Category Archives: Family-Friendly

May 26, 2020 · 12:23 pm

Video Auditions Announced for Several Roles in NEWSIES at Commonwealth Artists Student Theatre

CAST_logoCommonwealth Artists Student Theatre (CAST) is holding open auditions for roles needed in their upcoming production of NEWSIES.

NEWSIES: New York City, 1899. Jack Kelly and his ragtag team of newsboys make a meager living selling newspapers on the city streets. But when the prices of “papes” are hiked and the newsies are hung out to dry, there is nothing left to do but “open the gates and seize the day!” Led by charismatic Jack and independent, young newspaper reporter Katherine Plummer, the Newsies form a union and organize a strike against the greedy publisher of the New York World. Can a group of idealistic newsboys win against a foe as powerful as acclaimed publisher Joseph Pulitzer? Inspired by the true story of the 1899 Newsboys Strike, Newsies is an ebullient, joyful, and entertaining musical capturing the strength that young people have when they join together and stand up against injustice. With a funny, poignant book by Harvey Feirstein and stunning music by Alan Menken and Jack Feldman — including the show-stopping Seize the Day, power ballad “Santa Fe” and lovely new songs like Katherine’s “Watch What Happens — Newsies is a classic with the power to inspire.

We are accepting video auditions for vocal/acting and dance.  Video submissions are due by Friday, May 29th by 5pm. 

Audition requirements

  • For NEWSIES, you need to recite a memorized 45 second to 1-minute monologue and sing a 32-measure excerpt from a Broadway show similar to Newsies that showcases your vocal talents. You will also need to learn a dance audition that will be found at https://tinyurl.com/CASTDance20

Please submit video auditions to our Artistic Director, Jason Burgess, at jasonburgess@caststages.org. If the files are too big, you may share them though a Google Drive link, Dropbox or other platform. If you have any questions about video submissions, please contact our Artistic Director, Jason Burgess, at jasonburgess@caststages.org. The audition information packet is attached to this email.

The roles we are looking to fill are:

Principal Characters

  • Les (M) – Davey’s cheeky younger brother is inspired by the freedom of the newsies and loves their independent lifestyle; Les is an intuitive, precocious salesboy and a pint-sized charmer;

Featured Characters

  • Romeo (M) – one of the Newsies
  • Scab/Newsie (M/F) – one of the Newsies.
  • Newsie/Featured Dancer (M/F) – one of the Newsies
  • Oscar Delancey (M) – tough brothers who work at the distribution window for the World, taking the side of the publishers in the strike and are known to use their fists to make a point.
  • Darcy/Cameraman/Bowery Beauty/Nun/Woman (M/F) – upper-class kid of a publisher who sides with the newsies et al.

Performance dates for NEWSIES are Friday, July 17th thru Sunday, July 26th. All performances will take place in the parking lot at Coney Island located on Kellogg Ave in Cincinnati, OH.

Commonwealth Artists Student Theatre is a Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati theatre collaborative, that through professional quality productions, arts instruction and developing community relationships, empowers students to achieve their artistic potential under the leadership of professionals.

For any questions regarding CAST, the production of Newsies or anything else, visit www.caststages.org or please contact Jason Burgess at 859-545-0770 or jasonburgess@caststages.org

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May 22, 2020 · 1:37 pm

Sixteen Children’s Theatres Honor Frontline Workers with National Tribute Song

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati is proud to participate

TCTC_So Many Heroes

Friday, May 22, 2020, CINCINNATI:   Amid the global pandemic which has forced the temporary closure of many performing arts venues, 16 youth-serving theatres across the country have come together to share a national tribute, performed by children within each community, to honor frontline workers, including five students from the Greater Cincinnati area representing The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati (TCT). These young Cincinnati artists include:

  • Brinley Culver
  • Celia D’Ascenzo
  • Diana Hutchinson
  • Annabelle Price
  • Nyla Thomas
  • Kavan Vadivelu

Bios can be found below.

Led by Seattle Children’s Theatre’s Interim Artistic Director Kathryn Van Meter, the project titled So Many Heroes empowers and amplifies the voices of young people during this time.

“We will be forever changed by our current events, and forever connected and bound together by our shared experience of isolation. As we begin to redefine what it is to share space, there is hope in our future because we are resilient…just like the young people in our communities,” said Van Meter.

