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May 20, 2025 · 3:31 pm

2025-2026 Season Announced by Xavier University

THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE
Oct. 16-19
Gallagher Student Center Theatre

Directed by Suann Pollock
Choreographed by Jenna Treinen

Ever wanted to fit in? Ever thought that second place wasn’t good enough or that winning could finally help you figure out who you are? THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE is the story of a group of socially awkward kids finding joy, heartache and a purpose competing at the regional spelling bee. Winner of the Tony and Drama Desk awards for best book, THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE has charmed audiences across the country with its effortless wit and humor. Featuring a fast-paced, wildly funny and touching book by Rachel Sheinkin and a fresh and vibrant score by William Finn, this bee is one unforgettable experience!

THE CRUCIBLE
Nov. 14-22
Gallagher Student Center Theatre

Directed by Regina Pugh

In Salem in the late 1600s, a group of young girls accuse others of witchcraft sparking an alarming series of events. The leaders of the church respond with suspicion and put those accused on trial for their lives ultimately leaving a town in fear, and the man at the center of it all questioning his faith and morality. One of the greatest American plays of all time and winner of the 1953 Tony Award for Best Play, this heart-pounding drama is both a gripping historical play and a timely parable of our contemporary society.

THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (ABRIDGED) [REVISED]
Feb. 12-15, 2020
Gallagher Student Center Onstage Theatre

Directed by Brian Isaac Phillips

All 37 Plays in 97 Minutes! An irreverent, fast-paced romp through the Bard’s plays, THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE: (ABRIDGED) was London’s longest-running comedy! Join these madcap players in tights as they weave their wicked way through all of Shakespeare’s Comedies, Histories and Tragedies in one wild ride that will leave you breathless and helpless with laughter.

SLUT SHAMING by Trey Tatum
Feb. 19-22, 2026
Gallagher Student Center Onstage Theatre

Directed by Bridget Leak

Lauren Lucas, time traveler, views her attack, the trial, the aftermath, and her life-at-large simultaneously. She sees the woman she will become, the undamaged girl she once was; she learns how far into the future this event will consume her. And then she wakes up in the present, in high school, and she knows the struggles that lay waiting. The Artists’ Pick of the 2014 Cincinnati Fringe Festival, SLUT SHAMING is a Time-Travel Rape Adventure that explores how small town communities aggravate teenage sexual assault.

SPRING AWAKENING
April 10-18
Gallagher Student Center Theatre

Directed by Stephen Skiles
Music Directed by Dr. Scot Buzza
Conducted by Dr Ben Chamberlain
Choreographed by Jenna Treinen

SPRING AWAKENING is an exhilarating rock musical about the trials and tribulations of growing up. The winner of eight Tony Awards, including best musical, SPRING AWAKENING follows a group of students as they navigate the journey from adolescence to adulthood through a powerful celebration of youth and rebellion. A landmark musical, SPRING AWAKENING electrifies audiences with its fusion of morality, sexuality and rock and roll.

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May 20, 2025 · 3:30 pm

Cincy Shakes Brings FREE Performances of A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM All Over the Tri-State

Cassandra Reeves as Puck. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

The annual Cincinnati tradition continues this summer with a magical production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” in 40 locations across Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana

Cincinnati, May 15, 2025 – Cincinnati Shakespeare Company (CSC) is thrilled to announce the much-anticipated schedule of this summer’s FREE Shakespeare in the Park tour, featuring the beloved comedy “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” by William Shakespeare.  Between July 11 and August 31, 2025, nearly 40 parks across the tri-state area will host free performances in Hamilton, Warren, Butler, Montgomery, Miami, and Clermont counties in Ohio; Kenton, Mason, and Boone Counties in Kentucky; and Dearborn and Wayne counties in Indiana.

The complete schedule can be viewed online here.

Step into an enchanted woodland where mischievous fairies play, young lovers chase their heart’s desires, and magic sparkles under the summer moon! Bring the whole family and enjoy Shakespeare’s beloved comedy for free in the great outdoors. With a playful spirit and whimsical surprises around every corner, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” promises laughter, wonder, and memorable moments under the stars.

This production of is directed by CSC’s Candice Handy, who recently directed “The Tempest” on the mainstage and “Hamlet” in the parks last summer.  She also led last season’s critically praised mainstage production of James Baldwin’s “The Amen Corner,” as well as CSC’s 2022 unforgettable staging of August Wilson’s “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.”

