiere at Kansas City Repertory Theatre and a 2019 production of the play at Portland Center Stage.

“The play is a self-portrait of both the historical figure Frida Kahlo and the performer Vanessa Severo,” said Schultz. “As the piece unfolds, there are moments when the lines become blurred between the actor and the character. What we are left with is pure Frida and pure Vanessa, both searching to be seen and understood.”

Broadway World likened the production to “a series of paintings brought vividly to life,” and Oregon Artswatch wrote, “it broadens the reach of what we all have in common with one another.”

Although Kahlo is the play’s main character, Severo deftly portrays many characters, from Rivera to Frida’s parents and sister. The play is written as an interview with Kahlo (Severo also plays the interviewer) and beautifully incorporates movement, monologue, and Kahlo’s and Severo’s life stories into one cohesive piece.

LOCATION
Due to construction, the Playhouse’s Eden Park facility is temporarily closed. Performances of FRIDA…A SELF PORTRAIT will take place at The Carnegie, 1028 Scott St. Covington, Ky 4101.

CAST/PRODUCTION
Vanessa Severo (Playwright/Frida Kahlo); Joanie Schultz (Director); Jacqueline Penrod(Set Designer); Katherine Davis (Costume Designer); Rachael Cady (Lighting Designer); Thomas Dixon (Sound Designer/Original Compositions); Brooke Redler (Stage Manager

TICKETS 
Performances will take place at The Carnegie in Covington Tuesdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. (except Nov. 2), Saturdays at 2 p.m.and on Sundays at 3 p.m. (except Oct. 16). There is a 1 p.m. performance on Wednesday, Nov. 2.

To purchase tickets or for more information, call the Playhouse Box Office at 513-421-3888 (toll-free in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana at 800-582-3208) or visit www.cincyplay.com. Patrons who are deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind or speech disabled: dial 711 to connect to the Box Office via Ohio Relay Services.

SPECIAL EVENT

WRITING AND CREATING A SOLO SHOW
A writing and movement workshop inspired by the art of Frida Kahlo with instructor Erin Carr
Sat, Nov. 5 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
The Carnegie, Eva G. Farris Education Center, 1028 Scott Boulevard, Covington, KY 41011
Cost: $25 per participant

Join us for a playwriting and performance workshop inspired by FRIDA…A SELF PORTRAIT during which you will have the opportunity to write and create your own short solo performance piece inspired by a piece of artwork. The first hour will be writing exercises to create a monologue and in the second hour, you will bring your monologue to life through movement and physical exploration. Participants will use prints of Frida Kahlo’s artwork to inspire the personal piece, but participants are also welcome to provide their own piece of inspirational art to work from, portraits are preferred.

This event is intended to be accessible for adults of all experience levels in movement and writing.

ADVISORY
FRIDA…A SELF PORTRAIT is suitable for ages 12 and up. Frida Kahlo boldly captured the details of her life through her art, and so this play includes discussions of adult relationships, illness and other mature themes.

LOCATION
The Carnegie, 1028 Scott Street, Covington, KY, 41011, while construction of the new Moe & Jack’s Place The Rouse Theatre continues. The new mainstage theater will open in Spring 2023.

SPONSORS

Production Sponsor is Digi and Mike Schueler. Artist Sponsor is Bartlett Wealth Management. Honorary Producer is Corporex. Season Sponsors are the Vontz Family and the Rosenthal 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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Directors Sought for 2023-24 Season at Loveland Stage Company

LSC_logoWe at the Loveland Stage Company are excited to see all the hopeful submissions for this upcoming 23/24 season.

See guidelines below:

Play Submittal Guidelines
The Loveland Stage Company welcomes the submission of plays for performance consideration.  Please follow the procedure outlined below (Rev. Sept 2022).

Loveland Stage Company Guidelines for Selecting Directors:
These guidelines are intended as suggestions for directors who wish to direct at the Loveland Stage Company. A standard season consists of a Children’s Workshop show in the summer and 3 all ages shows over the remainder of the year.  We may consider other factors that the board deems necessary in determining the choice of either directors or shows for the coming season.

