Author Archives: robbucher

Auditions Announced for MATILDA at La Comedia Dinner Theatre

La Comedia Dinner Theatre in Springboro, Ohio, is holding an open call audition for its upcoming production of MATILDA on Saturday, April 26, at 765 W. Central Ave.,Springboro, Ohio.

9:00 AM – CHILDREN: All children’s roles will be double cast

  • Matilda Wormwood: Age 9-12 An imaginative girl who is clever and wise far beyondher years. she has a thirst for learning that cannot be quenched. Strong vocally, confident with movement and dialogue. Range A3 to D5
  • Michael Wormwood: Age 12-17 Matilda’s older brother. he is not very bright and favored by the parents. Confident in singing, movement, and dialogue. Will also be included in adult ensemble.
  • Bruce: Age 9-12 Matilda’s classmate. He is subject to extreme punishment by Miss Trunchbull. Confident is singing, movement, and dialogue. Range C4 to E5
  • Lavender: Age 9-12 Matilda’s classmate and friend. Confident in singing, movement, and dialogue.
  • Child Ensemble: Classmates of Matilda 9-12 year olds. (Amanda, Nigel, Eric, Alice, Hortensia, and Tommy). Male and Female. Confident in singing and movement.
  • Teen Ensemble Ages 13-17 Will be a part of children’s and adult ensemble. Male and Female. Confident in singing and movement.

10:30 AM – ADULTS:

  • Miss Agatha Trunchbull: Age 30 and up The tyrannical headmistress at Matilda’s school who despises children. Can be either male or female. Range A2 to G4
  • Miss Honey: Age 25-40 Matilda’s kindhearted teacher. she is tired of living in fear of Miss Trunchbull. Range F3 to D5
  • Mrs. Wormwood: Age 30-45 Matilda’s self absorbed, negligent mother and an amateur ballroom dancer. Range A3 to F5
  • Mr. Wormwood: Age 30-45 Matilda’s uncaring father, a slimy greedy used car salesman. Range D4 to A4
  • Ensemble Ages 18 and older, to be understudies as well as play the roles of Librarian Mrs. Phelps, the Escapologist, The Acrobat, Rudolpho, Doctor, Children’s Party Entertainer, Cook, Henchmen 1, 2, 3, and Parents. Strong singers and confident with movement.
Please prepare 16 bars of a song in the style of the show, you may sing a selection
from Matilda if you choose. An accompanist will be provided, no accapella singing
please.

Be prepared for a movement audition.

You MAY be asked to read sides from the script.

Please provide a current headshot and resume.

All rehearsals and performances take place in Springboro, OH

Rehearsals: June 9 – 21 (Mon-Sat 9 AM – 6 PM)

Tech: June 22-25

Performances: June 23 – August 10. Thurs-Sun Matinees and Evenings

If you have questions, or for more information, email artisticdirector@lacomedia.com

Non-Equity.

If you are unable to attend the in-person audition, you may send headshot, resume, and video to submissions@lacomedia.com

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New Board Members Sought for 2025-26 Season at The Ghostlight Stage Company

THE GHOSTLIGHT STAGE COMPANY SEEKS NEW BOARD MEMBERS FOR 25/26 SEASON
(RUNNING JUNE 2025 TO MAY 2026)

BOARD MEMBER DUTIES INCLUDE:

  1. ATTEND 3 OUT OF 4 FULL BOARD MEETINGS DURING THE SEASON
  2. VOLUNTEER FOR 1 EVENT & 1 FUNDRAISER PER SEASON
  3. MEET MONTHLY WITH YOUR ASSIGNED COMMITTEE, AS NEEDED
  4. ACTIVELY HELP WITH COMPLETING STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS
  5. ACTIVELY SUPPORT THE GHOSTLIGHT’S EFFORTS IN THE COMMUNITY BY SPREADING THE WORD ABOUT EVENTS, FUNDRAISERS AND MORE

ABOUT THE GHOSTLIGHT:
The Ghostlight Stage Company is a nonprofit arts organization in the Greater Cincinnati area that is breaking down barriers and innovating new ways to experience the arts. The Ghostlight Stage Company is just as the name suggests. Similarly to how a ghost light in a theater is a constant reliable source of light at all times regardless of if the theater is open or not, we hope to be that for our community.

