Monthly Archives: August 2026

CCM Prep Classes Available for Grades 3-7

COME TRAIN AT CCM PREP

Does your 3rd-7th grade child like to sing, dance and act? Well then, they belong in our Musical Theatre Apprentice Cohort! We designed our Apprentice Cohort to cultivate young, talented performers into confident individuals! Through the magic of song, dance, and acting, plus supportive collaboration, students will develop teamwork, public speaking, and creative thinking skills while building self-esteem. Each week, experienced professional musical theatre, acting, and dance instructors will teach the art of auditioning, memorization, vocal technique, choreography, character development, and improvisation. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or new to the arts, our program will help empower the natural storyteller in your child. So, join us, and let’s make some magic together!

On the first day of class, registered students will meet in 3640 Corbett Center to participate in a “diagnostic” or placement. For MT Vocal Tech, they will be required to go through some harmony holding and solo singing with the teachers. For MT Dance, they will go through a dance class that evaluates their technical foundation up to that point, as well as their ability to pick up choreography. For Actjng, they will participate in acting exercises that allow our instructors to gauge their experience, confidence, maturity, skill, etc. After this initial class, our teachers will then divide students into with the SPOTLIGHT group or the OVATION group. The SPOTLIGHT classes will function as more of introductory exploration and work to nurture a love for the art form. The OVATION classes will function as more challenging, in-depth exploration and work to push students who are ready and looking for a true pre-professional experience. Age, maturity, experience, skill, as well as other factors will all play a part in how students are divided. We are confident that by providing two differing “tracks” for our MTAC cohort, we will be better able to serve each student and promote their growth and success.

Register for all three classes to get a bundled class discount (all should be in your registration cart at the same time to activate the discount).

Acting for the Stage

Students will be encouraged to expand on their performance skills to create characters with depth and motivation, work as an ensemble and individually, and use their basic knowledge of theatre vocabulary to interpret the essentials of a scene. Movement will also be a big part of this class. In this discipline, actors practice exercises, explorations and improvisations that improve their physical storytelling and practice their ability to transform into different characters. In movement classes we also practice the observation of the world around you and actor research by moving the body. Each student will leave the class with new skills and ready to take on their next performance!

  • Suggested Ages: 8-13 years old
  • Grades: 3-8 graders
  • Attire: Comfortable clothing that does not restrict movement.
  • Faculty: Ria Villaver-Collins OR Deondra Means

Musical Theatre Apprentice Cohort Bundled Discount: This class is part of the Musical Theatre Apprentice Cohort. Students registered in all three of the classes listed below will receive a bundled discount when registering:

Musical Theatre Dance

The classes develop the “dancing actor” by working on characterization through movement and choreography. Classes consist of a jazz or ballet warm-up, floor stretches, isolations and center combinations incorporating jazz, tap, ballet, folk, social/partner and lyrical dance steps in forms that are frequently used in musical theatre productions and plays. 

  • Attire: Dance appropriate clothing that doesn’t restrict movement
  • Hair: All hair should be styled up
  • Grades: 3-8 graders
  • Suggested Ages: 8-13
  • Faculty: Karie-Lee Dentino OR Jon Caspian

Musical Theatre Apprentice Cohort Bundled Discount: This class is part of the Musical Theatre Apprentice Cohort. Students registered in all three of the classes listed below will receive a bundled discount when registering:

Musical Theatre Techniques

Do you have a child who loves to sing and dance? Or a child who wants to come out of their shell? In this class, we will use theatre techniques like group sing-a-longs, dancing, and tongue twisters to help students become more confident speaking in a group setting while making friends! This musical theatre class combines singing, acting and musical theatre dance, promoting confidence, discipline, basic vocal technique, improvisation ability, and teaching young performers all about life on the stage! 

