Monthly Archives: September 2026

September 30, 2026 · 5:12 pm

Auditions Announced for SANTA PHOBIA at Xenia Area Community Theatre

SANTAPHOBIA by Kamron Klitgaard

Directed by Melissa Baughn

A Family Friendly Christmas show!

Synopsis: Alice Gruber, a wealthy widow, must cure her estranged children of their fear of Santa Claus in order to redeem her and her late husband’s souls. She offers each of her grown children and their families, a portion of her vast estate if they will, but spend Christmas Eve with her in the Gruber mansion. But each sibling is determined to scare the others away so that they can keep the entire fortune for themselves (Scooby Doo style!) but instead of ghosts, they use the fear of Santa to do their scaring. After an action packed night of fake Santa scaring, booby traps, and a visit from the real Santa Claus, Alice must break her promise and reveal her late husband’s dreadful secret so that the family can finally learn the true meaning of Christmas.

Cast of characters

  • Alice Gruber – female, matriarch of the Gruber family
  • Winston – male, the butler
  • Charles Gruber – male, the oldest Gruber sibling
  • Maggi – female, married to Charles
  • Sandra – female, snotty, teenage daughter of Charles and Maggi
  • Lorena – female, goofy teenage daughter of Charles and Maggi
  • George Gruber – male, middle Gruber sibling
  • Nellie – female, married to George
  • Ricky – male, loud preteen son to George and Nellie
  • Cindy – female, loud preteen daughter to George and Nellie
  • Ma Bee – female, crusty old grandma of Ricky and Cindy
  • Nancy Gruber – female, youngest Gruber sibling
  • Paul – male, married to Nancy
  • Santa – male, the real thing (non-speaking)

Ages listed are approximate – the younger children may be aged 7-12 presenting

Auditions will be Monday, October 5 and Tuesday October 6 at 7 pm at Xenia Area Community Theatre front lobby. You need only attend one audition day. If you would like to audition, but are unable to attend those dates, please email Melodee at kirkmel@msn.com asap. We look forward to seeing you at auditions!

Production dates: Dec. 4-13

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September 30, 2026 · 5:12 pm

Fri, Oct. 30th: The Anti-Pestilence League Presents…!

As part of Know Theatre of Cincinnati’s second annual octKNOWber Nights event, The Anti-Pestilence League (or The APL) will be offering audience members a twin bill of “Wicked and Whimsy” with their live performance of two classic radio play episodes: INNER SANCTUM MYSTERIES: Terror By Night and MY FAVORITE HUSBAND: Halloween Surprise Party.

Terror is an eerie tale of a lone motorist who gets a lot more than she bargained for one stormy evening while Party tells the story of a couple who can’t understand why they have been excluded from their friends’ Halloween celebration.
This Samhain-inspired evening will feature the talents of Karolina Prokop, Jeremiah Plessinger, Faith Von Handorf, Lisa Dirkes, Kelly Hale, and the incomparable Bill Keeton. Directed by Katrina M. Reynolds.

Tickets can be purchased here. Costumes are not required but are absolutely acceptable – tis All Hallow’s Eve Eve, after all!

The Anti-Pestilence League was born out of artistic frustration during the beginning stages of COVID-19. Harley Quinn Studios decided to gather a group of artists to perform old-timey radio dramas (and comedies!) as a way to entertain themselves while keeping a safe distance from one another. While the group began with recordings, the goal was always to incorporate live performances when the world was safe enough to accommodate them. APL Commissioner and Founder of Harley Quinn Studios Katrina M. Reynolds, a life-long fan of radio plays, has always enjoyed using her voice for both good and evil; therefore, she and this COVID baby were the perfect match. Featuring the talents of regular company members such as Jeremiah Plessinger and Karolina Prokop as well as some warmly welcomed guest artists, the APL lives up to Harley Quinn Studios’ mantra in providing a space “where the voices in your head come to play”. 

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September 30, 2026 · 5:10 pm

Cast Announced for AMERICAN CHRISTMAS CAROL at Harrison Center for the Arts

Harrison Center for the Arts announces the cast for their upcoming production of AMERICAN CHRSITMAS CAROL.

