Category Archives: Family-Friendly

September 21, 2022 · 1:14 pm

Auditions Announced for Staged Reading of SAVING CINDERELLA at TheatreLab Dayton

TLD_logoSAVING CINDERELLA (Ages 16 and up)

Cinderella must abandon old insecurities and rise up to save herself and her country in this spirited poverty-fighting sequel to the famous fable.

Becoming a princess is far from a dream come true as Cinderella’s innocent eyes are opened to the cruel intrigues of courtly life. The Prince stands aloof – convinced he’s already saved her – and pressure mounts as the Princess cannot even command her own servants. Everyone thinks they know what the help should look like, but they couldn’t be further from lifting up Cinderella. Feeble and faint, she falls from grace and returns to the ashes.

When Cinderella abandons the crown, the vacuum is soon filled by a new nemesis – an avaricious Advisor. Will the Prince be convinced to sign away power, or will Cinderella stop the deadly chain of events? Bolstered by friends, in the end she must choose – will she listen to the lies or will she hear the truth? Will she finally see “It’s Time To Get Up?” She’d better act quick – before time runs out!
Kingdoms and kindly words just aren’t enough when you’re SAVING CINDERELLA.

Audition dates: October 9th from 3-6pm

Staged Reading Rehearsals: October 31st- November 11th
Staged Reading Performance Date: November 12th
Directed by Angie Thacker
Music Directed by Brennan Paulin

(Roles will be diversely and color-consciously cast – actors of all races, ethnicities, body types, gender identities, and abilities are encouraged to audition.)

The following roles have been precast:

  • CINDERELLA: Kind and generous, acquiescent to a fault. After the trauma of living under her cruel Stepmother and Stepsisters, she struggles to rise up and find her voice even as she becomes a princess. Soprano (Gb3-G5)

The following roles are available:

  • THE PRINCE: Seemingly confident, his bravado masks his insecurity as he seeks to help Cinderella and his people. Tenor (G2-A4)
  • THE FAIRY GODMOTHER: Wise advisor to Cinderella though not impervious to missteps, lots of sparkle, Mezzo-Soprano (G3-Eb5)
  • ANDREW: Kind and reasonable friend and good Advisor to the PRINCE, Tenor (G2-A4)
  • POLARON: Menacing and conniving Senior Advisor to the PRINCE who will do anything to seize power, Bass (G2-C4)
  • VIOLA (pronounced: “vy-Oh-la”):A kind, frail, but spritely elderly woman and long-time family friend of CINDERELLA, Alto/Mezzo (G3-C5)
  • THOMAS:A farmer and a friend of CINDERELLA who loses everything and struggles to ask for help, doubles as CINDERELLA’S FATHER, Bass (G2-Db4)
  • ALEXI (pronounced “uh-LEX-ē”)A troubled young person and friend of
  • CINDERELLA, 20s, doubles as ARTIST, Tenor (E3-G4)
  • ADVISOR TOADY (pronounced: “tō-DEE”) An incompetent Advisor to the
  • PRINCE, POLARON’s lackey, fumbling, unintelligent, blindly follows
  • POLARON, Tenor (Gb3-A4)
  • MARIA: Extravagant, confident, well-meaning yet opinionated lady’s maid, recent Slovenian immigrant, doubles as QUEEN, Contralto (G3-C5)
  • LADY 1: Mean, haughty, the ringleader of all the Ladies of the Court who is very jealous of Cinderella taking the throne, Soprano (G3-A5)
  • LADY 2: Snobby lady of the court who is also jealous of Cinderella and kowtows to Lady 1, Alto(G3-C5)
  • LADY 3: Demure and naive lady of the court, a follower who is kind underneath, Soprano (G3-A5)
  • LADY 4: Snobby lady of the court who is also jealous of Cinderella and kowtows to Lady 1, Alto (G3-C5)
  • PARSON: Well-meaning but easily distracted by power and position, doubles as KING and BISHOP, Bass-Baritone (G2-C4)
  • STEPMOTHER: Snobby and bitter, she mercilessly takes out her anger on Cinderella, British, doubles as SERVANT and THE POOR, Alto (G3-C5)
  • STEPSISTER 1: Whiny, British, doubles as SERVANT and THE POOR, Soprano (G3-A5)
  • STEPSISTER 2: Whiny, British, doubles as SERVANT and THE POOR, Alto (G3-C5)
  • RISHKAA: Sly accomplished young thief, doubles as CAILEIGH (G3-A5)
  • CAILEIGHA: Spirited young housemaid, Irish, Soprano (G3-A5)
  • ADVISOR DROITE: Leader of the right-wing contingent of the Advisors, used to be well-meaning but was corrupted, Mezzo-Soprano (Bb3-Eb5)
  • ADVISOR GAUCHE: Leader of the left-wing contingent of the Advisors, used to be well-meaning but was corrupted, (ANY)
    GUSTAV: Valet to the PRINCE, a jovial fellow, doubles as THE POOR (ANY)

You can sign up for an audition slot here.

