Monthly Archives: October 2026

AHS Presents PIPPIN – Opening Nov. 13

Anderson Theatre Presents Pippin in November

Framed in the world of performance and acrobatics, Pippin shatters the fourth wall as a troupe of traveling players invite audiences into the world of a young prince in search of the meaning of life. Pippin is heir to the throne and he seeks glory and honor through war and political power. When he usurps his father, however, his beliefs about life and leadership start to unravel.

Pippin was originally directed and choreographed by Bob Fosse (Chicago), earning him his first two Tony Awards, with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz (Wicked). This production uses the 2013 Tony-Award winning Broadway revival version. With songs like the sultry and mysterious opening number “Magic to Do,” the inspiring “Morning Glow,” and the optimistic yearning of Pippin’s “Corner of the Sky,” teens and adults will not want to miss this exciting production.

Performances are November 13-15, and tickets are $15 (or $10 for students and seniors when ordered ahead of time!). Visit AndersonTheatre.com for more details and links to purchase your tickets online.

Performances are November 13-15, and tickets are $15 (with limited $10 pricing online). Visit AndersonTheatre.com for more details!

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JAMMING ON THE JOB – LIVE, Featuring 123 Andrés Pierce Freelon | April 17, 2027 | Aronoff Center

JAMMING ON THE JOB – LIVE

Featuring 2024 Grammy-Winners and Grammy-Nominee
for Best Children’s Music Album: 123 Andrés and Pierce Freelon

April 17, 2027
Aronoff Center – Jarson-Kaplan Theater

Tickets on sale now!

[Cincinnati, OH] – The hit podcast from PBS KIDS, “Jamming on the Job,” will turn into an interactive live show when it plays the Aronoff Center’s Jarson-Kaplan Theater on Saturday, April 17, 2027, at 10:30 AM & 1:30 PM. The fun and educational family-friendly event is part of the Cincinnati Arts Association’s 2026-27 Season. 

Tickets are currently on sale at www.CincinnatiArts.org, (513) 621-ARTS [2787], and the Aronoff Center Ticket Office. For group sales (10 or more), call (513) 977-4155.

This live, fully interactive show features the three original characters from the podcast – Andrés, Christina ,and BoomBox, played by Pierce Freelon – and brings to life songs and storylines from the from “Jamming on the Job.” Just like the podcast, the trio hops on their tour bus and travels from place to place, making music. But in the live show, when they encounter a problem, the trio will need the audience to help. Kids will be singing along, shouting out answers, teaming up with their grown-ups, and wiggling with silly dance moves. 

The learning goal of the live show and podcast is for kids to learn about jobs and careers in which opportunities are growing, and that go beyond the stereotypical list of jobs kids are already familiar with. For example, kids who are fascinated by firetrucks will learn about fire managers, who work in forests to prevent uncontrolled forest fires. In a fast-changing world, Jamming on the Job – LIVE strongly emphasizes deeply human skills and traits – like teamwork, critical thinking, flexibility, and creativity – that will be essential no matter how the future evolves. 

“At a time when AI is reshaping the job market, it’s vital to equip kids with the skills to imagine, prepare for, and create tomorrow’s jobs,” says Pierce. “Jamming on the Job – LIVE helps kids explore careers – with a beat!”

During the live show, kids participate by taking on the role of the featured jobs to help the characters solve problems and get unstuck. When the trio sings “Stick with It” for example, the audience will be play-acting as wind turbine service technicians who show perseverance instead of giving up. 

“On the podcast and at the live show, our goal is for kids to find out about cool careers and know they are capable of having any of these jobs in the future if they want to,” says Andrés. 

The “Jamming on the Job” podcast continues PBS KIDS’ legacy of high-quality and thoughtful educational content for young children. It has been a hit with families, with over 26 million streams across podcast platforms. Every aspect was developed in consultation with PBS KIDS educational experts. For example, the careers were carefully selected to represent a range of industries, job types, and required levels of education. The podcast earned “Best Podcast of the Year for Kids” by Common Sense Media in 2023 and an “Excellence in Early Learning Digital Media Honor” from the American Library Association in 2024. 

