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The Know Theatre Presents the World Premiere of J. Corey Buckner’s BLERDS

Derek J. Snow Directs this Coming-of-Age Play About
Black Nerds in the Era of the DC Sniper

Cincinnati, OH – The Know Theatre, Cincinnati’s premiere black box professional theatre proudly presents the long-awaited World Premiere of BLERDS by J. Corey Buckner, April 4–19, 2025. A blending of the words “Black” and “nerd,” BLERDS is the story of three Black middle schoolers who skip school and set off across Washington, DC, on a quest to meet the coolest
Jedi in the galaxy: Samuel L. Jackson. Production sponsored by the Brabson Family Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts. Directed by Derek J. Snow.

A coming-of-age journey in the spirit of The Goonies and Stand By Me, this adventure quest through the DC Metro system is a story about Black superheroes, family joy, and the perils of the very real world, as told through the lens of Star Wars fandom.

“The need for the Black superhero is super important because those ideas are under attack right now,” says Director Derek J. Snow. “I was definitely a Blerd myself – I’ve always wanted to direct a show like this. I think it’s really important to create spaces and mythologies of our own… that’s what attracted me to this show, that we did not have enough shows in this city that represented mythologies for people of color. If you are creating a mythology it should be larger than life; [the actors] have all the permission in this show to do so, because that’s what it’s about.”

The Know Theatre is committed to creating an atmosphere of radical hospitality where all are welcome to come as they are. Our Mainstage production of BLERDS has a Sensory-Friendly performance on Sunday, April 13, an Arts & Service Industry Workers Appreciation night with $20 tickets on Monday, April 14, an ASL-interpreted performance on Friday, April 18, and Welcome Wednesday performances where we offer $15 advanced reservations and pay-what-you-wish walk-up tickets an hour before the show.

Featuring

  • Dominique Owens (DJ)
  • Kenny Rayborn (Kiera)
  • Malik Smith (Brandon)
  • Deondra Kamau Means (Derek)
  • Meredith Crutcher (Tonya)
  • Phillip Latham (Stranger/Samuel L. Jackson)

The Creative Team

Production Team: Jide Fresh (Scenic Designer), Mike Gaynor (Lighting Designer), Noelle Wedig-Johnston (Costume Designer), Doug Borntrager (Sound & Video Designer), Danielle Robison (Props & Scenic Charge), Byron Hutchins (Consultant) and Drew Homan (Technical Director). Production & Stage Manager is Grace Wohlschlegel.

Performance Information
BLERDS runs April 4–19, 2025
Content Warnings: adult language, themes around violence, active shooter, depictions of guns; Rated: PG-13
Know Theatre of Cincinnati, 1120 Jackson Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202
All evening performances are at 7:30pm, matinee performances are at 2pm.Sensory Friendly Performance: Sunday, April 13th at 2:00pm
Arts & Service Industry Night: Monday, April 14th at 7:30pm
ASL-interpretation on Friday, April 18th at 7:30pm

Ticket Information
Tickets may be purchased online at www.knowtheatre.com or by phone at (513) 300-5669

  • Single tickets : $38
  •  Flex Pass : $120
    • Four MainStage tickets in any combination ($160 value)
  • Welcome Wednesdays: Each Wednesday during a MainStage production we offer pay-what-you-wish Walk-Up tickets and $15 advance reservation tickets.

Auditions for Know Theatre’s 2025 Youth Summer Camp
A collaboration with local theatre company InBocca Performance, the Know Theatre Youth Education Program offers youth grades 3-12 the opportunity to create an original production as an ensemble. Led by local theatre-maker Caroline Stine, whose popular summer youth theatre camps have thrilled local audiences for their fierce imagination and creative storytelling, the 2025 Summer Camp will occur weekday mornings from 9am to noon, July 7–August 3 and culminate in performances July 31–August 3, 2025

Auditions: Saturday, April 5th from 11:30am–1:30pm
Actors and dancers are asked to prepare one 1-minute monologue and come prepared to move, speak and sing.
Sign-ups online at Outlaws in Sherwood Audition: April 5
Location: Know Theatre of Cincinnati, 1120 Jackson St, Cincinnati OH 45202
Cost: $800 (Discount for multi-child families, scholarships available). Early bird discounts will be available after cast lists go out AND some scholarships are available! Please do NOT let cost keep you from auditioning. Questions? Email info@inboccaperformance.com

We are Know Theatre of Cincinnati: where artists and audiences can come together to produce and experience work that you haven’t seen before. We strive to build a community around viscerally theatrical, exciting new works.