  • Attire: Dance appropriate clothing that doesn’t restrict movement
  • Hair: All hair should be styled up
  • Grades: 3-8 graders
  • Suggested Ages: 8-13
  • Faculty: Xan Jeffery or Elijah Medsker

Musical Theatre Apprentice Cohort Bundled Discount: This class is part of the Musical Theatre Apprentice Cohort. Students registered in all three of the classes listed below will receive a bundled discount when registering:

Additionally, award-winning composer David Kisor (you may have seen his work at The Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati or The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati) will be workshopping one of his brand new musicals with members of our apprentice cohort during classes that will culminate in a filmed performance of the piece! This is such an incredible opportunity for our young performers and we couldn’t be more excited about it! 
 
Registration is now open and we hope to see you again at CCM Prep this year! See the link below:

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FIREBRINGER at CenterStage Players Runs Sept. 18-26

FIREBRINGER
CenterStage Players
Sept. 18-26
CASA [Avondale]

Directed by Ellis Quinne
Produced by Jane Culp

Cast: Erica Beimesche as Jamila, Lauren Davidson as Zazzalil, Caroline Conard as Emberly, Jun Holubeck as Grunt, Christine Gallagher as Molag, Anna Wesselman as Keeri, Zoë Peterson as Swoopsie, Joanna Glispie as Chorn, Allison Kalfas as Tiblyn, ames Hummeldorf as Smelly Balls, John Sloan as Ducker & Jessica Rychlik as Spark
Ensemble: Jodi Zerbe & Molly Leonard

At the dawn of humanity, one tribe of cave-people survives the many trials of prehistoric life under the wise leadership of Jemilla, The Peacemaker. Jemilla taught her people to express themselves, rather than bashing each others’ heads with rocks and eating each others’ babies. But one member of the tribe doesn’t seem to fit in: Zazzalil. She’s always trying to invent things to make life easier… for herself. While out hatching her latest scheme, Zazzalil stumbles upon the most important discovery in history. One that will pit her tribe against wooly mammoths, saber-toothed tigers, and change the world forever. She’ll travel from omega to alpha, and become… the Firebringer!

  • Fri-Sat, Sept. 18-19* at 7:30pm (*understudy performance)
  • Sun, Sept. 20 at 2pm
  • Thu-Sat, Sept. 24-26 at 7:30pm

Official page |

 

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DARE TO DREAM JR at Kincaid Regional Theatre Runs Sept. 18-20

DARE TO DREAM JR
Kincaid Regional Theatre
Sept. 18-20
[Falmouth, Ky.]

Directed by Christina Jeans

DARE TO DREAM JR. is a vibrant musical revue that weaves together timeless classics, contemporary favorites, and reimagined medleys to celebrate a century of Disney magic. An eager group of young trainees attend their first day at a fictional Walt Disney Imagineering Studio, where they must first discover their own dreams in order to help others achieve theirs. The team works together to explore the power of dreams to unite, inspire, and make anything possible. Featuring songs from 24 Disney films, including Tangled, The Lion King, Toy Story, The Princess and the Frog, and Encanto, this musical revue is jam-packed with show-stopping dance numbers, new twists on classic songs, and a powerful message that will surprise and delight Disney lovers of all ages.

  • Fri-Sat, Sept. 18-19 at 7pm
  • Sun, Sept. 20 at 2:30pm

Official page | Facebook event |

 

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Auditions Announced for THE LION IN WINTER at Mariemont Players Inc.

Ready to wear the crown and plot your way to the top? 👑⚔️

Mariemont Players is holding auditions for James Goldman’s sharp, gripping historical drama, THE LION IN WINTER.

Set during a ruthless Christmas gathering where King Henry II and Queen Eleanor maneuver for power, this show crackles with intelligence, ambition, and intense dialogue. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or stepping onto the stage for the first time, all identities, abilities, and experience levels are warmly welcomed!

The Quick Details:

🗓Audition Dates: Sept 21 & 22, 2026 (7:00 PM – 9:00 PM)

📍Location: Mariemont Players (4101 Walton Creek Rd, Cincinnati, OH)

📝Rehearsals: Begin January 2027

🎭Show Dates: March 4–21, 2027

Expect “warm” readings from the script—no memorization required! Just bring your theatrical résumé (headshot appreciated, but not mandatory) and a list of any scheduling conflicts for the rehearsal season.