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s FREE! Shakespeare in the Park brings the excitement of Shakespeare’s plays directly to the community, with FREE outdoor performances staged in various parks across the tri-state area. These productions, featuring one of Shakespeare’s classic plays, are open to all, with no tickets or RSVP required. Audiences can simply bring blankets or lawn chairs and enjoy an evening of entertainment under the stars. For questions regarding a specific location’s policies on parking, outside food and drink, etc., please contact the venue directly or visit our website at cincyshakes.com/park.

This annual tradition reflects CSC’s commitment to making the arts accessible to everyone, providing an opportunity for people of all ages and backgrounds to experience the power of live theater in a casual and welcoming environment. Because of this CSC offers audio described and sign language interpreted performances of FREE! Shakespeare in the Park. The dates will be posted last this Spring.

FREE! Shakespeare in the Park is sponsored by Western & Southern Financial Group and ArtsWave, and is supported by generous donors to the FREE Shakespeare in the Park Fund.

Explore the impact this program has on the community:

  • 73% have more pride in their community because of the park tour.
  • 97% feel their neighborhoods are positively impacted through this program.
  • 86% of audiences report that their community needs more arts opportunities
  • 89% of audiences report that this is the easiest and most accessible way to attend live theatre

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About Cincinnati Shakespeare Company:
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is a professional theatre company dedicated to bringing Shakespeare and the classics to life for all. In the summer of 2017, the theater relocated to the Otto M. Budig Theater, a brand-new facility in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood of Cincinnati. CSC’s repertoire is composed of the works of William Shakespeare, literary adaptations, world premieres, and contemporary classics. CSC performs on a Small Professional Theatre contract with the Actors’ Equity Association. Cincinnati Shakespeare is a member of Theater Communications Group and the Shakespeare Theatre Association. Each year, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s Education and Outreach Programs reach more than 50,000 young people and community members by meeting audiences where they are. This includes sharing programming in schools, parks, community centers, and hosting educational matinees of mainstage productions. In 2015, CSC was proud to become one of the first five theaters in the United States to “Complete the Canon” by producing all 38 plays by William Shakespeare. CSC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and all donations are tax-deductible. Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is proud to be Cincinnati’s stage for the classics!

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s 2024-2025 Season is generously presented by our Operating Support Partners: The Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr. Foundation; The Ohio Arts Council; The Robert and Adele Schiff Family Foundation; The National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest; The Shubert Foundation; Maureen and John Bridgeland, Cindy Bridgeland Crilley, and Debby and Jim Mason in honor of Jim Bridgeland; Lightborne, and the tens of thousands of people who give generously to the ArtsWave Community Campaign.

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May 20, 2025 · 3:30 pm

The Human Race Theatre Company’s THE COMEUPPANCE

What do you remember most from your high school days?
Is it the cliques, the drama, the good times?

Relive the mysteries of the past in The Comeuppance by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins.

As the sun sets before their twentieth high school reunion, a close-knit group of former classmates—once known as the “Multi-Ethnic Reject Group”—reunites to pre-game the monumental night. Bonded in their youth as outsiders, they now navigate the complexities of adulthood with humor, heart, and a hint of nostalgia.

Brilliantly witty, theatrical, and moving, Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ The Comeuppance focuses on millennials reckoning with the world they will soon inherit. This play is a toast to the ties that bind us, the past that shapes us, and the future we step into together.

“Branden’s writing takes a look at relationships – family, friends and chosen families – and plays on the strengths and weaknesses of those dynamics,” notes Emily N. Wells, Artistic Director of The Human Race Theatre Company. “You’ll see yourself or your friends in The Comeuppance as the characters tease, shame, and pressure one another to accept and move beyond the past.”

Latrelle Bright directs the five-person cast: Darnell Pierre Benjamin as Emilio, Erin Eva Butcher as Caitlin, Rico Romalus Parker as Francisco, Annie Pesch as Ursula, and Lipica Shah as Kristina.

The full production team: Tamara L. Honesty, Scenic Design; Kelsey Gallagher, Lighting Design; Kristie C. Osi, Costume Design; Daniella Brown, Sound Design; Sarah Gomes, Props; TBD Production Stage Manager; Isabella Myers, Assistant Stage Manager.

The Comeuppance will play in the Loft Theatre in downtown Dayton, June 4 – June 15, 2025.  Tickets are on sale through the Dayton Live box office, 937-228-3630, or online at www.humanracetheatre.org

For press ticket requests, please contact Tiffany Countryman, Engagement and Learning Coordinator, at tiffany@humanracetheatre.org

The Human Race Theatre Company continues its commitment to high quality theatre with access points for all with two special ticket initiatives: two sections of $20 seats available at any time through the box office, and ten $10 rush seats available 60 minutes before any performance.

