Monthly Archives: April 2025

April 14, 2025 · 12:47 pm

THE SOUND INSIDE Review

By Katrina “Kat” Reynolds

THE SOUND INSIDE presented by Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati through April 27th. I attended the Opening Night performance. 

The cast of THE SOUND INSIDE presented by Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati. Photo by Ryan Kurtz.

This April, Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati is bringing audiences The Sound Inside by Adam Rapp. An enigmatic sort of tale by the playwright of Red Light Winter is summarized as the story of a creative writing professor and a gifted student who form an unexpectedly intense bond. Since there is definitely some mystery, there will be no spoilers here.

Making the trek a few blocks over from his Cincinnati Shakespeare Company home, Brian Isaac Phillips once again joins ETC as a “guest” director. Fortunately for us all, his gift travels nicely. Per usual, Mr. Phillips has his actors make excellent use of the playing space. Complementing the movement well is Scenic & Light Designer Brian c. Mehring’s execution of an almost palpably chilly backdrop (or was the heat just on the fritz opening night?). One of the best things about shows at Ensemble is that they never shy away from making grand sets and this one particularly takes advantage of the vertical space they have at their disposal. Further, projections designed by Becca Schall are pointed and used with the ideal amount of restraint.

While this show certainly belongs to one character more than another, both performing artists are exceptionally cast and non-negotiable. Playing the role of Christopher, an Ivy League freshman with creative writing aspirations, is Rupert Spraul. Mr. Spraul has a mysterious and almost impish presence on stage without being too precious. His portrayal of a young man who would keep anyone guessing is inspired.

In the role of tenured Ivy League professor, Bella, is the inimitable Annie Fitzpatrick. This may be a bold statement, but this is quite possibly one of the best roles she has ever tackled. I was drawn in from the very first words out of Ms. Fitzpatrick’s mouth and it felt like it was just the two of us, chatting over coffee. She gives the audience a master class on how to navigate the subtleties of an intimate slice of a character’s life. It is difficult to avert your eyes from her, but Mr. Spraul was just as engaging and they went toe-to-toe very nicely. (Besides, I envy a human being who can curse where it doesn’t sound nearly as offensive as when I do it.)

I have had the privilege of seeing some incredible theatre in my time – and quite a bit this season. It can be difficult to surprise me and our BTC genius, Rob Bucher. But we love when it happens and this play is definitely something to discuss. In a rare nod, this is definitely a “must see” play. It’s no picnic, however: this show is fraught with heavy topics and emotions that may re-open some previously healed wounds. While the show covers content relating to illness, mental health, and self-harm, it is for very good reason. There is a story to be told and I sincerely hope you’re there to listen and take heed of it.

Click here for more information about the production.

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April 10, 2025 · 5:47 pm

LAUGHTER ON THE 23RD FLOOR Runs May 9-18

LAUGHTER ON THE 23RD FLOOR
Actor’s Theatre Fairborn
May 9-18
[Fairborn]

Directed by Dawn Roth Smith

Cast: Kevin Willardson as Lucas Brickman, Craig Smith as Val Skolsky, Brandon Shockney as Milt Fields, Jared Mola as Brian Doyle, David Laws as Kenny Franks, Cydnie Hampton as Carol Wyman, Katie Gainey-West as Helen, Ron Maurer as Ira Stone & Ray Geiger as Max Prince

Step into the uproarious world of 1950s television with Neil Simon’s “Laughter on the 23rd Floor,” a semi-autobiographical comedy inspired by his time on “Your Show of Shows.” Join the brilliantly neurotic writers as they navigate the pressures of live TV, battling network interference and their own hilarious eccentricities, all while trying to keep their volatile star, Max Prince, in check. Expect a night of non-stop laughter and sharp, rapid-fire wit, perfectly capturing the golden age of television comedy.

  • Fri-Sat, May 9-10 at 7:30pm
  • Sun, May 11 at 3pm
  • Fri-Sat, May 16-17 at 7:30pm
  • Sun, May 18 at 3pm

Official page |

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April 10, 2025 · 5:40 pm

2025 ACT/OCTAFest Convention Registration is Live

ACT Cincinnati, it’s time to register for our annual convention, which will take place June 19-21. Excerpts will once again be hosted at Princeton High School, and our annual awards banquet, celebrating our special 70th Anniversary, will be held at Receptions Fairfield.