At The Ghostlight Stage Company, we constantly challenge the idea of what a “stage” can be with programming that inspires collaboration between all of the art mediums. With our founders being inspired by the way musical theatre encourages designers, dancers, composers, actors, directors, and more to collaborate and create something together; The Ghostlight wants to take this idea even further with programming that goes beyond just traditional theatre. We prioritize our four core values in everything we do and pursue our mission through: community-engaging theatrical experiences, innovative interdisciplinary arts events, and unique educational programming for both youth and young professionals.

TO APPLY VISIT: www.theghostlightstageco.com/work-with-us

QUESTIONS:
Email our Chair, Sarah Spurling at: boardofdirectors@theghostlightstageco.com

DEADLINE:
All submissions must be sent in by April 27, 2025 to be considered for our 2025/26 Season Board of Directors.

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LEARN TO READ TAROT On May 10 at Village Players

What’s in store for you in the future? Join Rose Vanden Eynden for an easy and fun introduction to reading Tarot cards! Bring your own deck (the Rider-Waite-Smith deck is preferred) and learn simple ways to use Tarot to give you insights into work, money, love, and other life aspects. No previous knowledge necessary!

Reverend Rose Vanden Eynden is a Spiritualist minister, clairvoyant medium, and Tarot expert with over 30 years’ experience in the metaphysical arts. She has written 3 books on mediumship and angels for Llewellyn Worldwide and is a founder of the United Spiritualists of the Christ Light Church in Cincinnati, Ohio. She teaches Tarot, mediumship development, and other metaphysical subjects across the United States and online.

Register now at https://www.villageplayers.org/event…/learn-to-read-tarot

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Auditions Announced for THE WIZARD OF OZ at Footlighters, Inc.

Footlighters, Inc., is proud to announce auditions for THE WIZARD OF OZ

Directed & Choreographed by Zac Holman
Produced by Cathy Lutts & Michelle Burdett

Auditions:

  • Kids (8 to 14 years old):
    Saturday, May 3, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
  • Adults:
    Sunday, May 4, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
    Monday, May 5, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Location: Stained Glass Theatre – 802 York Street, Newport, KY 41071

Click here to sign up for an audition slot: www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0448AEAE2BABFC1-56196733-footlighters/57163230#/

Audition Materials:

Kids: Please prepare the provided music cut from THE WIZARD OF OZ: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1jT3dE84pWYH5i8Lry6WtHlySa8Wvy-7L

The song with vocals can be found on most streaming platforms. At the audition, be prepared to participate in a small movement and acting exercise.

Adults: Please prepare a 16- to 32-bar cut of a musical song in the style of the show. The dance tutorial video as well as the script of the show can be seen here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1qie_3cMDQVeCJYWTK6CuirJDzU7fibcO.

We will have someone at the audition review the dance with you. Bring a headshot, resume, and all rehearsal conflicts to the audition with you.

Virtual: Please email headshot, resume, and a vocal/dance reel to holmanzac@gmail.com.

Performances: September 4 – September 21, 2025

Rehearsals:

*Rehearsals will start the week of July 21st.

Kids: Monday nights 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. (Closer to performances, kids will be asked to attend every rehearsal.)

Adults: Sundays 4 p.m. – 8 p.m., Tuesdays 6:30 p.m. – 10 p.m., Thursdays 6:30 p.m.– 10 p.m.

Tech Week (full cast and crew, no absences):

Saturday, August 23 – Thursday, August 28 and September 2 – 3 from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. (Kids Ensemble dismissed when finished with “Munchkinland.”)