A Case for the Existence of God is made possible by Drew Gores and George Warrington, Production Sponsors, and Taft, Stettinius, & Hollister, Opening Night Sponsors.

The 22nd Annual Cincinnati Fringe Festival is made possible by a generous partnership with our neighbor the Art Academy of Cincinnati.

Know Theatre is supported by the generosity of tens of thousands of contributors to the annual ArtsWave Campaign, the region’s primary source for arts funding.

The Ohio Arts Council helps fund Know Theatre with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence, and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans.

Know Theatre is also supported by the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, which provides a simple, powerful, and highly personal approach to giving.

Know Theatre is a member of Theatre Communications Group and an Associate Member of the National New Play Network.

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ALICE IN THE HUNDRED ACRE WOOD Runs Feb. 24-May 2

ALICE IN THE HUNDRED ACRE WOOD
Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park
Feb. 24-May 2
Various Locations

Written by Maggie Lou Rader
Directed by Katie Baskerville

True crime in the Hundred Acre Wood? Yes, please! Join the fun as Alice, the best detective in Wonderland, hunts for clues in a crime caper mystery featuring some of childhood’s favorite characters. When Winnie the Pooh hires Alice to solve the case of Christopher Robin’s kidnapping, she arrives in the Hundred Acre Wood to find a very anxious Piglet, a terribly unfocused Tigger and a very Eeoyre-y Eeoyre. Will Alice find the culprit? Will she be able to bring Christopher Robin home? This literary mashup will have audiences laughing as they follow clues and help Alice crack the case! Recommended for ages 5 and up.

Click here for the official list of performances

Official page |

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Auditions Announced for JOSEPH… and AN EVENING OF CULTURE at Stage Right Musical Theatre Company

Stage Right Announces Summer Auditions
Two Hilarious Shows arrive in Grant County this summer

Williamstown, KY – Stage Right Musical Theatre Company is thrilled to announce auditions for their summer productions of: “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” running June 6-22 and “An Evening of Culture” running July 11-20 at the Williamstown Performing Arts Center.

Audition Information:
Auditions for both shows will be held:

  • March 22 12pm-3pm | First Love Community Fellowship (930 Curry Ln Dry Ridge, KY 41035)
  • March 23 2pm-5pm | Footlighters Inc. (802 York St Newport, KY 41071)

Actors may audition for both productions or just one.

To Request an audition slot visit: https://www.stagerightmtc.org/auditions

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Rehearsal Dates: May 12 – June 5
Show Dates: June 6 – 22

“Get ready for a dazzling journey of Biblical proportions in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat! This vibrant musical brings the story of Joseph and his coat of many colors to life with unforgettable music, colorful costumes, and an epic tale of betrayal, dreams, and redemption.”

Character Description: Unless specifically noted below, all roles are open to people of all races and gender identities.

  • Joseph: Male, High Tenor, Vocal Range Low A to High G. Eleventh son of Jacob and Jacob’s favorite. Joseph begins as a cocky teenager who, through dealing with life’s adversities, becomes a humble man and a true leader. We are looking for a genuine and truthful approach to the character.
  • Narrator: Soprano / Tenor with extended mix/belt range, Low F# to High G. The Narrator is our host, and through word and song guides the audience gently through the story of Joseph and his brothers. Must be adept at both being the focal point and then blending into the scene. We are looking for someone with excellent vocals that can completely invest in the storytelling aspect.
  • Jacob / Potiphar: Male, Baritone, Low A to C. Jacob is the father of Joseph and his 11 brothers. He clearly favors Joseph as the first son of his favorite wife, unwittingly causing the friction that exists between Joseph and his brothers. Potiphar is a rich, self-indulgent and sophisticated Egyptian capitalist who buys Joseph as a slave. He needs to be a strong actor as well as a good singer.
  • Joseph’s Brothers: 11 brothers (Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulun, and Benjamin), are jealous of Joseph, sell him into slavery, and ultimately realize their wrongdoing.
  • Pharaoh: Male, 35-45 Baritone, Low B to High G#. Pharaoh is the most powerful man in Egypt. The character is in style a homage to Elvis; We are looking for more of the 1970’s Elvis, a loose cannon, with idiosyncrasies, dangerous. Doubles as a brother.
  • The Butler and The Baker both work for the Pharaoh. They are both decent people in precarious situations. They need to be good singers and honest actors. Double as brothers.
  • Wives/Ensemble: Strong Dancers. Must sing well and be proficient with harmony. Featured roles and solos will come from the ensemble, so we are looking for a well- rounded group of actors that can flourish in a variety of musical and physical styles while staying grounded and truthful to the storytelling.
  • Children’s Chorus: Expressive students who can sing well that come in and out of Joseph’s story.

