Monthly Archives: August 2026

TCT Welcomes Bramble Elementary to JumpStart Theatre and Celebrates 2026 Showcase Schools

Covedale Elementary – 2026 JumpStart Program

Bramble Elementary Selected for Fully Funded JumpStart Theatre Program

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati also celebrates local schools that participated in the 2026 JumpStart Theatre Showcase

CINCINNATI – The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati (TCT) is proud to announce that Bramble Elementary has been selected as the newest local school to participate in the JumpStart Theatre program beginning with the 2026–2027 school year.

The Educational Theatre Foundation (ETF), in collaboration with New York City-based companies iTheatrics and Music Theatre International, created JumpStart Theatre, a three-year scalable program designed to build sustainable musical theatre programs in underserved schools that previously had none.

Bramble Elementary was selected following an application and review process that included site visits and interviews with school administrators and the educators who will lead the program.

“We are thrilled to welcome Bramble Elementary to the JumpStart Theatre family,” said Kim Kern, President and CEO of The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati. “This program gives educators the training, tools and ongoing support they need to create meaningful and self-sustaining theatre experiences for their students. We look forward to partnering with Bramble Elementary and watching their program grow over the next three years.”

Through JumpStart Theatre, Bramble Elementary will receive services and materials valued at $12,000, including professional training, mentoring and production support. Students will have opportunities to participate in many aspects of creating and presenting a musical theatre production, both onstage and behind the scenes.

Teams of three or more educators from each participating school take part in professional development boot camps throughout the year. Led by experienced teaching artists, the workshops provide training in areas of musical theatre production and are designed to empower school teams to develop programs they can continue independently.

Local Students Take the Stage at the JumpStart Theatre Showcase

TCT also recently celebrated the accomplishments of its participating JumpStart Theatre schools during the annual JumpStart Theatre Showcase, held April 14, 2026, at TCT’s Red Bank facility.

Students from Batavia Middle School, Covedale Elementary, Spencer Center for Gifted and Exceptional Students, Mt. Washington School and Shroder High School came together to perform, celebrate one another’s work and share what they had learned throughout the school year.

“The Showcase is always an inspiring reminder of what can happen when students are given the opportunity to express themselves through theatre,” said Angelo Cerniglia, TCT Education Director. “The confidence, creativity and teamwork they demonstrate are extraordinary. We are incredibly proud of the students and educators from each participating school.”

The annual Showcase brings JumpStart Theatre schools together in a supportive environment where students can perform for their peers and celebrate the progress of theatre programs throughout the region.

For more information about the JumpStart Theatre program or to make a gift, visit thechildrenstheatre.com/jumpstart-theatre-program/.

About The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati
At 107 years old, The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati is the nation’s oldest professional theatre for young audiences and the only professional theatre in the region devoted entirely to children. In 2025, TCT reopened the restored historic Emery Theater, now the most technologically advanced theater in the country and home to its MainStage productions. Through TCT MainStage, TCT on Tour, and TCT Academy, TCT educates, entertains, and inspires more than 100,000 children and families each year, awakening a lifelong love of theatre in the young and the young at heart. For more information, visit thechildrenstheatre.com.

About the Educational Theatre Foundation
The Educational Theatre Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Educational Theatre Association, whose shared vision is to build a global community of creative problem solvers, effective collaborators and empathetic individuals through theatre. ETF advances the field of educational theatre by broadening representation and increasing access for all. Learn more at foundation.schooltheatre.org. 

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Auditions Announced for A CHRISTMAS CAROL at Stage Right Musical Theatre Company

Stage Right Announces Auditions for A CHRISTMAS CAROL

Williamstown, KY – Stage Right Musical Theatre Company is thrilled to announce auditions for their holiday production of A CHRISTMAS CAROL running December 4-13 at the Williamstown Performing Arts Center.

Audition Information:
Auditions will be held September 5 from 1pm to 4pm at First Love Community Fellowship (930 Curry Ln Dry Ridge, KY 41035)

To Request an audition slot visit: www.stagerightmtc.org/auditions

A CHRISTMAS CAROL by Christopher Barlow, Adapted from Charles Dickens

Rehearsal Dates: November 9 – Dec 3 (Weeknight evening rehearsals and midday rehearsal on the weekend)
Stage Right understands that the majority of our artists are coming from away. We value the time of our artists and work to make sure actors are only called if they are working.
Show Dates: Dec 4 – 13 (Friday – Sunday performances)

A fast-paced, imaginative, and delightfully theatrical reimagining of Charles Dickens’ timeless tale. With inventive staging, playful storytelling, and moments of heartfelt warmth, this version brings new life to the journey of Ebenezer Scrooge as he is visited by spirits who challenge him to rediscover generosity, compassion, and joy. Both faithful to Dickens’ language and bursting with theatrical creativity, Barlow’s adaptation celebrates the magic of redemption and the enduring spirit of the season, reminding us that it’s never too late to change.