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September 19, 2022 · 11:55 am

Auditions Announced for LEGALLY BLONDE JR. at Acting Up

ACTUP-logoAuditions for LEGALLY BLONDE JR with Acting Up

Who: Anyone 8-18 years old (and still in high school)

When: Monday, October 17 or Tuesday, October 18, 6:20-9:00 pm. Your entire audition will take about 45 minutes – 1 hour.  Callbacks (for those requested) will be on Thursday, October 20 at 6:30pm.

Where: Acting Up Mason, 108 E. Church St, Mason, OH 45040

Show Info:
Based on the award-winning Broadway musical and the smash hit motion picture, Legally Blonde The Musical JR. is a fabulously fun journey of self-empowerment and expanding horizons. The show’s instantly recognizable songs are filled with humor, wit and sass – leaving cast members and audiences alike seeing pink!

LEGALLY BLONDE JR follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes, snobbery and scandal in pursuit of her dreams. When Elle’s boyfriend, Warner, dumps her and heads to Harvard, claiming she’s not “serious” enough, Elle takes matters into her own hands, crafting a showy song-and-dance personal essay and charming her way into law school. Befriending classmate, Emmett, and spunky hairdresser, Paulette, along the way, Elle finds that books and looks aren’t mutually exclusive.  As Elle begins outsmarting her peers, she realizes that law may be her natural calling after all.

What to prepare and bring:

  • Song: Be prepared to perform 32 measures (no longer than 1 minute) of any song that highlights your voice. This should be a Broadway-type song. You should sing with karaoke-type music (no vocals) downloaded on your phone, iPod, or CD. There will not be an accompanist. (Please note, no WiFi is available in our building and cell service is spotty, so please have any music pre-downloaded.)
  • Monologue: You should perform a monologue no longer than 1 minute that demonstrates your acting ability.
  • Dress to dance. A short piece of choreography will be taught and performed as part of the audition process.
  • Audition Form: Found on our database at ActingUpdb.com.  Please create an account and enter all your information, including ALL conflicts from November 6- February 19.  If you already have an account, DO NOT create a new one, but make sure to update your information before printing. Bring a printed copy of the audition form, including your conflicts list, with you to your audition. Please make sure that ALL of your CONFLICTS are listed in the database and printed with your form.  ALL conflicts must be reported at auditions.
  • Photo: Bring a recent photo that looks like you, that you do not need returned. No need for professional photos, it is merely to help the casting board recall who is who.

Schedule: Rehearsals will begin the week of November 6, and are expected to be Monday-Thursday 6:30-9:00pm and Sundays 2:00-5:00pm. Not all actors will be called to every rehearsal.  We will take a break for Thanksgiving and Christmas & New Years. Performances will be February 17-19, 2023 at the Mason Middle School Theater.

Who’s Directing?: Acting Up’s Fall Musical will be directed by Rachelle Penilla and Erin Russell. Music Direction by Jeanne Bilyeu.

Acting Up COVID protocols: We will continue to follow the recommendations of the Warren County Department of Health.  Acting Up is currently mask optional.

Click here to sign up for an audition slot.

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September 15, 2022 · 11:57 am

Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati and Partners to Host NEA BIG READ: GREATER CINCINNATI Sept. 2022-June 2023

ETC_logoFrom September 2022 – JUNE 2023

(Cincinnati, OH) Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati (ETC) and several community partners will host the NEA Big Read: Greater Cincinnati, sponsored in part by grant funding from the National Endowment for the Arts through Arts Midwest. The National Endowment for the Arts Big Read is designed to broaden our understanding of our world, our communities, and ourselves through the joy of sharing a good book. ETC is one of 62 nonprofit organizations to receive a grant to host an NEA Big Read project, which will take place from September 2022 – June 2023.­­

The program will focus on the book Sitting Pretty: The View From My Ordinary Resilient Disabled Body, a memoir-in-essays by Rebekah Taussig. Dr. Taussig is a woman who uses a wheelchair due to paralysis resulting from childhood cancer, but those are only a few facets of her life as a “writer, teacher, advocate, and human lady person,” and she tells stories of her experiences with humor, empathy, and humanity, making them relatable for just about anyone.

