Monthly Archives: August 2026

THE GUYS at Xavier University Runs Sept. 10-12

THE GUYS
Xavier University – An Xavier University Alumni Theatre Company Production
Sept. 10-12
Xavier Alumni Center Basement Theatre [Evanston]

Directed by Kelsey Schwarber

In the days after the attacks on September 11, 2001, a New York City fire captain seeks help from a writer to create eulogies for the firefighters lost in his unit. As they share stories of courage, humor, and everyday life, the men behind the uniforms come vividly to life, and an unexpected friendship begins to form. Warm, heartfelt, and deeply inspiring, this true story celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and the connections that help us heal. The Guys is a moving and uplifting drama presented to mark the 25th anniversary of September 11.

  • Thu, Feb. 10 at 7:30pm
  • Fri, Sept. 11 at 5pm & 7:30pm
  • Sat, Sept. 12 at 2pm & 7:30pm

Official page

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Auditions Announced for A CHRISTMAS CAROL – A Live Radio Play with Music at Middletown Lyric Theatre

Those who wish to audition must complete an audition form and sign up for an audition timeslot. If you are unable to or no longer wish to audition, please be considerate and cancel (or reschedule) your audition timeslot.
 
A CHRISTMAS CAROL – A Live Radio Play with Music
Directed by Charley Shafor​

AUDITION DATES:

  • Sunday, September 13, 2026 – 1pm – 3pm
  • Monday, September 14, 2026 –  6:30pm – 8:00pm
  • Tuesday, September 15, 2026 –  6:30pm – 8:00pm​

First Meeting: TBD

Rehearsals will be 3-4 times a week beginning in November

You must be CONFLICT FREE: December 18 – 20, 2026

If you love this heart-warming Christmas classic, Christmas carols and the spirit of the season, then this show may be for you.  A shorter rehearsal period than many shows, so this may be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for to bring your talents to the stage.

All auditions are held at:

The SORG Opera House
63 South Main Street
Middletown, Ohio 45044
Enter through the front doors on South Main Street.

SYNOPSIS: Step back in time and experience A Christmas Carol: A Live Radio Play with Music is a heartwarming holiday classic reimagined as a 1940s radio broadcast. As a troupe of voice actors and live foley artists brings Dickens beloved tale to life, the story of Ebenezer Scrooge unfolds with festive charm, ghostly visitations, and a powerful message of redemption. Complete with vintage jingles, live sound effects, and holiday music, this nostalgic, spirited retelling is a magical celebration of community, compassion, and the true meaning of Christmas. Recommended for all ages.

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS:

  • You must complete an audition form & sign up for an audition time slot
  • Cold readings from the script

CHARACTERS:

The following characters are mainly actors but will have the opportunity to do some singing.

  • FREDDIE FILMORE: (age 18 and above)
    voices the characters of: Ebenezer Scrooge
  • JAKE LAURENTS: (age 18 and above)
    voices the characters of: Marley and the Ghost of Christmas Present, Belle’s Husband
  • HARRY “JAZZBO” HAYWOOD: (age 18 & above)
    voices the characters of: Bob Cratchit, Topper, Fezziwig
  • LANA SHERWOOD: (age 18 & above)
    Voices the characters of: The Ghost of Christmas Past, Martha (Cratchit’s daughter)
  • SALLY APPLEWHITE: (age 18 & above)
    Voices the characters of: Fred’s Wife, Belle, Mrs Fezziwig, Mrs Cratchit
  • BILLY NOONAN: (age 9 – 13)
    Little Boy, Young Scrooge & Tiny Tim
  • 4 – 8 CHORUS, CROWD VOICES, & SOUND EFFECTS (13+)This group will sing carols, make sound effects and voice misc. characters. These characters will be from the chorus:
    Char Woman, Second Man, Undertaker, Fred’s Housekeeper, Gentlewoman, Laundress Good Little Girl, Old Joe, Naughty Little Girl, First Man, Plump Sister, Peter & Fan

Official page |

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Auditions Announced for New Members at Cincinnati Sound Chorus

Ready to Ignite Your Voice? Cincinnati Sound Chorus is excited to announce auditions for new members!

If you love to sing and are looking for a community that inspires excellence, friendship, and unforgettable musical experiences, we’d love to meet you. Whether you’re an experienced vocalist or new to barbershop harmony, we’re looking for enthusiastic, coachable singers who are ready to grow as musicians and performers.

Audition Details:

Saturday, August 29
6:30–9:00 PM
Valley Temple
145 Springfield Pike
Wyoming, Ohio 45215

As part of your audition, you’ll prepare and perform one song of your choice a cappella (without accompaniment). Choose a selection that best showcases your voice and musical abilities. No prior barbershop experience is required.