Character Descriptions: All Actors must be 18 years old or older. In Barlow’s adaption he takes an approach similar to that of his other show The 39 Steps wherein one actor will take on the role of Scrooge for the entire production while the other 4 actors weave in and out of various roles. This play is not a musical, but may contain light carol singing.

Ebenezer Scrooge: Plays age 50-70. Male presenting actor.

Actors 1-4: Age 18+ Not gender specific. These 4 actors collectively play all other characters in the production. Looking for comedic character actors capable of performing multiple roles distinctly and almost simultaneously.

For Auditions:

  • Current Resume and Headshot
  • You may be asked to participate in cold readings from the script.

For Scrooge: Prepare a memorized 60-second monologue in the style of Scrooge (or your take on him). Selections from A Christmas Carol are permitted (but not required). You may also be asked to participate in a Cold reading from the script.

For Actors 1 – 4: The director is looking for a cohesive ensemble from which to build out this world in a fun and full way. For auditions the director will host cold readings and group improv exercises. We are looking for actors who can create distinct characters through physicality, voice, and performance.

To Request an audition slot visit: www.stagerightmtc.org/auditions

All Roles are paid. Stage Right Musical Theatre Company welcomes and encourages people of backgrounds, identities, and ethnicities to audition. Your unique perspective makes our company stronger. For any questions contact Casting@StageRightMTC.org.

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2026 Fall Season Announced by Sinclair Theatre

Sinclair Theatre’s Fall 2026 Season 
 
Exit the King  
Written by Eugene Ionesco and translated by Donald Watson 
September 9 – 11 
Performance Schedule 
September 9 • 1 PM 
September 10 • 1 PM 
September 11 • 7 PM 
Performances in Sinclair’s Black Box Theatre 
Tickets are FREE 
Directed by Gina Neuerer 
This absurdist drama focuses on King Berenger, grappling with his mortality and letting go of his position and power. This dark and timeless tale comes at a key point in America’s own history. With the 250th anniversary of the nation now past, the many young and inspiring minds that represent the future of our country are asking: “What comes next?” Through this production we encourage everyone to get out and vote – let your voice be heard. 
 
Little Women 
Written by Kate Hamill, adapted from the novel by Louisa May Alcott 
October 9 – 17 
Performances in Sinclair’s Black Box Theatre 
All tickets $10 
Directed by Kimberly Borst 
A refreshing take of a literary classic!  Against the backdrop of the Civil War, the March sisters find themselves at the intersection of authenticity and the pressures they face to be accepted in a war-torn society. Get ready for a production tackling what it takes to grow up, facing a world defined by gender, classism, and personal tragedy. This modern take on Louisa May Alcott’s classic is fit to burst with humor, emotion, and soul. 
 
A Fairy Tale Christmas Carol 
Written by Flip Kobler and Cindy Marcus 
December 10-13 
Performances in Blair Hall Theatre 
All tickets $10 
Directed by Gina Neuerer 
This rendition of Charles Dickens’s holiday tale will huff and puff and knock your socks off as Mother Goose tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, played by the Big Bad Wolf. Enjoy the lessons to be learned as the Ghosts of Christmases Past, Present, and Future help Scrooge understand what a scoundrel he’s been to the Charming family as he learns what the Christmas spirit is all about in this fun-filled fairy tale adaptation, packed with all the warmth and joy of Dickens’s classic. 
 
Sinclair Theatre’s Spring 2027 Musical will be announced at a later date. 
 
Tickets can be purchased online (no at-the-door ticket sales) at www.sinclair.edu/tickets beginning August 10. 

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Auditions Announced for INK Impov and The Made-Up Movie Players

Auditions

Wednesday, August 12
Beginning at 6:00 PM

8 North Center for the Arts
Fort Thomas, Kentucky

Auditions will consist of:

  • Short-form games
  • Organic scenes
  • Premise-based scenes

Auditions will take place in groups of up to eight performers, with each group auditioning for approximately 30 minutes.

