Category Archives: Family-Friendly

Walnut Hills High School Theatre Department Thaws Hearts in Disney’s FROZEN JR.

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Katie Berich as Anna & Izzy Lachey as Elsa. Photo courtesy of Mikki Schaffner Photography.

Cincinnati, OH- Bringing it’s 2020-2021 season to a close, the Walnut Hills High School Theatre Department will present Disney’s FROZEN JR.

The show will be filmed in the Walnut Hills auditorium and streamed online May 13-15, @ 7 p.m.  

Frozen Jr is based on the Disney film of the same name, and is a condensed version of the stage adaptation that ran on Broadway. It features the same loveable characters of Anna, Elsa, Olaf, Kristoff, Sven, and many others. A story of true love and acceptance between sisters, the show expands upon the emotional relationship and journey between Princesses Anna and Elsa. When faced with danger, the two discover their hidden potential and the powerful bond of sisterhood. With a cast of beloved characters and loaded with magic, adventure, and plenty of humor, Frozen JR. is sure to thaw even the coldest heart.

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Clare Graff as Sven & Josie Leanza as Olaf. Photo courtesy of Mikki Schaffner Photography.

“In a time where it looks like things are taking a turn for the better, we’re excited to tell a story about finding yourself, accepting yourself, and loving yourself through times of great trial,” says director Mike Sherman. “It’s a popular movie for a reason- it’s a heartwarming story with a great message and speaks to the powerful bond of sisterhood, and what true love really is.” 

This production and the entire WHHS Theatre Season is graciously sponsored by the Walnut Hills High School Class of 1964 Performing Arts Fund.

For tickets: https://sites.google.com/view/whhstheatredepartment/tickets 

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Nate Caudill as Kristoff & Katie Berich as Anna. Photo courtesy of Mikki Schaffner Photography.

Featuring Katie Berich as Anna, Izzy Lachey as Elsa, Wolf Singer as King Agnarr/Hans, Lizzy Rebber as Queen Iduna/Oaken Family, Nate Caudill as Kristoff, Clare Graff as Sven, Josie Leanza as Olaf, Jude Shotwell as Duke Weselton, Emma Dalton as Pabbie, Sarah Gebremeskel as Bulda, Andrew Canter as Bishop/Oaken/Guard, Catherine Riggs as Housekeeper/Oaken Family, Ritvik Madan as Cook/Oaken Family/Guard, Mya Verticchio as Handmaiden/Oaken Family, Caroline Lovelace and Steward/Oaken Family, Nyla Shahanavaz as Butler/Oaken Family, Arshya Maricar as Townsperson/Hidden Folk, Alejandra Frecker as Townsperson/Hidden Folk, Adalaide Linser as Townsperson/Hidden Folk, Charli Maxwell as  Townsperson/Hidden Folk, Eden Ferry as  Townsperson/Hidden Folk, Emma Smith as Townsperson/Hidden Folk, Kyra Doty as Snow Chorus/Summer Chorus, Lux Gray as Snow Chorus/Summer Chorus, Lael Ingram as Snow Chorus/Summer Chorus, and Landen Cummins as Snow Chorus/Summer Chorus

  • Directed by Mike Sherman
  • Assistant Director: Lily Canter
  • Music Director: Steve Goers
  • Choreographer: Izzy Lachey
  • Assistant Choreographers: Avery Frank and Diana Hutchinson
  • Technical Director: Helen A. Raymond-Goers
  • Scenic Designer: Ella Knellinger
  • Stage Manager: Reagan Warvel
  • Assistant Stage Manager: Nadyaa Betts and Lucia Johns
  • Costume Designers: Sadie Gray and Sena Segbefia 
  • Lighting Designer: Grace Allen
  • Makeup Designer: Lexi Adams 
  • Props Designer: Sarah Mansfield 
  • Sound Designer: John Arora 

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Auditions Announced for TUCK EVERLASTING at INNOVAtheatre

INNOV_logoTUCK EVERLASTING the Musical

Directed by Aaron Washington
Music Direction by Sarah Plaugher
Produced by Denise A. Schnieders

TUCK EVERLASTING is based on the novel of the same name by Natalie Babbitt. It tells the story of a family who drink water from a magical spring and become immortal. When they encounter a young girl who lives in their rural New England town, she becomes friends with one of the sons, who soon offers her the secret to everlasting life. She then has to decide if she wants to join her new friends in immortality, or if she will live out her normal life. TUCK EVERLASTING premiered in Atlanta, Georgia, in 2015 and began playing on Broadway in 2016. It received positive reviews, especially praising the “dazzling ballet” in the second act. A timeless story of family, loss, friendship, and love, Tuck Everlasting is sure to become a classic favorite

Characters:

  • Mae Tuck
  • Angus Tuck
  • The Man In the Yellow Suit
  • Winnie Foster
  • Jesse Tuck
  • Miles Tuck
  • Constable Joe
  • Betsy Foster
  • Nana
  • Hugo
  • Ensemble
Rehearsals will be virtual beginning July 7th with in person rehearsals beginning shortly thereafter. There will be a small meet and greet with the director and select cast on June 26th. An in depth rehearsal schedule will be provided before the first rehearsal after all conflicts are received. All rehearsals will be conducted per COVID-19 safety guidelines. 
Performance weekend will be September 23rd – 26th. There will be a double on Saturday the 25th. All performances and rehearsals will be at The Historic Sorg Opera House in Middletown, Ohio.
 