Jeff Revels, Artistic Director of Orlando Repertory Theatre and writer for the nationally televised Memorial Day parade, presented the idea knowing that the network of theatres for young audiences could mobilize this tremendous effort. Together, Revels, Van Meter and Rich Gray, songwriter of So Many Heroes, began collaborating on what the national tribute could be.

“We have heard from the doctors and politicians, but not much from the kids of America. Writing musicals for young audiences has taught me how observant kids are. They see everything and absorb it all. They have been processing this like crazy, so, when asked to write this tribute, I knew it had to be in the direct, honest language that kids use,” said Gray, emphasizing the importance of hearing from young people during this time.

The tribute, which will be released today, Friday May 22, can be viewed on the participating theatre’s Facebook pages (including The Children’s Theatre’s page) at 6 a.m. (HST), 9 a.m. (PST), 11 a.m. (CT) or 12 p.m. (EST):

Adventure Theatre MTC (Glen Echo, MD)

Childsplay Theatre (Tempe, AZ)

Children’s Theatre of Charlotte (Charlotte, NC)

Dallas Children’s Theater (Dallas, TX)

First Stage (Milwaukee, WI)

Growing Stage (Netcong, NJ),

Honolulu Theatre for Youth (Honolulu, HI)

Imagination Stage (Bethesda, MD),

Lexington Children’s Theatre (Lexington, KY)

Northwest Children’s Theater & School (Portland, OR)

Oregon Children’s Theatre (Portland, OR)

Orlando Repertory Theatre (Orlando, FL

Seattle Children’s Theatre (Seattle, WA).

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati (Cincinnati, OH)

Trike Theatre (Bentonville, Arkansas)

Wheelock Family Theatre (Boston, MA)

TCT’s Producing Artistic Director, Roderick Justice, said: “On behalf of everyone at TCT, we are forever thankful to the heroes who keeps us safe, happy and healthy in a time where we can’t physically come together to entertain our audiences. Through this collaboration with the Nation’s leading children’s theatres, we deliver a powerful and unified voice of gratitude. These heroes keeping us safe will also keep our mission alive for another 100 years.”

About The Artists:

Brinley Culver
Brinley appeared as Precious in TCT’s October 2019 production of Casper the Friendly Musical. She appeared as Little Girl in TCT’s Cinderella. Some of her favorite shows include: Seussical (JoJo), Disney’s The Little Mermaid (Flounder), Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (Chip), and Disney’s Frozen (Middle Anna). During the last three summers, Brinley has participated in TCT’s STAR Intensive NKU program, and last year in TCT’s STAR ALL STARS. Brinley just completed seventh grade at Liberty Junior School. Off stage, she loves producing her own movies, dancing, and watching Master Chef.

Celia Joy D’Ascenzo
Celia made her TCT MainStage debut earlier this year in Annie JR. as Molly. In addition to being an avid singer, dancer, actress, pianist, and tumbler, Celia is a passionate storyteller. Other credits include: Awaited, Disney’s Cinderella KIDS (Fairy Godmother), Seussical (Young Kangaroo), and Disney’s High School Musical JR. (Cheerleader). Celia loves her homeschool community at HELP and CC and dances at Just Off Broadway. She enjoys spending time with her sisters, creating their own shows.

Diana Hutchinson
Diana was proud to make her theatre debut with The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati in the title role of TCT’s production of Annie JR.. Diana was born and raised in Cincinnati. She is currently heading into her sophomore year at Walnut Hills High School. Diana enjoys dancing, singing, and spending time with her family and friends. She is excited about sharing her love for the arts as she continues her performing career.

Annabelle Price
Annabelle is a recent eighth grade graduate of Summit View Academy in Northern Kentucky. She is an avid fan of TCT and has participated in their summer camp programs and other special events. Annabelle has performed in numerous school and community theatre projects including the role of Piggie in a pilot production of Elephant and Piggie – We are in a Play.  She is passionate about the arts and hopes to continue in high school and beyond. Other credits include: Disney’s Lion King JR (Zazu), Alice in Wonderland JR (White Rabbit) and Madagascar JR. (Marty). Annabelle studies voice, acting and dance at Moss Performing Arts Academy and looks forward to more TCT opportunities in the future.