The performers also have a storied trajectory in kids’ music. Pierce Freelon is a 2024 Grammy® nominee for “Best Children’s Music Album,” and 123 Andrés (Christina Sanabria and Andrés Salguero) are 2024 Grammy® winners in the same category. Just like their characters on the show, 123 Andrés and Pierce Freelon tour nationally, performing for kids and families at some of the country’s most recognized venues and festivals.

Following Jamming on the Job – LIVE performances in cities including Los Angeles, CA, Austin, TX, and Durham, NC, the Aronoff Center performances will mark the first time the show makes a stop in Ohio. “We’re thrilled that Jamming on the Job – LIVE is coming to the Aronoff Center,” says Christina. “The Aronoff Center is recognized as a world-class venue, and they’re committed to putting on age-appropriate events for kids, so families can have that magical ‘theater experience’ together.”

ABOUT PIERCE FREELON
Pierce Freelon is a Grammy®-nominated artist, picture book author, and podcaster. His Grammy®-nominated children’s music albums AnceStars and Black to the Future have been featured on NPR, Billboard, and The Today Show. Pierce is the co-creator of the PBS Kids podcast “Jamming on the Job” and the voice of its beat master Boombox. He also co-created the Emmy-winning PBS web series Beat Making Lab. He is the author of two children’s picture books with Little, Brown Books for Young Readers – Daddy and Me: Side by Side (2023) and Daddy-Daughter Day (2022). Pierce is a dad to two creative and hilarious kids, loves reading Octavia Butler books with his wife of eighteen years, and is proud that he can still dunk a basketball in his 40s!

ABOUT 123 ANDRÉS
123 Andrés are Andrés and Christina, the Grammy®- and Latin Grammy®-winning, husband-wife music duo. Both native Spanish-speakers, they tour the US and Latin America performing for thousands of children and families each year, in Spanish and English. They have published five bilingual children’s picture books with Scholastic and recently received their plaque from YouTube for surpassing ten million subscribers on their channel. Their songs are incorporated in lesson plans for early learners at schools across the US and Latin America.

ABOUT THE “JAMMING ON THE JOB” PODCAST
In each episode of this music-infused podcast, produced by PBS-NC for PBS KIDS, kids and families learn about a different fascinating job. Listeners join Christina, Andrés, and BoomBox, as they tour the country performing concerts. But at every stop, they run into an obstacle that threatens to derail the show! The trio jumps into problem-solving mode and meets a grownup with an interesting job who can help them along their way. As they learn about the inspiring career-of-the-day and the skills needed to be successful in that job, Christina, Andrés, and BoomBox solve the big problem and compose an original song about their new friend’s job.

Stream the “Jamming on the Job” podcast on the PBS KIDS website, YouTube, Spotify, or anywhere you find podcasts.

Cincinnati Arts Association SPONSORS 

The Cincinnati Arts Association is supported [in part] by an investment of public funds from the Ohio Arts Council (OAC). The OAC is a state agency that funds and supports quality arts experiences to strengthen Ohio communities culturally, educationally, and economically.

Season Sponsors:  AMERITAS (Founding Season Sponsor), MIAMI UNIVERSITY, ARTSWAVE, LOCAL 12 WKRC-TV, PROCTER & GAMBLE, TRIHEALTH 

SEASON PRESENTING SPONSORS:  21C Museum Hotel, altafiber, Bahl & Gaynor, CityBeat, Harlan Graphics, Heidelberg Distributing, Kinley Cincinnati, The Party Source, Pepsi, Summerfair Cincinnati

#  #  #

CALENDAR INFORMATION

WHAT:                Jamming on the Job – LIVE

                             featuring 123 Andrés and Pierce Freelon

WHEN:                Saturday, April 17, 2027 – 10:30 AM & 1:30 PM

WHERE:              Aronoff Center – Jarson-Kaplan Theater

PRICES:               Start at $20.75, inclusive of all fees 

RUNTIME:          60 minutes, with no intermission

INFO:                   The live, fully interactive show features the three original characters from the podcast “Jamming on the Job” – Andrés, Christina, and BoomBox, played by Pierce Freelon – and brings to life songs and storylines from “Jamming on the Job.” Just like the podcast, the trio hops on their tour bus and travels from place to place, making music. But in the live show, when they encounter a problem, the trio will need the audience to help. Kids will be singing along, shouting out answers, teaming up with their grown-ups, and wiggling with silly dance moves. 