  1. Potential directors should have directed / assistant directed shows in the past.
    1. If you have never directed you must be open to utilizing an experienced LSC director to assist.
  2. Potential directors must be open to using experienced LSC Producers, Lighting and Sound in a minimal of an assistant role.

Loveland Stage Company Play Submittals

Step One:
Show Summary: 
The director will submit in writing, a short (50 words or less), summary of the action of the play or musical.

Theatrical Experience: The director will include a description of their background in theater, explaining their unique qualifications for directing their show.

Proposal: The director will submit a proposal for review.  Possible revisions to the proposal may occur after the board has reviewed.

An example of a proposal:

  1. List all characters in the show with a brief description of their age and type.
  2. What is your overall concept/vision of the play?
  3. Describe the set and costumes.
  4. Will you need production assistants, assistant director, assistant / music director, vocal coach, etc.?
  5. A proposed budget for the production.
  6. Are there any exception costs associated with this production? (orchestra or musicians, etc.)
  7. How much rehearsal time will you need for this play?
  8. Do you have scheduling concerns regarding your availability?
  9. Do you have a covid contingency plan; either to prevent the cast from getting sick or allowing the full proposed run to still happen if illness occurs?

Proposals for the coming season* must be submitted / postmarked by October 31 to be assured consideration for the season. The season is June 1, 2023 through the following May 31, 2024

Step Two:
If necessary, the board may also request additional information from the director.  Once revisions are made to the plan the board makes a final determination regarding the play/musical. At the discretion of the board, exceptions may be made to this procedure.

We at the Loveland Stage Company are excited to see all the hopeful submissions for this upcoming season.

Thank you for submitting,

Joshua Marcus
VP & LSC Playreading Committee Chair

If your submission is digital and under 5mb, please email to: vp@lovelandstagecompany.org

For large submissions or those without digital access, you can mail them to:

Attn: 23/24 Show Submittal
The Loveland Stage Company
111 S 2nd St. (Rt 48)
P.O. Box 312
Loveland, Ohio 45140-3026

Questions can be directed to Joshua Marcus 513-544-9966 or emailed to vp@lovelandstagecompany.org.

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LIZARD BOY at Know Theatre

KTC_Lizard Boy logo“I used to think it was a better choice to hide /
You took my hand and reminded me of who I am inside.”

LIZARD BOY
a new musical with book, music, and lyrics by Justin Huertas

November 18 – December 11, 2022

Comic book lore and an indie-rock score collide for one magic night of adventure, music, and love. 

If you’re looking for something more than Dickens or children’s fare this holiday season, Know Theatre of Cincinnati is your destination. Join us starting November 18 for a new queer rock musical about a boy who looks like a lizard: Lizard Boy, by Justin Huertas.

There’s only one day a year that scale-covered Trevor can blend in with the crowd: “Monster Fest.” Tired of hiding, he sets out to make a love connection – but Fate might just be calling him, instead. Featuring lush indie-rock melodies, this comic-inspired queer fable is a timely reminder of the restorative powers of loving and being loved. 

Know Theatre, now in our 25th Anniversary season, smashes expectations once again with a new spin on the “holiday musical” – this time, a triumphant, comic-book inspired coming-of-age and coming-out tale about conquering the fear that keeps you silent when the world needs your voice the most.

In Lizard Boy, you’ll encounter monsters, mayhem, and virtuoso performances from a trio of multi-talented actor/musicians.  While the Know’s crack design & production team takes their inspiration from comic book lore to transform the MainStage into a Seattle both like and very unlike our own time, the cast will transport you with their soaring melodies and thrilling tale of self-discovery.

Director, actor, musician, and filmmaker Lindsey Augusta Mercer comes back to the Know to bring their singular creative vision to this production. Co-founder of Queen City Queer Theatre Collective, Lindsey is no stranger to the Know MainStage – you’ll recognize her starmaking turns in 2015’s Hundred Days, 2016’s Darkest Night at the Gnarly Stump, and as director of, the 2016 Matthew Sweet/Todd Almond musical Girlfriend.