Head over to our website to sign up for your audition slot, grab the script sides, and read the full character breakdowns! 👇

https://www.mariemontplayers.com/auditions/winterauditions

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Auditions Announced for ELF JR. at Harmony Arts Theatre

ELF JR. at Harmony Arts Theatre
For students grades 1st-8th

Sept. 4 from 6-8pm
Sept. 5 from 5-8pm

New Hope Community Church – 3707 Edgewood Dr, Cincinnati, OH 45211

  • Please select ONE audition time slot when signing up. Each 10-minute time slot will include up to 5 students. Audition slot signups.
  • Please arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled audition time to check in and complete a short pre-audition form.
  • If your child has a resume and headshot, please bring a printed copy of each to auditions. These are encouraged if available, but are not required! No need to create or purchase a professional headshot or resume specifically for this audition.

What Will Auditions Look Like?

We want auditions to be fun, simple, and as stress-free as possible!

During their audition, each student will:

  • Slate — State their name and which song they will be singing.
  • Sing — Perform their selected song cut using the provided backing track.
  • Read — Perform one or more of the provided acting sides.

And then they’re finished!

Elf Jr. is a NO-CUT production! Every student who auditions will receive a role. Auditions simply help our production team determine the best role for each performer.

What to Prepare

Please prepare ONE of the provided song selections and the designated cut:

  • World’s Greatest Dad
  • Never Fall in Love with an Elf
  • There Is a Santa Claus
  • A Christmas Song (title of the song, not just any Christmas song LOL!)

We will provide and play the backing tracks during auditions. Students are welcome to use lyrics while singing if needed.

Students should also familiarize themselves with the provided acting sides. Sides do NOT need to be memorized. Copies will be provided in the audition room.

AUDITION MATERIALS: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1UBtOthrpRzTcda2thqdz90eZifBQb_s1?usp=drive_link

Conflicts

  • Please come prepared to provide ALL known conflicts from September through December on your pre-audition form.
  • Because we rehearse only once a week, knowing conflicts ahead of time is extremely helpful when planning rehearsals and casting.

Rehearsal Schedule

  • Our first rehearsal will be Friday, September 11!
  • Regular rehearsals will be held: Fridays | 6:00–8:00 PM
    As we get closer to performances, rehearsals will extend to 6:00–9:00 PM in lieu of a traditional tech week.

Most rehearsals and all performances will take place at:

New Vision Church – 220 Sunset Ave., Harrison, OH 45030

Some rehearsals may take place at New Hope Community Church. If this is necessary, families will be notified in advance.

Performance Dates

We will have THREE performances:

  • Friday, December 18 | 7:30 PM
  • Saturday, December 19 | 3:00 PM
  • Saturday, December 19 | 7:00 PM

Please make sure your child is available for all three performances before signing up.

Cast List
The cast list will be announced Sunday, September 6 at approximately 10:00 AM!
Remember: everyone who auditions will be cast! 🎉

Participation Fee
There is a $65 participation fee per student, due on the day of auditions.

Participation fees allow Harmony Arts Theater to continue creating affordable and accessible productions for our young performers. These funds go directly back into the production and help us provide:

  • Costumes
  • Scripts as needed
  • Sets and props
  • Technical equipment and upgrades
  • Production materials
  • And so much more!

If paying the full participation fee on audition day is not possible for your family, please reach out. We are happy to work with you to create a payment plan.

Financial circumstances should never prevent a child from participating in theater with us.

Costumes
We try to provide as much of each student’s costume as possible.

There may be some basic pieces families are asked to provide that your child may already own, such as winter coats, basic everyday clothing, shoes, or other simple wardrobe basics.

Any items families are asked to provide will be clearly communicated once costumes are finalized.

If providing a requested costume piece is not possible, please let us know! We will happily work with your family to find another option.

Questions?

If you have any questions about auditions, rehearsals, participation fees, costumes, or anything else, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

Harmony Arts Theater
harmonyartstheater@gmail.com
We can’t wait to see everyone at auditions and get started on Elf Jr.!

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