TICKET INFORMATION – on sale now

  • www.CincinnatiArts.org
  • (513) 621-ARTS [2787]
  • Aronoff Center Ticket Office
  • Group sales (10 or more): (513) 977-4155

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Auditions Announced for RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER (Junior Edition) and ANNIE (Kids Edition) at Fitton Stage Academy

FITTON STAGE ACADEMY ANNOUNCES AUDITIONS

Hamilton, OH – After a successful pilot production in February, the Fitton Stage Academy returns to the Fitton Center for Creative Arts this fall, offering interested young theater artists an opportunity for a hands-on learning experience by being part of a live musical performance.

The Fitton Stage Academy now offers two different age groups – 5 to 8 and 9 to 13 – each of whom will put on their own show in early December. We are looking for casts of about 20 student artists in each production.

Auditions run 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, October 29, at the Fitton Center. The younger age group will perform Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (Junior Edition), while the older group performs Annie (Kids Edition). 

Younger auditionees should prepare 16 to 32 bars of their favorite Christmas carol; the older age group should sing 16-32 bars from either “Tomorrow” or “You’re never Fully Dressed Without a Smile.” Children in either age group may sing with a track or a capella (with no accompaniment).

Signups and additional audition information are available online right here.

Fitton Stage Academy productions not only rehearse and perform children’s versions of popular musicals, students also learn fundamental elements of stagecraft like movement, dance, costumes, makeup, sound, lighting and more.

Rehearsals typically will run 4 to 5 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays for the younger cast and 5 to 6:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays for the older cast starting November 2. Technical and dress rehearsals run 4-5 p.m. and 5-6:30 p.m. Monday, November 30, Tuesday, December 1, and Wednesday, December 2. (Parents will receive a specific breakdown of the rehearsal schedule after casts are selected.)

Performances for Rudolph take place at noon Saturday, December 5, and 1 p.m. Sunday, December 6.  Annie performances run at 2 p.m. Saturday, December 5, and 3 p.m. Sunday, December 6. 

Performance tickets for both shows cost $12* for Fitton Center members, $15* for non-members and will be available online at www.fittoncenter.org, by phone at 513-863-8873, ext. 110 and in person at the Fitton Center box office. (* Plus a $3 service fee per ticket.)
 
Cost to participate in the Fitton Stage Academy is $170 per student for Fitton Center members, $190 for non-members. The Stage Academy’s all-in pricing covers any and all instruction and rehearsal time, show licensing, professional rehearsal tracks and costuming expenses for each production. Scholarships are available for participants who many need assistance; scholarship recipients are confidential.) There is no cost to audition for either production. Fees are due from cast members by the first rehearsal. 

The Fitton Stage Academy employs theater professionals and educators, all fully background checked and cleared to work with children. Amanada Marasch-Brinkman – a veteran educator, director and performer – serves as Fitton Stage Academy Associate Producer overseeing the program. Please contact her with any additional questions at FSA@fittoncenter.org.

The Fitton Center for Creative Arts is located at 101 S. Monument Avenue on the Riverfront in downtown Hamilton, Ohio.

Building Community Excellence through the Arts and Culture

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Auditions Announced for A DOLL’S HOUSE at Xenia Area Community Theater

A DOLL’S HOUSE by Henrik Ibsen

Directed by Anna Blair

Synopsis: An ordinary family finds their lives disrupted by past crimes that threaten to come to light. Over the course of one Christmas Eve, secrets are revealed, illusions shattered, and difficult decisions are made. In this classic Norwegian play written in 1879, the themes of personal agency and living authentically remain shockingly relevant to audiences today.