Nyla Thomas
Nyla is a recent eighth grade graduate of Crossroads Middle School in Fairfield, where she sings in the choir. She appeared in TCT’s 2020 production of Annie JR. and the 2019 production of Disney’s The Jungle Book KIDS (Shanti). Nyla has a background in competitive hip-hop dancing and studies in voice. She was a TCT STAR Program participant from 2017 to 2019 and a TCT STAR All Stars participant in 2018 and 2019. Nyla received the TCT STAR Program “Rising Star” Award in 2018.

Kavan Vadivelu
Kavan is headed into the eighth grade at The Seven Hills School. In addition to theater, Kavan enjoys dancing and playing soccer for his club team. His previous credits include TCT’s 2019 production of Disney’s The Jungle Book KIDS (Mowgli), Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (Charlie), and Disney’s Aladdin KIDS (Aladdin).

About The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati:
For 100 years, The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati has provided education and entertainment for children and the young at heart through the art of stage performance. TCT is the oldest children’s theatre in the nation, and the only professional theater in the region that devotes its entire MainStage season to children. TCT directly impacts the lives of nearly 200,000 families and children annually, through Broadway-quality TCT MainStage performances as well as TCT on Tour touring productions and TCT Academy performing arts instruction for children ages 18 months to 18 years.

In March of 2020, in response to COVID-19 and school closures, The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati launched TCT EVERYWHERE  — an online resource for parents, teachers and students featuring crafts, acting and vocal exercises and contests from the professional artistic staff of TCT Academy; along with study guides, podcasts, videos of past productions, and more.

For more information about the TCT mission, check out our website or enjoy our programming through TCT EVERYWHERE. 

-end-

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May 20, 2020 · 11:07 am

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s Virtual Summer Camps

TCTC_new logoAct, Sing, Dance, and Create with us this summer from the comfort and safety of your own home!

Wednesday, May 20, 2020, CINCINNATI:   Due to COVID-19 and in the interest of social-distancing and keeping the health and safety of all local families in mind, The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati has moved all One-Week Summer Camps to an online platform for June & July 2020.

TCT is now offering week-long Musical Theatre Intensive Virtual Camps for three different age groups:

  • 6 to 7 years old: Featuring Disney’s 101 Dalmatians
  • 8 to 10 years old: Featuring: Disney’s Descendants
  • 11 to 14 years old: Featuring The Addams Family

The deadline to register for June Camps is THIS FRIDAY, May 22 at 12 noon. (No exceptions due to TCT prep time required.)

TCT’s Virtual Camps are designed to be fun!  Here’s what Campers can expect:

  • 3 hours of activities daily Monday-Friday
  • A balance of on-screen instruction and off-screen projects
  • Small class sizes
  • A bag full of supplies and activities to keep at home
  • Live theatre arts training from TCT Professionals
  • Pre-recorded tutorials
  • Fun & memorable experiences 

Tuition is just $100 for the week. with a choice of a morning half-day camp, or an afternoon half-day camp. Each half-day session will be three hours long, Monday-Friday. 

Only a limited number of spots are available. Sign up today for these exclusive online camps and add a little structure to your child’s summer at home.

Visit www.thechildrenstheatre.com/camps for more information or to register.

For 100 years, The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati has provided education and entertainment for children and the young at heart through the art of stage performance. TCT is the oldest children’s theatre in the nation, and the only professional theater in the region that devotes its entire MainStage season to children. TCT directly impacts the lives of nearly 200,000 families and children annually, through Broadway-quality TCT MainStage performances as well as TCT on Tour touring productions and TCT Academy performing arts instruction for children ages 18 months to 18 years.

For more information about the TCT mission, check out our website or enjoy our programming through TCT EVERYWHERE. 

-end-

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May 11, 2020 · 10:58 am

Spring Auditions Announced for Cincinnati Boychoir

MISC_Cincinnati Boychoir logJune 1 from 5:30-8:30pm

Even while we’re staying at home, we’re planning for a wonderful 2020-2021 season with excellent music education and exciting performances, all in a tight knit community of boys and their families. The most important part of all this are the talented and dedicated boys who sing in our choirs!

Who’s eligible for an audition?