You can register online for excerpts, lunches, the banquet, raffle tickets, and so much more at: https://www.actcincinnati.org/registration

Additionally, a block of rooms has been held at Holiday Inn Express (6755 Fairfield Business Drive, Fairfield, OH 45014). When reserving, use the booking code “ACT.” Please note: This code may not be honored after May 21.

Member representatives, be sure to review the ACT/OCTAFest Reference Guide for a helpful checklist and submission guidelines: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1DesR6vlf2XlEdN4SNU6M6tHM891cp46Q/edit?tab=t.0

Additional details can be found on our website. For questions, feel free to reach out to convention@actcincinnati.org

We can’t wait to celebrate another amazing year of theatre with you!

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April 10, 2025 · 5:38 pm

Events Manager (Full-Time) Sought by the Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati

Organizational Overview

The mission of The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati (TCT) is to educate, entertain, and engage audiences of all ages through professional theatrical productions and arts education programming. We fulfill our mission through three primary programs:

  • TCT MainStage at the Emery Theater
  • TCT On Tour
  • TCT Academy

Vision: To awaken a lifelong love of theatre in children and the young at heart.

Core Beliefs:
We believe in the power of theatre to enrich lives and create deeper understandings of people, cultures, and perspectives.
We believe our audiences deserve high-quality experiences that are rich with wonder, honesty, compassion, joy, and wisdom.
We believe the arts and education are not mutually exclusive. We believe the art we create must reflect the community we serve.
We believe in the power of integrated arts education to enrich our lives and our communities.

Position Overview

The Events Manager is new position within the growing TCT non-profit organization. A cross-functional leader focused on building and managing earned revenue opportunities with TCT’s assets, the Events Manager’s primary focus will be facility rentals, coordination of future presented/touring productions, and the management of external partnerships who may utilize TCT assets or spaces on an ongoing annual basis.

This role will lead the coordination of venue rentals at both TCT’s Red Bank Road facility and the Emery Theater, oversee the rental and licensing of TCT assets, (scenic, costumes, props, and scripts) and manage the advancement and communication for outside presented productions in the future.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, communicative, and collaborative—equally comfortable hosting clients, managing contracts, coordinating with food/beverage services, management of cleaning schedules, staffing volunteers and contractors for rentals/special events, and ensuring logistics align with the goals of our clients who rent TCT’s assets and spaces.

This position reports to the Associate Artistic Director and works closely with the Production, Artistic, Education, Marketing, Operations, and Patron Services teams.

Key Responsibilities

Facility & Venue Rentals

  • Act as the lead contact for all rental inquiries at the Emery Theater and Red Bank Road facility.
  • Manage all rental communications, proposals, contracts, scheduling, staffing coordination, and follow-up for facility use.
  • Work cross-departmentally to ensure rental events are staffed, well-supported, logistically sound, and mission-aligned.
  • Maintain a clear and current master calendar in collaboration with the Director of Production, Artistic Director, and Operations Manager.
  • Expand community engagement and earned income through targeted outreach to new rental clients and repeat business.

Creative Asset Rentals (Costumes, Props, Scenic, Scripts)

  • Oversee the inventory, promotion, and rental of TCT’s artistic assets, including set pieces, costumes, props, puppets, and licensed educational materials.
  • Develop and implement rental policies and systems for security, returns, damage deposits, and insurance.
  • Maintain accurate inventory records and a user-friendly online catalog or database.
  • Coordinate with internal departments to ensure available assets are not in use for TCT programs before confirming rentals.

Presented Productions

  • Serve as the primary point of contact for presented productions or any external shows performing at the Emery Theater or The Showtime Stage.
  • Coordinate advance communications with producers and tour managers, ensuring the appropriate TCT departments are looped in.
  • Support the successful execution of touring performances in collaboration with technical, marketing, and patron services staff.

Licensing and Royalty Management

  • Work with the Artistic Director and CFO to track licensing agreements and royalty reporting for all TCT-generated or acquired content across MainStage, On Tour, and Academy.
  • Coordinate with the Artistic and Education teams to ensure proper rights are secured in a timely manner.
  • Maintain positive relationships with licensing agencies and monitor compliance with contract terms.