Special Nights at The Loft:  

Pay What You CAN      Tuesday, June 3, 2025 7:30 pm to benefit the Dayton Food Bank and Leadership Dayton’s Class of 2025 Classroom Book project

Inside Track Thursday, June 5, 2025 6:45 pm – Pre-show Discussion

While We’re On The Subject    Sunday, June 8, 2025 2 pm – Post Show Discussion

$10/Sawbuck Sunday Sunday, June 8, 2025 7:30 pm – $10 tickets at 6:00 pm

While We’re On The Subject   Sunday, June 15, 2025 2 pm – Post Show Discussion

Parent’s Day Out Sunday, June 15, 2025 2 pm – Kids Separate Activities (5-12yo)

The Human Race expresses gratitude for the public and private support which makes these productions possible:  Loft Season Sponsor: Jack W. and Sally D. Eichelberger Foundation. Sustainability Sponsors:  Steve and Lou Mason, The Toulmin Fund at The Dayton Foundation.  Additional Season support:  Erma R. Catterton Trust, Funds at The Dayton Foundation, Virginia F. Kettering Foundation, The Shubert Foundation, Sam Levin Foundation.  Organizational support:  Culture Works, Montgomery County, Ohio Arts Council. Media Sponsor: WDPR Discover Classical. Pay What You Can Sponsor: Enterprise Holdings Foundation. Parent’s Day Out: Rabbit Hole Books/Dayton Book Fair.  Capital Support: The Schiewetz Foundation, The Dayton Foundation, The Toulmin Fund at the The Dayton Foundation.

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May 20, 2025 · 3:29 pm

Cast Announced for IF YOU CAN DREAM at Queen City Productions

Queen City Productions is pleased to announce our cast for IF YOU CAN DREAM.

  • MARIE – Kylie Robinson
  • JOHN – Braydon Carter
  • MAX – Nolan Carpenter
  • JAMIE – Trinity Jacobs
  • MOTHER – Madeline Koehler
  • FUTURE FAIRY GODMOTHER -Tatiana Jouett
  • SNOW WHITE – Sofie Tedeso
  • SNOW WHITE’S PRINCE – Mark Mehlhope
  • SLEEPING BEAUTY – Sophie Curtis
  • SEEPING BEAUTY’S PRINCE – Em Rowlett
  • CINDERELLA – Brittany Quist
  • FAIRY GODMOTHER – Terry Neack
  • LITTLE MERMAID – Niki Rasmussen
  • SEA WITCH – Rebecca Bryant
  • SEA PRINCE – Em Rowlett
  • BEAUTY – Erica Woodward
  • BEAST – Gary Robinson
  • CANDELABRA – Mark Mehlhope
  • CLOCK – Jasin Carter
  • TEAPOT – Katie Ewing
  • TEACUP – Keegan Holland
  • GENIE – Rockford Koehler
  • JASMINE – Kim Guzman
  • POCAHONTAS – Mia DeSalvo
  • HERCULES – TBD
  • QUASIMODO – Kevin Dunaway
  • MEG – Mattalyn Madariaga
  • FROG PRINCESS – Tatiana Jouett
  • SHADOWMAN – Jasin Carter
  • SWAMP WOMAN – Terry Neack
  • RAPUNZEL – Krissa Thayer
  • RAPUNZEL’S MOTHER – Katie Ewing
  • EUGENE – Ryder Phelps
  • SCOTTISH PRINCESS – Madeline Koehler
  • ICE PRINCESS – Michelle Nie
  • ICE QUEEN – Krista Schaeffer
  • ISLAND PRINCESS – Rae Moretti
  • MAUI – Kevin Dunaway
  • ENCANTO SISTER – Kim Guzman
  • MULAN – Sarah Downes
  • MARIE’S FRIEND – Phoebe Bryant
  • MUSES – Sofie Tedesco, Brittany Quist, Niki Rasmussen,
  • Sophie Curtis, Michelle Nie
  • ENSEMBLE – Phoebe Bryant, Leah Merritt, Allison Smith, Kayleah Esparza, Emily Westermeyer, Riley Ritze

Performances run July 31-Aug. 10 at the Arts Center at Dunham.

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May 20, 2025 · 3:28 pm

Auditions Announced for THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL at Springboro Community Theatre

Springboro Community Theater is looking for performers of all ages* to bring “The Spongebob Musical” to life at North Park Amphitheater! The power of optimism can save the world! This is a dynamic musical with a fast-moving story and a large ensemble cast. Whether or not you are a fan of the animated cartoon series, this fun inspiring musical has something for everyone!

The stakes have never been higher in Bikini Bottom! SpongeBob and the residents of Bikini Bottom face the total annihilation of their undersea world. Just when all hope seems lost, the most unexpected hero rises up! The power of optimism really can save the world!