  • Boys who will be in grade 3-12 in the 2020-2021 school year
  • Boys who love to sing
  • Boys who want to sing with other boys who love to sing

Our auditions for the coming season will look a little different, as we maintain our social distance for the time being. Different doesn’t mean complicated though! Here are the very simple steps!

  1. Register for an audition using the button to the right.
  2. You’ll receive an email confirming that you’ve registered for an audition. Included in this email will be an audition time and a Zoom invitation.
  3. Prepare a song you love to sing and that sounds good in your voice.
  4. Show up on Zoom at your audition time!

To register for an audition, visit https://cincinnatiboychoir.org/audition.

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May 6, 2020 · 10:07 am

In Person and Video Auditions Announced for JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT at Cincinnati Young People’s Theatre

CYPT_logoALERT May 1, 2020:

Cincinnati Landmark Productions (CLP) announces today new audition dates for its annual summer teen theater program, Cincinnati Young People’s Theatre.

In addition, participants will be able to submit video auditions this year. Full information below.

However, auditions and the entire summer program will only go forward if it’s deemed safe and CLP is given authorization to do so by governmental authorities.

“Advance planning for a program of this size and scope is necessary,” said Tim Perrino, founder of CYPT and executive artistic director of Cincinnati Landmark Productions. “We very much want to continue the 38-year tradition that is CYPT this summer. In order to do that, we have to plan as if it’s happening right now. Then await further instruction from local authorities before we actually begin.”

Perrino said the board, staff and production team will decide on/around May 25 if the auditions and summer program are moving forward. Teens registered to auditions would be alerted directly at that time.

FULL INFORMATION:

Cincinnati Young People’s Theatre (CYPT)
Announces Change in Auditions
For its 39th Annual Summer Musical
JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT
Lyrics by Tim Rice and music by Andrew Lloyd Webber

Tim Perrino, Director; Matt Nassida, Music Director; Genevieve Perrino, Choreographer and Katie Ruwe, Stage Manager

Video Link Auditions are now welcomed.

One of the most fantastic shows ever written, Joseph… has TONS of roles, for women and men…GREAT songs… a WILD plot. Plus, the show really is just a dream – allowing for maximum creativity, excitement, crazy characters, hilarious anachronism and one stellar song interpretation after another.

New! This year, we have 2 audition options: In Person or via Video Link.

For Either Option: you must get an application packet in advance by emailing Jennifer Perrino at jenniferperrino@clpshows.org. Please request: In-Person Audition or Video Link Audition.
Performers may audition by Video and/or In-Person. Both will be equally considered.

Must be 13 – 19 years of age at the time of the audition.

Rehearsals begin Monday, June 8, 2020. Performances: July 23 – August 2, 2020.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

All activities, auditions, rehearsals and performances will follow the directives and guidelines from the State of Ohio at all times throughout the summer.

*****************************************************************************
Reminder: You must get an application packet in advance by emailing Jennifer Perrino at jenniferperrino@clpshows.org. Please request: In-Person Audition or Video Link Audition.
Performers may audition by Video and/or In-Person. Both will be equally considered.

After you receive your audition packet: For Video Link Auditions:

Send back the following in one email:
1. The completed audition packet
2. A headshot and resume
3. Link(s) to your audition video (Should feature you singing and dancing; see note below).
4. Deadline to submit video link audition: May 23.
5. Send email to jenniferperrino@clpshows.org.

Please note: Your video link may include previous shows/roles or your “audition reel” or something you create for this audition. The team will want to see you, hear you sing, and get a sense of how you move. The video links will not be judged on technical quality, but only on your appropriateness to the roles available in the show as demonstrated in the recording.

IN PERSON AUDITIONS WILL BE HELD:
Covedale Center for the Performing Arts
4990 Glenway Ave.
Cincinnati, OH 45238
513-241-6550

When:

  • Saturday, May 30, 2020
  • Sunday, May 31, 2020
  • Monday, June 1, 2020

You may set up your audition appointment by emailing Jennifer Perrino, Producer at jenniferperrino@CLPShows.org.

(See audition time slots below: item #3. Read further information for tech positions.)

In-Person Audition Requirements:
1. All in-person auditionees MUST MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO AUDITION by:
A) Email Jennifer Perrino at jenniferperrino@CLPShows.org

2. Bring your completed audition packet to your audition appointment.

Please note: You must provide your age, a good phone number and an email address when setting up your audition.