Qualifications

Required

  • 3–5 years of experience in theatrical operations, venue or event management, general management, or rentals
  • Strong communication, negotiation, and customer service skills
  • Experience with contracts, scheduling, and financial tracking
  • Familiarity with theatrical production processes and language
  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of detail and follow-through
  • Comfortable working independently while also collaborating across departments
  • Flexible schedule with availability for some evenings and weekends

Preferred

  • Bachelor’s degree in Arts Administration, Theatre Management, or a related field
  • Prior experience managing rentals, coordinating food/beverage services, and resetting of facility after events.
  • Familiarity with digital inventory tools, or event scheduling platforms TCT may integrate into their operations.
  • Valid driver’s license

Work Environment & Physical Demands

  • Ability to move between venues and storage locations
  • Lift and move items up to 50lbs occasionally
  • Navigate backstage, warehouse, and office environments
  • Occasional nights and weekends required for events or rental facilitation

Compensation & Benefits

  • Annual Salary Range: $40,000–$50,000
  • Health, vision, and dental benefits available after a waiting period, partially subsidized by TCT
  • 403(b) retirement plan with employer match eligibility after one year of service
  • Paid time off and a generous holiday schedule
  • Opportunities for professional development and creative collaboration within a mission-driven organization

To Apply

  • Please send materials that best reflect your qualifications (resume, cover letter, video introduction, portfolio, etc.) to submissions@tctcincinnati.com with the subject line: Events Manager 2025. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and strongly encourage candidates from historically underrepresented groups

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April 10, 2025 · 3:39 pm

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company Presents Shakespeare’s Most Enchanting Tale: THE TEMPEST

Leslie Brott as Prospera. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

Cincy Shakes creates theatre magic with an eco-friendly twist; the set is made entirely out of recycled or reused materials

Cincinnati, April 9, 2025 – Cincinnati Shakespeare Company presents Shakespeare’s The Tempest directed by CSC’s Associate Artistic Director, Candice Handy. This eco-friendly production will be on stage April 11 – May 4, 2025 with ensemble cast of 12 actors and performed in-the-round. The Tempest is generously sponsored by Design Sponsor KeyBank. The Community Partner Sponsors are Richard and Debbie Westheimer, and the Education Partners are the National Endowment for the Arts and Arts Midwest. This project is part of Shakespeare in American Communities, a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest.

Marooned on an enchanting, yet ecologically fragile island, the exiled sorcerer Prospera waits, consumed by thoughts of revenge. So when fate places all her old enemies within reach, tempests (both literal and metaphorical) stir. As the climate shifts, so do allegiances, while young love takes root in this unpredictable environment. This romantic tale, replete with magic and monsters, love and liquor, and retribution and redemption is a voyage not to be missed.

Favorite faces return to the Cincy Shakes Stage including Leslie Brott as Prospera and Joneal Joplin as Gonzalo. Jason Coffenberry and Dani Grace Nissen return playing Ferdinand and Miranda after their debut in this season’s Macbeth. Hannah Gregory takes the stage as the spirit Ariel and Sylvester Little Jr. plays Caliban brining magic and monsters to the show. Cary Davenport and Sara Mackie play the hilarious duo of Stephano and Trinculo. and Jasimine Bouldin, Jeremy Dubin, and Jim Hopkins round off the cast as the members of the king’s court, playing Sebastian, Antonio, and King Alonzo respectively. After an amazing collaboration on last season’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, the Q-Kidz are back as Island Spirits guided by Aiden Sims who plays Boatswain/Island Spirit.

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is delighted to collaborate once again with the Q-Kidz Dance Team on The Tempest after last season’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream featured them as well. These talented young dancers take the stage as the island spirits, infusing the play with their boundless energy and captivating choreography. Founded by Marquicia Jones-Woods in 1982, Q-Kidz Dance Team plays a vital role in encouraging and inspiring the creative expression for Cincinnati’s youth through dance and education. For four decades, Marquicia, and her daughters, Chariah and Mariah, have been champions for the Cincinnati community, serving over 100 youths annually through Q-Kidz. This collaboration blends artistic excellence with community enrichment, highlighting the way creativity and collaboration transforms lives. The Q-Kidz dancers, with their dedication and talent, add an enchanting dimension to this production. The Q-Kidz performers are Davian Brooks, Zakari Clark, Laurion Cook, De’Unniey Crawford, Queen Hadden, Shalin Harmon, and Taylor Tolliver (Understudy).