ETC and several partner organizations will host programs centered on the themes of Sitting Pretty over the course of 10 months, including a kickoff event at ETC on Sunday, September 18 from 1:00 – 3:00 pm, where visitors can learn about ETC’s accessible programs, view the full schedule of NEA Big Read: Greater Cincinnati programming, and explore several other companion books with similar themes, including selections for all ages.

ABOUT REBEKAH TAUSSIG
“I’m a Kansas City writer who lives in a very small, very old house with my fussy family of tenderhearted snugglers. I’ve spent most of my life immersed in the world of writing and reading – as a student, teacher, and human person – because I believe that words and stories matter. I am interested in the powerful connection between the cultural narratives we tell and the world we live in, from physical spaces and economic opportunities to social roles and interpersonal relationships. I earned a PhD in Creative Nonfiction and Disability Studies from the University of Kansas, and I write personal essays that participate in the stories being told about disability. I also run an Instagram account, @sitting_pretty, where I regularly craft ‘mini-memoirs’ that explore what it means to live in my particular (disabled, female) body.” Learn more about Rebekah Taussig at https://rebekahtaussig.com.

NEA BIG READ: GREATER CINCINNATI – SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

The following schedule is subject to change; visit www.ensemblecincinnati.org for the most current information.

  • Sunday, September 18, 2022 – NEA Big Read: Greater Cincinnati Kickoff
    1:00 – 3:00 pm at Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati | 1127 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
    Learn more about ETC’s accessible programs and the rest of the event lineup for the NEA Big Read.
  • Friday, September 23, 2022 – Northern Kentucky Forum: Welcoming Workplace
    Exact time and location are still being determined; see the website for more details
    Join representatives from the Kentucky Career Center Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, Easterseals Redwood, Brighton Center, and Innovative Supports for Autistic Workers for a discussion about state and local resources for connecting workers with disabilities to companies and organizations seeking employees.
  • Sunday, October 9, 2022 – Crip Camp Screening/Discussion & Next Generation Library Presentation
    1:30 pm at Cincinnati Public Library – Deer Park Branch | 4020 E. Galbraith Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45236
    Enjoy a screening of the documentary Crip Cramp about the 1970s experience of teenagers with disabilities who met at Camp Jened and turned their summers of liberation and inclusion into a movement for Disability Rights. Prior to the screening, attendees will learn more about CHPL’s Next Gen Library plans to expand access in libraries across Cincinnati and Hamilton County. Following the film, there will be a discussion on ableism and access in modern cultural institutions.
  • Wednesday, October 12, 2022 – Employment is in Your Future
    4:00 – 5:00 pm online, hosted by Cincinnati Public Library
    Hosted by Cincinnati Public Library, learn about Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities, the state agency on the north side of the river which connects workers and employers, providing both with resources on hiring, employee rights and accommodations, and more.
    Friday, November 4, 2022 – Author Event: Sarah Kurchak
    7:00 – 8:00 pm at Campbell County Library Carrico/Ft. Thomas Branch | 1000 Highland Ave, Ft. Thomas, KY 41075
    Hosted by Campbell County Library, hear from Sarah Kurchack, author of I Overcame my Autism and All I Got Was This Lousy Anxiety Disorder. The memoir examines the steps Kurchak took to become “an autistic success story,” how the process almost ruined her life, and how she is now trying to recover. Register through the CCPL website.
  • Saturday, November 12, 2022 – Book Discussion
    1:30 pm at Cincinnati Public Library Price Hill Branch | 970 Purcell Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45205
    Join others who have read Sitting Pretty for a facilitated conversation about its themes and topics, and see visual displays featuring local (Marisa Conners, fashion designer), historical (Ludwig von Beethoven, composer), and notable (Alice Wong, activist/author of companion title Disability Visibility) people with disabilities.
  • Tuesday, January 24, 2023 – Book Discussion
    6:30 – 8:30 pm at Boone County Library Main Branch | 1786 Burlington Pike, Burlington, KY 41005
    Join others who have read Sitting Pretty for a facilitated conversation about its themes and topics.
  • Monday, March 13, 2023 – Book Discussion
    4:00 pm at Kenton County Library Covington Branch | 502 Scott St, Covington, KY 41011
    Join others who have read Sitting Pretty for a facilitated conversation about its themes and topics.
  • Saturday, April 29, 2023 – Children’s Story Time
    11:00 am at Blue Marble Books | 1356 S. Fort Thomas Ave, Ft Thomas, KY 41075
    Bring the littles in your world for a story time reading of Ali and the Sea Stars by Ali Stroker, an NEA Big Read: Greater Cincinnati companion title, do some shopping, and learn more about Blue Marble’s efforts to become an accessible small business located in a historic building.
  • Tuesday, May 16, 2023 – Book Discussion
    10:00 am at Campbell County Library Cold Spring Branch | 3920 Alexandria Pike, Cold Spring, KY 41076
    Join others who have read Sitting Pretty for a facilitated conversation about its themes and topics.
  • Thursday, May 18, 2023 – Book Discussion
    7:00 pm at Campbell County Library Newport Branch | 901 E. Sixth St, Newport, KY 41071
    Join others who have read Sitting Pretty for a facilitated conversation about its themes and topics.
  • Saturday, June 3, 2023 – TALL Institute Performance Screening
    12:00 pm at Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati | 1127 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
    See a screening of the filmed creative response to Sitting Pretty developed by our partners at TALL Institute and stay for a brief reception and discussion to follow.
    Friday, June 9, 2023 – NEA Big Read: Greater Cincinnati Culminating Celebration
    6:00 pm at Cincinnati Library Walnut Hills Branch | 961 E McMillan St, Cincinnati, OH 45206
    Celebrate the conclusion of the NEA Big Read programming with an author visit from Rebekah Taussig, a visual art exhibition of creative responses to Sitting Pretty from Visionaries + Voices artists, and V+V Artist Night creative opportunities for kids.