3. Please request a specific audition time slot:
Saturday, May 30th Noon, 1:00pm and 2:00pm.
Sunday, May 31st 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30pm
Monday, June 1st 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30pm

4. Important: Arrive 15-20 minutes BEFORE the scheduled audition time to fill out paperwork.

5. Please prepare a song from a musical theater show that best represents your singing voice (please bring sheet music for our accompanist).
Please note: Do not expect to sing a cappella or with pre-recorded music.

6. Dress appropriately as you will be required to complete a dance audition.

7. JOSEPH…DREAMCOAT is a sung-thru musical. You will not read from a script at auditions.

All auditionees must complete all parts of the audition.

Participation Fee: All participants (on stage and off) are required to pay a participation fee for this summer program. Fee will be due at the first rehearsal: $175.00 for performers (includes costume and show t-shirt); $50.00 for Techies (includes show t-shirt).

Attention Techies: Interviews will be set up for those interested in working tech for this production. Set up your audition by emailing Jennifer Perrino, Producer at jenniferperrino@CLPShows.org to request a particular time slot.

Interviews slots include:
Saturday, May 30th 1:00pm and 2:00 pm
Sunday, May 31st 6:00 and 7:00 pm
Monday, June 1st 6:00 pm

Please Note: A limited amount of funds are in place to assist with the participation fee. Funds are distributed on a confidential basis. Everyone is encouraged to audition, regardless of ability to pay! Choosing the cast of the show is based upon talent, enthusiasm and availability only. Ability to pay the participation fee is never a factor in casting decisions.

JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT – A reimagining of the Biblical story of Joseph, the show is told entirely through song. After being sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph travels to Egypt, ends up in jail, interprets the dreams of the Pharaoh and eventually forgives and reunites with his family!
The show is full of great songs in a variety of styles, from a parody of French ballads (“Those Canaan Days”), to country-western (“One More Angel in Heaven”) and calypso (“Benjamin Calypso”), along with the unforgettable classics “Any Dream Will Do” and “Close Every Door.”

Women’s Roles: Narrator 1,Narrator 2, Narrator 3, Napthali, Isaachar, Asher, Gad, Judah, Zebulum, Butler, Mrs. Potiphar, Harem Girls (dance ensemble), Jacob’s Wives ensemble, Prisoners ensemble, Guards

Men’s Roles: Jacob, Joseph, Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Dan, Benjamin, Pharaoh, Potiphar, Baker, Old Testament Ensemble, Ishmaelites Ensemble, Prisoners Ensemble, Guards

What is CYPT? Cincinnati Young People’s Theatre provides a summer of great experience for performers and techies alike. Many alumni are professional actors, singers, dancers, technicians and musicians. Others are Drama, Opera, Music Theatre, Voice, Music and Broadcasting majors at colleges all over the country. To date, over 2,300 teens have been a part of CYPT!

CYPT has produced 38 years of exciting shows, including: Legally Blonde, Jesus Christ Superstar, Footloose, Children of Eden, Hello Dolly, Anything Goes, The Pajama Game, Godspell, Les Misérables, Crazy For You, The Wedding Singer, Grease, Hairspray, West Side Story, Beauty and the Beast, The Music Man and many more!

CYPT is the recipient of the Post-Corbett Award for Outstanding Arts Organization, plus, the National Recreation and Parks Arts and Humanities Award, and the Ohio State Award for Best Student Program.

CYPT brings together 100 teens each summer, on stage and off. In 2019, participants came from 40 different schools, from all over the Southwest Ohio, Northern Kentucky and Southeast Indiana region.

CYPT is for you! The teenage performer/techie interested in three things: 1) Theatrical Experience; 2) A Summer project with a difference; 3) A lot of new friends with the same interests.

Joseph Performance Dates:

  • July 23 at 7:30pm
  • July 24 at 8pm
  • July 25 at 8pm
  • July 26 at 2pm
  • July 29 at 7:30pm
  • July 30 at 7:30pm
  • July 31 at 8pm
  • Aug. 1 at 8pm
  • Aug. 2 at 2pm & 7:30pm

Tickets on sale now! Adult $19; Senior $17; College Students $17.00; High school/younger $15.00. Tickets may be purchased via the web: www.CLPShows.org.

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