This production of The Tempest was designed with an eco-conscious objective: all costumes, props, and the entire set have been created with recycled and reused materials. The set, designed by Samantha Reno, will be recycled after the show, making The Tempest almost completely sustainable. Ms. Reno said “Cincy Shakes collaborated with the Cincinnati Recycle and Reuse Hub and members of the community, like our own patrons, to supply our team with the needed materials to bring magic to the stage!”

The production team of The Tempest has worked hard to bring Shakespeare’s enchanted island to life. Samantha Reno’s sustainable scenic design sets the play on an island strewn with discarded objects and lost treasures. Rainy Edwards’ costume design, assisted by Kayla Cieslinski, transforms remnant and collected fabric into beautiful island spirits. Lighting designer Andrew Hungerford, sound designer Christopher Guthrie, and projections designer Robert Carlton Stimmel work together to bring Prospera and the spirits’ magic to life. Aleah Vassell acts as composer and music director creating the music that the Q-Kidz will dance to, choreographed by Darnell Pierre Benjamin. Beasley served as Dramaturg on this production and Gina Cerimele-Mechley returns as fight and intimacy director.  The Tempest is stage managed by Cole Sweasy with assistant stage manager Rowan Rozzi.

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The Tempest runs from April 11 – May 4, 2025. Performances of The Tempest are on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:30 PM, with 3 Sunday matinees on April 20, 27, and May 4 at 2:00 PM. CSC offers performances with accessibility resources. Live Audio Descriptions are available on April 11, and there is a Sign Language Interpreted performance on May 4.

Tickets are on sale now. Preview performances are on Wednesday, April 9, and Thursday, April 10, with tickets at $45. Young Professionals are invited to YP Preview Night on Wednesday, April 9, with discounted tickets at $25, including a free drink and post-show talkback.

For the best ticketing experience and to avoid resale sites or scams, please be sure to only purchase tickets directly through Cincinnati Shakespeare Company online at cincyshakes.com or by calling the Box Office at 513.381.2273. Ticket prices range from $12-$82; don’t pay more!
Discounts are available for students, seniors, educators, military personnel, local residents, and community partners at all performances.

For those seeking last-minute options or additional ways to save, $12 Rush Tickets are available to anyone (not just students) starting one hour before each performance. These tickets, offered in various seating locations, are subject to availability and must be purchased in person at the Box Office within an hour of show time. Additionally, $14 “Access” tickets are offered in the Upper Gallery for each performance and can be purchased in advance online or by calling the Box Office.

At The Tempest: Sit On-Stage for Just $14! Extra access seats are also available for The Tempest! This magical production is performed in-the-round, so audiences can experience it from a whole new perspective: on-stage and for only $14. Seats are available by clicking the Buy Tickets button and selecting available orange colored Access seats in the “Stage Gallery” section. No code or offer needed, only 32 available per night! Learn more about the seating online here. Please note: On-stage seating requires stairs. For wheelchair-accessible or stair-free $14 seats, contact our Box Office.

To purchase tickets or for more information, call the CSC Box Office at 513.381.BARD (2273) ext. 1, or visit cincyshakes.com. Visa, Discover, MasterCard, and American Express are accepted, and ticketing fees apply.

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is located at 1195 Elm Street, adjacent to Washington Park. In addition to abundant public parking options in the immediate vicinity, CSC offers parking services, including valet parking for $25 (managed by Star Parking) and self-parking for $15 (managed by 3CDC) in the adjacent lot. Reservations can be made in advance online or by contacting the Box Office. For more details, visit cincyshakes.com/your-visit/parking.

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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 all. In the summer of 2017, the theater relocated to the Otto M. Budig Theater, a brand-new facility in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood of Cincinnati. CSC’s repertoire is composed of the works of William Shakespeare, literary adaptations, world premieres, and contemporary classics. CSC performs on a Small Professional Theatre contract with the Actors’ Equity Association. Cincinnati Shakespeare is a member of Theater Communications Group and the Shakespeare Theatre Association. Each year, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s Education and Outreach Programs reach more than 50,000 young people and community members by meeting audiences where they are. This includes sharing programming in schools, parks, community centers, and 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!

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s 2024-2025 Season is generously presented by our Operating Support Partners: The Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr. Foundation; The Ohio Arts Council; The Robert and Adele Schiff Family Foundation; The National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest; The Shubert Foundation; Maureen and John Bridgeland, Cindy Bridgeland Crilley, and Debby and Jim Mason in honor of Jim Bridgeland; Lightborne, and the tens of thousands of people who give generously to the ArtsWave Community Campaign.

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