Auditions will be June 9th and 10th starting at 7pm with potential callbacks on June 11th.

ALTERNATE LOCATION: **NOTE: Due to an ongoing production, auditions will NOT be held in the Theatre. They will be held at The Gabriel House, next to United Church of Christ (15 West Mill Street, Springboro, OH 45066).**

Please prepare a 32 bar (<1minute) cut of a song in the style of the show that showcases your performing talents! A pianist and Bluetooth speaker will be available, no a capella auditions please! All auditions will include a dance call, so have comfortable clothes and appropriate shoes ready!

*Children Under 12 are invited to audition with the participation of a sibling, parent and/or guardian 16+ in the cast, crew or production team. Children interested in an ensemble-only role do not need to prepare a solo audition piece, instead they will be invited to sing the Spongebob theme song in small groups at the start of auditions.

Video auditions will be considered but in person auditions are strongly preferred. Videos must be submitted by June 8th at 5pm. Please reach out to the Director Meagan Kuchan Clark (meagan.kuchan@gmail.com) for more information.

SpongeBob the Musical is based on the animated series by Stephen Hillenburd and features a book by Kyle Jarrow with original songs by Yolanda Adams, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Sara Bareiles, Jonathan Coulton, Alexander Ebert of Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, the Flaming Lips, Lady A, Cyndi Lauper, John Legend and songs by David Bowie.

A note on Character Descriptions & Casting: The nature of this show leaves A LOT of flexibility when casting with regards to age, race and gender. When casting, we will be looking for the best person who best embodies the spirit of the character!

SpongeBob SquarePants (Any, Lead, Traditionally – Tenor): They are optimistic, innocent, and boyish; energetic and sometimes hyperactive. This actor should have the ability to move well and be an extremely physical actor. Additionally they should have strong comedic timing and precision.

Patrick Star (Male, Lead, Tenor): Well-intentioned but somewhat clueless, an innocent; a big softie, who can also be prone to sudden child-like swings of emotion.

Squidward Q. Tentacles (Male, Lead, Tenor, G# belt.): Grumpy, cynical, dry, short- tempered, generally negative but lovable! Strong Dance skills preferred.

Sandy Cheeks (Female, Lead, Mezzo-Soprano): A brainy and athletic Texan squirrel who came to Bikini Bottom for a research project. She acts as SpongeBob’s most trusted ally on their quest to stop the volcano from erupting, using her vast amount of scientific knowledge and brilliant inventions to aid the mission.

Sheldon Plankton (Male, Lead, Tenor): His personality outweighs his size- slick, scheming, nefarious; has the ability to charm; determined, he will do anything to get ahead in life; very greedy, but his heart is still open enough to rekindle a romance with his wife. This character will need to dance and rap skills a plus.

Karen the Computer (Female; Supporting; Any): Glamorous, a robotic housewife of Plankton. She’s been there for Plankton’s every scheme and plot and has become jaded – she’s been there and done that. Strong comic actress, as well as Singer and Mover.

Pearl Krabs (Female, Supporting, Mezzo-Soprano): Mr. Krabs’ teenage daughter who is misunderstood by her father and just wants to focus on HER dreams, and not those of her Dad. This is a character role with a powerful belt preferred.

Eugene Crabs (Male, Lead, Baritone): The greedy owner of the Krusty Krab, and employer of SpongeBob and Squidward. While everyone is off panicking about Bikini Bottom’s imminent doom, he decides to strike the iron while it’s hot and puts on a huge “apocalypse sale” at his restaurant, exploiting the fear of his fellow fish to make him even richer.

Perch Perkins (Male, Featured, Bass): Bikini Bottoms resident news caster. This actor needs to have a strong reporter presence and sings the opening bass solo of “No Control”.

Electric Skates (Any, Featured): Rock and roll band members with tight vocal harmonies. Strong Dance, and/or skateboard or scooter skills a big plus.

Patchy the Pirate (Any, Featured, Traditionally – Baritone): Spongebob’s #1 Fan, who is perhaps a little too enthusiastic but does a great job riling up the crowd!

Other Featured Ensemble Roles

  • Mayor of Bikini Bottom: Female, Featured, Any
  • French Narrator: Male, Ensemble, Spoken
  • Old Man Jenkins: Ensemble, Any
  • Mrs. Puff: Female, Ensemble, Any
  • Gary the Snail: Ensemble, Spoken
  • Larry the Lobster: Male, Ensemble, Any
  • Sardines: Ensemble, All Voice Parts
  • Security Guards: Ensemble, Spoken
  • Featured Dancers – Plankton Groupies, Sea Anemones, various other roles

Production dates: Aug. 1-10 at North Park Amphitheatre

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