###

ETC_NEA Big Read logoNEA Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest.

Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati is supported, in part, by the generosity of community contributions to the ArtsWave Campaign.

The Ohio Arts Council helps fund Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati also receives funding from the Shubert Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati is a professional theatre dedicated to producing world and regional premieres of works that often explore compelling social issues. We fulfill our mission through our stage productions and educational outreach programs that enlighten, enliven, enrich, and inspire our audiences.

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September 14, 2022 · 3:01 pm

Auditions Announced for MIRACLE AT BAYOU BOWL at Sunset Players

SSP_logoThis season’s children’s production is the World Premier of MIRACLE AT BAYOU BOWL, written and directed by Bob Kelley

Performances are December 2, 3, 4, 9,10, 11
Friday night performances are at 7:00 pm; Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2:00 pm.

MIRACLE AT BAYOU BOWL takes place on the 24th of December 1959. One month after the poorest excuse for a hurricane “Mavis” had flooded the area around the Bayou Bowl. The whole town has been without power for weeks. So today, Christmas Eve, a lot is going on. Electricity will be turned on, there is a ceremony to honor Uncle Cletus (of all people) for bravery. The Christmas show which was canceled at the school is being performed here. Crazy Captain Aunt Addie is putting on a wildlife show with her “triplets” and a some unexpected guests also drop by. All the while, Bo Dupree is lost at sea and hopefully Aunt Maddie won’t put a curse on the whole thing. God help us!

Sunset Players is holing open auditions on:

  • Sunday, October 2 at 6:00pm
  • Tuesday, October 4th at 6:30 pm

The Arts Center at Dunham.
(Casting will be limited to young actors ages 8-18)

The children’s show at Sunset Players is a great way for children with little to no acting experience to gain some experience performing live theater.

The cast consists of 16-27 roles. Crew members and set builders are also needed. All ages and experience levels are welcome.

Actors must be able to read.

Auditions will consist of reading selections from the script.

As this show takes place during the school year, and during the holiday season, rehearsals are kept as short and few as possible and will be based upon the availability of those auditioning. Please be prepared to supply a list of any known conflicts from October through the close of the production.

If you are interested in auditioning and can’t make the two dates listed, please email the director Bob Kelley at rke5858@gmail.com or text him at 513.828.9839

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September 9, 2022 · 8:59 am

Auditions Announced for HOT CHOCOLATE at Revolution Dance Theatre

RDT_logoNow casting area talent for the return of HOT CHOCOLATE at Cincinnati’s Aronoff Center for the Arts. This show provides deserving talent the opportunity to have a professional performance experience in one of the hottest concert events of the holiday season.

All cast members will be required to commit to the rehearsal and performance schedule. Many roles require weekend rehearsals. There are currently SIX performances of the show scheduled to take place from Dec. 8 – 10, 2022.

Now Casting: Dancers, Steppers, Gymnasts / Tumblers, Aerialists & Specialty Acts

Attendees will be separated into time slots by age. Throughout the course of the audition, the production team will see groups according to talent/style and skill level. Attendees are encouraged to participate in as many of the audition groups that they see fit.

Wednesday Sep. 21, 2022
Please see below to find the appropriate time slot for your audition.

5:00 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.
Boys & Girls Ages 5 – 9

6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Boys & Girls Ages 10 – 12

7:00 p.m. – 8:15 p.m.
Teens + Adults

The Audition will take place at:
Revolution Dance Theatre
Warehouse Studios, 426 Findlay St.
(2 blocks West of Findlay Market.)

Click here to register on the official page.

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