Please submit all video submissions to AUDITIONS@INNOVAtheatre.com.
Video submissions must be submitted no later than Midnight June 7th.
 
Video Submissions begin: May 7th, 2021
Video Submissions end:
June 7th, 2021
 
In person auditions will be held: June 22nd & 23rd at 6:30pm
 
Callbacks will be held: June 24th starting at 6:30
 
Material To Prepare:
  • Anyone auditioning via video submission or in person is asked to prepare:
  • 1 verse and 1 chorus of a Broadway song in the style of the show but NOT from the show itself.
  • If you have any sort of special tumbling, gymnastics or juggling skills we will ask that you please come prepared to show those skills or provide a segment on your video submission showing that skill(s)
  • No acapella auditions will be accepted.
  • Please provide your song with either a backing track or an accompanist.
  • Also please do not wear clothing for your audition that is representative of the style of clothing worn in the production.
  • *Please submit the video and/or link to auditions@INNOVAtheatre.com along with any additional audition materials (eg: audition form, headshot, resume).
Who is eligible: Ages 10-19
  • All schools, races, sexualities & identities. All are welcome.
Rehearsals will be Monday, Wednesday & Thursday from 6:30-9pm

Performances at Sorg Opera House in MIddletown:

  • September 23rd – 26th
  • 8pm on the 23rd, 24th & 25th
  • 3pm on the 25th & 26th
     
Price: $150 per child which includes a show poster and t-shirt.
If you have more than one child in the production we do offer a family discount.
If, for some reason, this price is not available to you, please contact us privately and we will do our best to make it work for both your child and the company.

Questions can be sent to Aaron Washington at INNOVAtheatre@gmail.com.

Links to the Audition Form, Submit or Sign Up for an audition are located at the bottom of this page: www.innovatheatre.com/tuck-everlasting-auditions.

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Auditions Announced for Disney’s THE LION KING JR at Rise Up Performing Arts

RUPA_logoAuditions: May 8th from 10am-2pm

Location: First Baptist Church of Hamilton.

Show Dates: July 15-18

Click here to download the audition form .pdf.

Click here to sign up for an audition slot.

Performances will take place at the Fairfield Freshman Building.
Rehearsals will be Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays beginning Friday, May 28th. 6:30-8:30pm
We will not have rehearsal on Memorial Day, May 31st.

Ready to Audition? Here’s what you need to know.

​WHO CAN AUDITION?
Anyone ages 7-18 years old.

​IS THERE A FEE TO PARTICIPATE IN A RISE UP PRODUCTION?
Those cast in a production will pay a $125 participation fee. Discounts available for having more than one participant signed up. Inquire for more details.

WHAT IS THE AUDITION PROCESS LIKE?
Each actor must sign up on our website for an audition appointment. Please print and fill out the audition form listed above and bring with you.  Make sure to list all know conflicts, as well as potential conflicts on your form. It is important that we know all potential conflicts in order to create the most efficient rehearsal schedule.

Please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment to check in. Bring your completed audition form, resume if you have one, and a current headshot (this can be any recent photo.)

We ask you to prepare a 1 min musical theatre style song with an accompaniment track. There will be a CD player and speaker connection for phones and mp3 players. Have the music cued up to where your singing would begin. Choose a song that showcases your voice. New to musical theatre and auditioning? Just sing anything you know or are comfortable with. Remember, the director and production team are excited to meet you and want you to succeed!

Auditions will take place in groups of 10. Each actor will sing and may be asked to read from the script. Parents or other family members are not allowed in the audition room.

WHEN WILL I KNOW IF I MADE THE SHOW?
Rise Up knows the hardest part of auditioning is the waiting! The production team will work hard to release the cast list in a timely manner. There are many things to consider when casting a show and sometimes the process may take a few days. As soon as the final cast list has been created, the production team will post the cast list on the Rise Up website and Facebook page. Directions on accepting or declining a role will be posted with the cast list.

​WHAT IS IT LIKE TO BE IN A RISE UP SHOW?
Creating theatre is fun and makes life long memories! Each member of our staff and production team are dedicated to creating the best possible theatrical experience. Being in a show is fun, but it is a lot of hard work. Putting on a show that isn’t very good, is not fun. We train young performers to be professional and sharpen their skills. They will be challenged to step out of their comfort zones, and taught strategies to help them be successful on stage. Not only will the lessons they learn on stage help them create better performances, they will help them in life as well. Everything we do is to help create characters on stage and build character for life. Actors will be challenged throughout the process. They will learn music, vocal parts, choreography, and what it takes to put on a show from auditions to the final bow.

​OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION

  • A mandatory parent meeting will be held at the first rehearsal.
  • For the first few weeks, not everyone will be called to every rehearsal. We do our best to maximize our rehearsals and respect your time. Once full runs begin, attendance is mandatory at each rehearsal.
  • During tech week (the week before the show), rehearsals are held each night.
  • Each family is asked to volunteer on pre-production jobs (set painting, set building, costumes, props, rehearsal monitor, etc.) We will also need volunteers during the tech week/show week (ticket sales, ushers, front of house roles, and backstage monitors). We also ask that at least one parent from each family to help with move in and strike.

Official page |

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Video Auditions Announced for MCBRIDE’S CALL at Inspiring Arts Productions

IAP_logoWe are specifically seeking teens and adults who are strong choral singers, as well as anyone with Irish dance experience. Some of our recording cast from last summer will be returning, ​but we will be auditioning for double cast and vacated roles, as well as many ensemble parts.

We are not holding open auditions for children under 14 for this production.

Initial auditions will be by video submission, DUE APRIL 30, 2021.

For character breakdown and show synopsis, as well as additional information about this brand new musical,
​please visit the MCBRIDE’S CALL website.

Note: Inspiring Arts is senstive to the fluctuating COVID circumstances, and specific production plans could still change based on venue and state guidelines.

How to Audition

  1. Prepare your audition ​

    SINGING
    Please sing two minutes of a Broadway-style song that best showcases your voice. You may sing acapella or with a track, but please make sure your voice can be heard easily above the track.

    MONOLOGUE 
    If you are interested in a speaking role, please prepare a monologue from the monologue sheet (below). Please try with your best British or Irish accent.
     
    Click to download monologue document

  2. Record your audition ​
    We need a recording from your phone of you from the waist up, on a basically neutral background. We would like enough light to see you and low background noise so that we can hear you clearly. Upload your song and monologue to Youtube. Mark the videos as “Not intended for kids,” and then save the video as UNLISTED. You will paste the Youtube link into your audition form (below).

  3. Fill out and submit our audition form.
    The link below will open a new webpage with our audition form. Please note all conflicts and give us as much information as you can. Use the Note field to further explain. Significant conflicts will affect casting decisions, and NO conflicts will be accepted during tech weeks. ​When you’re finish… hit submit and you’re done!
     
    McBride Audition Form 

Still have a question? Email us directly at Admin@InspiringArtsProductions.com 

Rehearsals will begin in mid-May. We rehearse at Life Church in the ​Mason/West Chester area.  Actors could be called Mon/Tues/Thurs after 4pm ​or Saturday before 5pm. Not every actor will be called for the entirety of every rehearsal.

Performances ​at Parrish Auditorium (Miami University in Hamilton)

  • Friday, July 30–7:00p
  • Saturday, July 31–2:00p and 7:00p
  • Sunday, August 1–2:00p
  • ​Wednesday, August 4–7:00p
  • Thursday, August 5–7:00p
  • Friday, August 6–7:00p
  • Saturday, August 7–2:00p and 7:00p
  • Sunday, August 8–2:00p

Official page |

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Auditions Announced for THE LITTLE MERMAID at La Comedia Dinner Theatre

LAC_logoLa Comedia Dinner Theatre in Springboro, Ohio, will hold an open audition for its production of Disney’s THE LITTLE MERMAID on Saturday, May 1, 2021 at 765 W. Central Ave., Springboro, Ohio.

9:00 a.m. – Children
Boys and Girls ages 7 – 17. Will be used throughout show and in production numbers.
*The role of FLOUNDER is a young boy (10-14) and will be cast from this audition.

10:00 a.m. – Principals

  • ARIEL 18-22 Soprano with strong belt. Beautiful, adventurous, and headstrong.
  • URSULA 25-40 Alto with strong belt. Manipulative, cunning, and devious, yet humorous
  • PRINCE ERIC 18-24 Lyrical tenor/baritenor. Charming prince, strong singer and actor
  • KING TRITON 30-50 Strong baritone. Ruler of the sea, strong, commanding yet sensitive
  • SCUTTLE 20-30 Tenor. The funny, off-beat seagull. Good singer with great comedic timing. Must display tap dancing skills.
  • SEBASTIAN 20-30 Caribbean style voice/baritone. The anxious crab, strong singer, mover, and actor.
  • FLOTSEM/ JETSAM 20-30 Tenors with strong falsetto range. Ursula’s underhanded, devious eel spies. Strong movers.
  • CHEF LOUIS 30-50 The over the top chef, excellent feature role for comedic actor.
  • ENSEMBLE Male and Female strong singers and movers to play various ensemble roles and cover Principals.

Be prepared to sing 16 bars of a musical theatre song appropriate to the show.

11:30 a.m. – Call backs – read and possibly dance

Director/Choreographer is Chris Beiser

Rehearsals begin June 1, 2021. Performances are June 17 – August 15, 2021.

Questions call Kris (937) 746-4554 ext. 241.
Non-Equity

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