For Auditions: For auditions, please prepare

  • A Current Resume and Headshot
  • A 32-bar cut of musical theatre song in the style of the show. An accompanist will be provided. We may ask you to sing a cut from the show at auditions.
  • Properly marked Sheet Music for accompaniment (Acapella auditions will not be considered)
  • Cuts of songs and a pre-recorded dance tutorial are available HERE
    (https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1UmTkcLk2hny5punqneKNn1Qff9toW_gW?usp=sharing).
  • We will also teach you song cuts and the dance at the audition but strongly recommend you familiarize yourself with them in advance. Song cuts from the show do not have to be memorized.

An Evening of Culture
Rehearsal Dates: June 23 – July 10
Show Dates: June 11-20

“An Evening of Culture is non-stop laughter from beginning to end. The fictional Mineola Council for Cultural Recognition is working diligently to mount a production of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” in the gymnasium of the Mineola Magnet Middle School, but life keeps getting in the way.”

Available Character Descriptions:

  • Violet Carson: The only person in Mineola with any sense. Director of Romeo & Juliet and in over her head.
  • Delbert Fink: The put-upon set builder. He tries very hard but is overwhelmed with too many hats. He is on edge and two seconds away from losing it.
  • Faye McFaye: The young townie with her eyes on Delbert. She’s flirtatious and very self involved.
  • Ruthann Barns: President of the Culture council, Ruthann is all smiles and excitement.
  • Naomi Farkle Carson: A local entrepreneur with the energy of Dolly Parton
  • Luther Carson: Only in the show for his wife Naomi, Luther owns the Lube-n-Tune. He’s willing to help out in any way he can, but he’s clearly not comfortable with being onstage.

For Auditions: For auditions please prepare:

  • A Current Resume and Headshot
    Please Note: Auditions will consist of cold readings and acting exercises. Please make sure to have appropriate attire to move in comfortably.
  • To Request an audition slot visit: https://www.stagerightmtc.org/auditions
    All Roles are paid.Stage Right Musical Theatre Company welcomes and encourages people of backgrounds, identities, and ethnicities to audition. Your unique perspective makes our company stronger.

For any questions contact Casting@StageRightMTC.org

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2025-2026 Season Announced by Footlighters, Inc.

Footlighters, Inc. is proud to announce our 2025-2026 season

THE WIZARD OF OZ
Directed by Zac Holman
September 4-21, 2025

THE ADDAMS FAMILY
Directed by Aubrey E. Wilson
November 6-23, 2025

A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE
Directed by Jerry Wiesenhahn
January 29-February 15, 2026

GUYS AND DOLLS
Directed by Jennifer Day
April 16-May 3, 2026

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CHANCERS Runs March 28-April 13

CHANCERS
Dayton Theatre Guild
March 28-April 13
[Dayton]

Directed by Marjorie Strader
Produced by K.L.Storer

Cast: Dustin Schwab as Aiden, Carly Risenhoover-Peterson as Dee, Jack O’Conner as J.P. & Cheryl Mellen as Gertie

Set in Ireland, about the lengths we will go to when our backs are against the wall. Aiden and Dee are on the verge of losing it all. They’ve had to rent out their home to a fellow from Dublin (who was previously Dee’s boyfriend), and move with their two young sons into the back of their nearly bankrupt convenience store. And now Dee is out at a job interview (which doesn’t go well). Aiden never thought their situation would come to this. But salvation may have arrived in the form of local battleaxe, Gertie Graham. She literally has their ticket out of the poorhouse — they just need to get their hands on it without her knowing

  • Fri-Sat, March 28-29 at 8pm
  • Sun, March 30 at 3pm
  • Fri, April 4 at 8pm
  • Sat, April 5 at 5pm
  • Sun, April 6 at 3pm
  • Fri, April 11 at 8pm
  • Sat, April 12 at 5pm
  • Sun, April 13 at 3pm

Official page | Facebook event |

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