Our audition process is welcoming, supportive, and designed to help you experience everything Cincinnati Sound Chorus has to offer. We’re looking for singers with musical potential, a willingness to learn, and a passion for making music together.Take the first step toward joining an award-winning chorus, performing incredible music, and becoming part of a vibrant community of singers who encourage one another both on and off the risers.

Register today at https://forms.gle/XXmdeZWfDtcLpqTi8 and discover what it means to be part of Cincinnati Sound Chorus. We can’t wait to hear you!

 

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2026-27 Season Opens with Thrilling HEIST and The World Premiere of TALK at Playhouse in the Park

HEIST
Sept. 12 – Oct. 11
Moe and Jack’s Place – The Rouse Theatre  

Inspired by movies like Ocean’s Eleven, this high-tech mystery takes you on a fun and heart-pounding thrill ride. HEIST is directed by the Playhouse’s Osborn Family Producing Artistic Director Blake Robison and is recommended for teenage and adult audiences. Tickets start at $39.   

TALK
Sept. 26  Oct. 25
Rosenthal Shelterhouse Theatre  

This razor-sharp and funny world premiere shines a satirical spotlight on the current media environment. TALK is written by award-winning playwright Theresa Rebeck, a Cincinnati native, and directed by Mêlisa Anis. Recommended for older teenage and adult audiences. Tickets start at $39.   

WHEN: Performances run Tuesday-Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m. with matinee performances at 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.   

WHERE: Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, 962 Mt Adams Cir, 45202  

DETAILSFor more information, visit cincyplay.com or call the box office at 513-421-3888.  

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Ensemble Theatre Presents CORNER OF THE SKY

ENSEMBLE THEATRE CINCINNATI PRESENTS WORLD PREMIERE MUSICAL REVUE
CORNER OF THE SKY: THE SONGS OF STEPHEN SCHWARTZ
SEPTEMBER 5–27, 2026

(Cincinnati, OH) Dream big, defy gravity, and discover the music that has inspired generations. Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati (ETC) opens its 41st Season with the world premiere musical revue Corner of the Sky: The Songs of Stephen Schwartz, featuring music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, the Grammy and Academy Award-winning composer of Wicked, Pippin, Godspell, The Prince of Egypt, and more. Conceived and created by CCM alumnus Scott Coulter, this thrilling new musical celebration showcases five decades of unforgettable songs from one of theater’s most beloved storytellers. Playing September 5–27, 2026 and directed by Vincent DeGeorge. Premiere sponsors are Daniel Brown and Mark Haggard.

Beginning with Schwartz’s breakout Broadway hit, “Corner of the Sky,” this exciting and inspiring musical revue traces the creative journey that led to some of the most iconic songs ever written for the stage and screen, including “Defying Gravity” and countless other favorites. Filled with beloved Broadway classics and surprising discoveries, Corner of the Sky: The Songs of Stephen Schwartz offers audiences an intimate look at the artistry, imagination, and heart behind a legendary body of work. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of Wicked and Pippin or discovering Schwartz’s music for the first time, this uplifting musical event celebrates the power of dreams, perseverance, and finding your own corner of the sky.

“Spectacular is the only way I can describe this production,” says ETC’s Producing Artistic Director D. Lynn Meyers. “What a spectacular opportunity to experience the evolution of these songs that have enriched our lives for five decades. Cincinnati is about to be THE spot for an exceptional world premiere about the songs of Stephen Schwartz. We’re honored that Stephen Schwartz and Scott Coulter chose ETC for this show, and that Stephen plans to attend! We could all use something limitless right now, so we’re thrilled to open our 41st Season with this a production that promises to be the can’t-miss event of the year!”

The cast includesJohn Boswell as The Songwriter and Klea Blackhurst, Chris Blem, Kenneth Early, Chanduni Herath, Jordyn Amani Jones, Gavin Poronsky, and Sydney Short as The Singers.

Production team: Vincent DeGeorge (Director & Choreographer), Brian c. Mehring (Resident Scenic & Lighting Designer), John Boswell (Music Director), Scott Coulter (Vocal Director & Arranger), Cat Schmeal-Swope (Costume Designer), Jake Tillman and Danille Lobello (Co-Sound Designers), Becca Schall (Projections Designer), Shannon Rae Lutz (Properties Curator & Design Assistant), Jacob Dowell (Technical Director), Margot Whitney (Production Stage Manager), and Lexi Muller (Assistant Stage Manager).

Performance Information
Performances Tuesday-Saturday at 7:30 pm; Saturday and Sunday at 2:00 pm. A complete calendar of performances
is available at www.ensemblecincinnati.org.

Ticket Prices
Tickets start at $22 for adults; student and children are half the cost of adult tickets. Half-Price Rush Tickets: All
remaining tickets for the current day’s performance(s) are available two hours prior to each show time for half-price
(discount only applies to adult tickets) when purchasing by phone or in person.

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2026–2027 Season Presenting Sponsor is The LKC 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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