Characters:

  • Dorothy Gale: Mezzo/Mix. Young innocent girl with a tendency to find trouble. Loves her family, friends, and her dog, Toto. Must be comfortable with dogs. Playing age: 15-18.
  • Cowardly Lion: Baritone/Tenor. Dorothy’s new friend in Oz who’s trying to find his courage. Physical comedy a plus.
  • Tin Man: Baritone/Tenor. Dorothy’s new friend in Oz who’s trying to find a heart.
  • Scarecrow: Baritone/Tenor. Dorothy’s new friend in Oz who’s trying to find a brain. Tumbling/physical comedy a plus.
  • Auntie Em: Dorothy’s aunt who is hardworking and sturdy. She loves and cares a great deal about Dorothy. Non-singing role. Playing age: adult female, 50-65 yrs.
  • Uncle Henry: Dorothy’s uncle. He is an honest and hardworking man who owns a small farm in Kansas. He is kind and loves Dorothy. Non-singing role. Playing age: adult male, 50-65 yrs.
  • Glinda: Soprano. The good witch. She is beautiful and the protector of the Munchkins and Dorothy.
  • Professor Marvel / Wizard of Oz: Friendly traveling salesman who convinces Dorothy to go back home to her family after she runs away. Turns into the powerful ruler of the Emerald City. Powerful booming voice. Non-singing role.
  • Wicked Witch / Miss Gulch: The bad witch. She is green and mean. Dorothy’s enemy. Non-singing role.
  • Zeke / Hunk / Hickory: Dorothy’s friends in Kansas who work on the Gale farm.
  • Adult Ensemble: Expandable ensemble of various ages to fill numerous roles throughout the show (Tornado Dancers, Crows, Trees, Poppie / Snow Dancers, Ozians, Winkies, Flying Monkeys).
  • Kids Ensemble: Expandable ensemble of children ages 8-14 to play various munchkin roles in the Munchkinland sequence.

***Some actors may be playing multiple roles in the show***

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THE SOUND INSIDE Review

By Katrina “Kat” Reynolds

THE SOUND INSIDE presented by Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati through April 27th. I attended the Opening Night performance. 

The cast of THE SOUND INSIDE presented by Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati. Photo by Ryan Kurtz.

This April, Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati is bringing audiences The Sound Inside by Adam Rapp. An enigmatic sort of tale by the playwright of Red Light Winter is summarized as the story of a creative writing professor and a gifted student who form an unexpectedly intense bond. Since there is definitely some mystery, there will be no spoilers here.

Making the trek a few blocks over from his Cincinnati Shakespeare Company home, Brian Isaac Phillips once again joins ETC as a “guest” director. Fortunately for us all, his gift travels nicely. Per usual, Mr. Phillips has his actors make excellent use of the playing space. Complementing the movement well is Scenic & Light Designer Brian c. Mehring’s execution of an almost palpably chilly backdrop (or was the heat just on the fritz opening night?). One of the best things about shows at Ensemble is that they never shy away from making grand sets and this one particularly takes advantage of the vertical space they have at their disposal. Further, projections designed by Becca Schall are pointed and used with the ideal amount of restraint.

While this show certainly belongs to one character more than another, both performing artists are exceptionally cast and non-negotiable. Playing the role of Christopher, an Ivy League freshman with creative writing aspirations, is Rupert Spraul. Mr. Spraul has a mysterious and almost impish presence on stage without being too precious. His portrayal of a young man who would keep anyone guessing is inspired.

In the role of tenured Ivy League professor, Bella, is the inimitable Annie Fitzpatrick. This may be a bold statement, but this is quite possibly one of the best roles she has ever tackled. I was drawn in from the very first words out of Ms. Fitzpatrick’s mouth and it felt like it was just the two of us, chatting over coffee. She gives the audience a master class on how to navigate the subtleties of an intimate slice of a character’s life. It is difficult to avert your eyes from her, but Mr. Spraul was just as engaging and they went toe-to-toe very nicely. (Besides, I envy a human being who can curse where it doesn’t sound nearly as offensive as when I do it.)

I have had the privilege of seeing some incredible theatre in my time – and quite a bit this season. It can be difficult to surprise me and our BTC genius, Rob Bucher. But we love when it happens and this play is definitely something to discuss. In a rare nod, this is definitely a “must see” play. It’s no picnic, however: this show is fraught with heavy topics and emotions that may re-open some previously healed wounds. While the show covers content relating to illness, mental health, and self-harm, it is for very good reason. There is a story to be told and I sincerely hope you’re there to listen and take heed of it.

Click here for more information about the production.

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