The cast: 

  • Kent Smith as Scrooge
  • Samatha Korn-Kersey as Martha Cratchit/Belle
  • Matthew Thomas as Mr. Fezziwig/Old Joe/James (Fred’s Party)/Montage
  • Lauren Neeley as Mrs. Cratchit/Montage/Fezziwig’s Party
  • Morgan Garcia as Miranda/Mrs. Dean/Montage/Fezziwig’s Party
  • Corey Meyer as Young/Career Scrooge/William (Fred’s Party)/Montage
  • Dave Ludwick as Jacob Marley/Jonas Klein/Montage/Fezziwig’s Party/Fred’s Party
  • Meghan Moore as Virginia McLean/Mrs. Fezziwig/Mrs. Dilber/Fred’s Party/Montage
  • Mike Neeley as Bob Cratchit/Montage
  • Mike Meymann as Fred Holloway/Fezziwig Guest/Montage.
  • Dylan Kersey as Samuel Drake/CNO Soldier/Fezziwigs Employee
  • Corbani Ridel as Caroline Klein/Fezziwig’s Party/Montage
  • Antonio Mumfrey as Christmas Past/Present & Future
  • Maya Washington as Fan/Cook/Fred’s Party Guest/Mildred
  • Shelby Morcher as Ellen Cratchit/Fezziwigs Party Guest/Rose
  • Archer Neeley as Child/Boy Scrooge
  • Storytellers: Samantha Korn-Kersey, Matthew Thomas, Lauren Neeley, Morgan Garcia, Corey Meyer, Dave Ludwick, Meghan Moore, Mike Neeley, Mike Meymann, Dylan Kersey, Corbani Radel & Antonio Mumfrey

Written and directed by Mary Klopfstein Lenning

Performances run Dec. 4-6 at Broadway Commons in Harrison, Ohio.

For tickets or more information, visit www.harrisoncenterforthearts.org.

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September 29, 2026 · 5:18 pm

MADE IN CINCY NEW WORKS FESTIVAL at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park Runs Oct. 2-3

 

MADE IN CINCINNATI NEW WORKS FESTIVAL
Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park 
Oct. 2-3
[Eden Park]

Made in Cincy: New Works Festival successfully piloted in May with plays by Nathan Alan Davis, Maggie Lou Rader and Isaiah Reaves. All the play readings were sold out with waiting lists, and the audiences engaged in conversations with the playwrights, contributing to this critical stage in development. It was a testament that our community shows up for artists and for new work.

All readings and the panel discussion are free, but advance reservations are required. Parking may be reserved and purchased in advance at a discounted rate.

  • OPHELIA’S GHOST by Amy Berryman
    Staged reading and post-show discussion with the playwright
    Oct. 2 at 5pm
  • THE BEST LITTLE CAT HOUSE IN SCAB HOLLER by Maggie Lou Rader
    Staged reading and post-show discussion with the playwright
    Oct. 3 at 11am
  • FESTIVAL PANEL DISCUSSION 
    With playwrights Amy Berryman, Tony Meneses and Maggie Lou Radar
    Oct. 3 at 2pm
  • THE MYTH OF THE TWO MARCOS by Tony Meneses
    Staged reading and post-show discussion with the playwright
    Oct. 3 at 5pm

Official page |

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September 29, 2026 · 5:18 pm

Celebration of Life for Liz Coley On Oct. 25th

Join us for a special evening honoring the life, artistry, and legacy of Liz Coley, a cherished playwright, educator, and member of the ETC family. Through readings of her work and reflections from friends, collaborators, and fellow artists, we will celebrate the creativity, compassion, and passion she brought to Cincinnati’s theater community.

This gathering is an opportunity to remember Liz’s lasting impact, share stories, and experience the powerful work she leaves behind. Together, we’ll honor a beloved artist whose voice, generosity, and spirit continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her.

  • Sun, Oct. 25 at 5pm

Admission is free, but registration is recommended.

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