Fort Thomas Coffee is right across the street and open until 9:00 PM if you arrive early or want to stick around afterward.

Anyone 18 years of age or older is welcome to audition.

Walk-ins are welcome, though you may need to wait for the next available audition slot.

To reserve your audition time, email inkimprov@gmail.com with:

  • A brief introduction
  • A little about your love of horror, improv, or both
  • Your availability on the evening of auditions
  • Any known rehearsal or performance conflicts

NOW CASTING

  • MUMPs, The Made-Up Movie Players presents…
  • The Made-Up Halloween Horror
  • INK’s seasonal house team is holding auditions!

Do you love horror movies?

Do you love improvisation?

Do you love telling unforgettable stories?

Then we’d love to meet you.

MUMPs (The Made-Up Movie Players) performs fully improvised genre productions live on stage. Inspired by audience suggestions, every performance follows the familiar beats of a classic horror movie while blending cinematic long-form storytelling with short-form games.

Every show is a brand-new horror story.

There is no script. There are no predetermined characters. No two performances will ever be the same.

We’re looking for a cast of 8–12 performers.

You do not need to be a horror expert to audition.

A love of horror movies and their tropes is certainly helpful, but curiosity, commitment, and collaboration matter far more.

…But it can’t hurt.

Rehearsals

  • Rehearsals will be held on Wednesdays, August 19 through September 30, at 8 North Center for the Arts.
  • Attendance at all rehearsals is expected. We understand that life happens, and scheduling conflicts will be handled individually as they arise.

Performances

  • Performances will take place on Thursday and Friday evenings throughout October, from 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM, at 8 North Center for the Arts.
  • These are paid performances.
  • Cast members will also receive performance bonuses when a show sells out (defined as 85% of available tickets sold; complimentary tickets do not count toward sold-out status).

About MUMPs

  • MUMPs, The Made-Up Movie Players, was founded in 1831 by Jerome Fort and Samuel Thomas who continue to run the company today. INK is thrilled to have MUMPs join us as our seasonal movie troupe, producing a new improvised cinematic experience throughout the year.
  • Each production explores a different movie genre or seasonal tradition through improvised storytelling. Following The Made-Up Halloween Horror, MUMPs will return throughout the year with additional productions—including The Made-Up Holiday Classic this December.
  • Each production features a newly assembled cast, creating new opportunities to audition throughout the year.

What is Beat-Prov?

  • Beat-prov is a style of long-form improvisation in which performers create scenes inspired by the familiar beats of a movie genre.
  • Rather than recreating a specific film, the cast creates an entirely original story that feels like it belongs alongside the movies you already know and love.
  • For The Made-Up Halloween Horror, that means building an original horror story—from the opening jump scare to the showdown with the final girl—while remaining faithful to the rhythms, tropes, and expectations that make horror movies so much fun.

Ready to Audition?

Whether you’re a seasoned improviser, a lifelong horror fan, or simply someone looking for your next creative adventure, we’d love to meet you.

inkimprov@gmail.com

Rated R for Ridiculous. 

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CORNER OF THE SKY: The Songs of Stephen Schwartz at Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati Runs Sept. 5-27

CORNER OF THE SKY: The Songs of Stephen Schwartz
Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati
Sept. 5-27
[Over-the-Rhine]

Conceived & created by Scott Coulter

A world premiere of the first theatrical celebration of the legendary Stephen Schwartz songbook, highlighting six decades of songs from the beloved Grammy and Academy Award–winning composer of Wicked, Pippin, Godspell, The Prince of Egypt, and other Broadway and Hollywood classics. Conceived and created by Scott Coulter (CCM ’93), this thrilling and moving musical begins with Stephen’s first hit Broadway song, “Corner of the Sky,” and features the myriad musical ways it led to everything that came after, including “Defying Gravity.”+

  • In preview Sat, Sept. 5 at 7pm
  • In preview Tue, Sept. 8 at 7pm
  • Wed-Fri, Sept. 9-11 at 7:30pm
  • Sat, Sept. 12 at 2pm & 7:30pm
  • Sun, Sept. 13 at 2pm
  • Tue-Fri, Sept. 15-18 at 7:30pm
  • Sat, Sept. 19 at 2pm & 7:30pm
  • Sun, Sept. 20 at 2pm
  • Tue-Fri, Sept. 22-25 at 7:30pm
  • Sat, Sept. 26 at 2pm & 7:30pm
  • Sun, Sept. 27 at 2pm

Official page | Facebook event |

 

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