CAST OF CHARACTERS:

  • NORA HELMER: a seemingly content housewife who would be happy to have plenty of money and no worries. But when she must take drastic measures to preserve her family, can she be more than just the pretty doll everyone assumes her to be?
  • TORVALD HELMER: on the surface, a doting husband and scrupulous bank manager who values appearances and propriety.
  • DR. RANK: a close family friend who treats Nora as an intelligent person capable of making her own choices, instead of a fragile doll.
  • CHRISTINE LINDE: a childhood friend of Nora’s. She is pragmatic, choosing security over romance, which has left her feeling empty.
  • NILS KROGSTAD: one of Torvald’s employees. Both of the Helmers have their own reasons for disliking him, which he exploits to improve his own situation.
  • ANNE MARIE: Nora’s childhood nanny, who is now nanny to Nora’s own children. She is a mother figure to Nora, and perhaps the only person who fully understands the difficult choices Nora has to make.
Auditions will be held Monday, Nov 9 and Tuesday, Nov 10 at 7pm at Xenia Area Community Theater front lobby. You need only attend one audition day. If you would like to audition, but are unable to attend those dates, please email Anna at anna.blair.97@gmail.com

We look forward to seeing you at auditions!

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Auditions Announced for NOISES OFF at La Comedia Dinner Theatre

La Comedia Dinner Theatre in Springboro, Ohio, is holding an open call audition for its upcoming production of NOISES OFF on Saturday, November 7 at 9:00 a.m. at 765 W. Central Ave., Springboro, Ohio.

Called “the funniest farce ever written,” Noises Off presents a manic menagerie of itinerant actors rehearsing a flop called Nothing’s On. Slamming doors, on and offstage, intrigue, and an errant herring all figure in the plot of this hilarious, high-energy comedy. Chaotic slapstick and physical comedy reigns as forgotten lines, misplaced props, and love triangles make it nearly impossible for the show to go on. Everything that can go wrong does, and with a rotating set showing the antics both onstage and backstage–there is nowhere to hide.

Noises Off is a physically demanding show. Actors that are considering auditioning for this production should be in good physical shape. We are looking for hard-working, physical actors who can commit to the upbeat, in the moment style of the play and fully inhabit the characters with an understanding of comedy.
We encourage and welcome all race/ethnicity/nationalities to audition for any role that interests them.

Seeking:

  • Dotty Otley – A middle-aged television star and one of the principal investors in the play-within-the-play.
  • Lloyd Dallas – Male, the temperamental, exacting director of the play within a play Nothing On.
  • Garry Lejeune – Male; the play’s leading man, a solid actor prone to stuttering and jealousy.
  • Brooke Ashton – Female; A young, inexperienced actress who is oblivious to the chaos around her.
  • Poppy Norton Taylor – Female; Assistant Stage Manager and understudy to female roles, emotional and skittish.
  • Frederick (Freddie) Fellowes – Male; a well-meaning but insecure actor who struggles with his lines and the unfolding drama.
  • Belinda Blair – Female; cheerful, sensible, and the company’s peacemaker.
  • Selsdon Mowbray – Male; elderly, half deaf “pro” actor with a long career and a drinking problem.
  • Tim Allgood – Male; over worked, flustered Stage Manager.
Please provide a current headshot and resume. Prepare 60 second (or less) comedic monologue and be prepared to do cold reads from the show.

All rehearsals and performances take place in Springboro, OH.

Rehearsals: December 21,22,23,26,27,28,29,30,31, Jan 2,3,4 (9 AM – 6 PM).

Tech: January 5-7.

Performances: January7-February 7. Thurs-Sun matinees and evenings.
Performers are paid biweekly. Meal each performance, gym membership, workman’s comp provided.

Non-Equity.

If you are unable to attend the in-person audition, you may send resume, headshot, and video with physical movement and monologue before that day to submissions@lacomedia.com.

Please review all rehearsal and show dates. Scheduling conflicts will not be accepted.

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