Why Lizard Boy, right now?
“Right now, we are being bombarded by politically motivated messages telling us that only some of us are worthy of love or care; and that those of us whose hearts love a different way or whose bodies stand out in defiant difference are monsters. Right now, we need a story about recognizing the transformative power of living and loving, loudly, in your truth.” 

– Associate Artistic Director Tamara Winters

Who is this show for?
Lizard Boy is about finding your truest, fiercest self, doing fearless battle against evildoers, and maybe even getting the guy of your dreams along the way.

It’s for all the people who’ve struggled to love parts of themselves that don’t quite fit in, who know that even the most ordinary-seeming places can be full of magic, and who’ve ever found their peace in loving someone else. It’s for the people who love comic books, superhero tales, and red-hot rock music.

It’s for you.

Get ready for adventure. Here’s your questing party:

We’re delighted to welcome Jaron Crawford, who makes his Know Theatre (and Cincinnati stage!) debut with the role of Trevor, the “Lizard Boy”  who finds himself right at the tipping point between his youthful optimism and the weight of his own grief.

Lizard Boy also marks the MainStage debut of Ian Timothy Forsgren, a familiar face of the local dance scene whose work you’ll recognize if you’re a fan of Pones or DanceFix. Ian plays Cary, the soulful musician whose brief connection with Trevor on a dating app sparks a wild night of daring adventure.

Rounding out the cast is Erin McCamley as Siren, the rock goddess with the spellbinding voice whose jaded exterior barely covers her seething, bloodthirsty rage. Erin brings her soaring vocals and musical virtuosity back to the MainStage after serving as Music Director (and pit musician) for 2016’s Girlfriend.

Join us for this thrilling comic-book rock-music adventure as we do battle against evil, find our own superpowers, and experience the healing power of loving and being loved. Lizard Boy runs November 18 – December 11, live at the Know, and livestreaming on select dates to your home.

Tickets are available on our website, knowtheatre.com, or by calling our box office at 513-300-5669.

KTC_Lizard Boy cast

CAST
Jaron Crawford as Trevor
Ian Timothy Forsgren as Cary
Erin McCamley as Siren 

PRODUCTION TEAM
Director: Lindsey Augusta Mercer
Lighting & Scenic Designer: Andrew J. Hungerford
Costume Designer: Rainey Edwards
Sound & Projections Designer: Douglas J. Borntrager
Props Designer: Danielle Robison
Music Director: Erin McCamley
Technical Director: Jim Stark
Stage Manager: Grace Wohlschlegel 

AT A GLANCE

Production: Lizard Boy, book, music, and lyrics by Justin Huertas 

Dates: November 18 – December 11. Wednesday – Saturday shows are at 8 PM; Sunday matinees are at 3 PM. 

Where: Know Theatre, 1120 Jackson Street in Over-the-Rhine.
             Livestreaming on select dates TBA. 

Themes: queer love · adventure · comic books · rock musical 

Tickets: The standard ticket price is $25. Audiences may opt to support the Know’s initiative to pay all artists and employees a living wage by selecting the $40 Living Wage Ticket. Low-cost admission available for $15. On Wednesdays, as part of a program we call “The Welcome Experiment,” tickets are $5 in advance, or FREE at the door. 

Know Theatre is Cincinnati’s Theatrical Playground. The Know showcases unexpected voices, new works, and plays that embrace the inherent theatricality of the live experience. Know Theatre seeks to be a place where artists and audiences feel welcome to take artistic risks, creating work that is cutting edge and accessible. 

Know Theatre’s work is made possible, in part, by the generosity of community contributions to the ArtsWave Campaign.  

The Ohio Arts Council helps fund Know Theatre with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence, and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. 

Know Theatre is also supported by The Carol Ann & Ralph V. Haile, Jr. Foundation, helping to change our communities for the better through collaboration and innovation, and the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, which provides a simple, powerful, and highly personal approach to giving.

 Know Theatre is a member of Theatre Communications Group and an Associate Member of the National New Play Network.

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