Category Archives: Press Releases

May 3, 2023 · 5:58 am

NKU SOTA Offers Summer Dance Institute for Young Artists

NKU_Summer Dance InstituteHIGHLAND HEIGHTS, KY – Northern Kentucky University School of the Arts (NKU SOTA) is proud to announce the return of the Summer Dance Institute (SDI), a holistic collegiate dance program for aspiring artists. The program will be held from August 4-6, 2023, on the campus of Northern Kentucky University. The program aims to provide a comprehensive introduction to the field of dance and campus life, allowing participants between the ages of 14 and 23 to learn from the university’s esteemed faculty.

  • What: NKU SOTA Summer Dance Institute
  • When: August 4-6, 2023
  • Where: Health Innovations Room 125, NKU
  • Register: nku.edu/sdi

Participants will experience immersive dance major courses, industry and pedagogical training, and network building over the course of the weekend. NKU SOTA’s state-of-the-art dance studio will provide an ideal environment for participants to hone their skills and gain insight into the various careers that a dance major can provide. The program will be led by faculty member Jacqui Haas, with guest faculty Lyndsay Barto, Anaya Ni’kole McNair, Shane Ohmer, Jeaunita Olówè, Cat Schmeal-Swope, and Teresa VanDenend Sorge. SDI offers courses in African dance, ballet, costume appreciation, hip-hop, jazz, modern dance, music theatre, nutrition, and yoga.

Registration is now open, and the deadline for registration is July 15, 2023. The registration fee is $35, and the program fee is $300. Early bird discounts are available for those who register before May 15, with a program fee of $250, and before June 1, with a program fee of $275. Interested students can visit nku.edu/sdi to register and find further details about the program.

About NKU: Founded in 1968, we are a growing metropolitan university of more than 15,000 students served by more than 2,000 faculty and staff on a thriving suburban campus near Cincinnati. Located in the quiet suburb of Highland Heights, Kentucky—just seven miles southeast of Cincinnati—we have become a leader in Greater Cincinnati and Kentucky by providing a private school education for a fraction of the cost. While we are one of the fastest growing universities in Kentucky, our professors still know our students’ names. For more information, visit nku.edu.

About SOTA: The Theatre and Dance, Art and Design, and Music programs make up the School of the Arts that sit in the College of Arts and Sciences at Northern Kentucky University. Theatre and Dance relies on intensive student involvement both inside and outside the classroom. Our staff, resources and facilities serve the developing artist. At the program’s center is a vital balance of process and production, giving each student opportunities to stretch boundaries and discover new possibilities. Graduates are working in professional theatres in every major city in the United States and on five continents, having successful careers on Broadway and in regional theatre, on cruise ships, in theme parks and film and television. For more information, visit theatre.nku.edu.

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May 2, 2023 · 5:49 am

A Cinderella-Romance DADDY LONG LEGS Opens Friday at Sunset Players

SSP_Daddy Long LegsCINCINNATI, OH – May 1, 2023 — Daddy Long Legs opens this Friday at Sunset Players with performances at the Art Center at Dunham (1945 Dunham Way, Cincinnati, OH 45238).

Based on a classic novel by Jean Webster that inspired the 1955 movie starring Fred Astaire, Daddy Long Legs is a heartwarming Cinderella story in the spirit of Jane Austen, the Bronte Sisters, and “Downton Abbey.” Set in turn-of-the-century New England, the musical tells the story of orphan Jerusha Abbott and her mysterious benefactor who agrees to send her to college in exchange for a monthly letter. Through these correspondence to her benefactor that she dubs “Daddy Long Legs”, Jerusha provides insights into a budding relationship with Jervis Pendleton, an uncle of one of her roommates, who introduces her to a world of literature, travel, and adventure. Yet there is a startling fact that Jerusha has not uncovered, which will change her life forever. The stage musical, presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI), features music and lyrics by Tony-nominated composer/lyricist Paul Gordon and Tony-winning librettist/director John Caird.

Directed by Allen Lindsey and featuring Rachel Scardina and Gregory Shaffer, performances are May 5, 6, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, and 20 (Friday and Saturday nights at 8pm, Thursday at 7:30 pm, and Sunday matinee at 3 pm). Tickets for Daddy Long Legs are on sale now online at www.sunsetplayers.org, or at the door. Tickets are $20 general admission and $18 for seniors, students, or groups of 10 or more. To reserve a seat, call 514-588-4988.

Sunset Players, Inc. is a community theater group located on the west side of Cincinnati. Founded in 1979, the group performs at the Arts Center at Dunham and has produced more than 145 plays. Its mission is to bring a smile, and its plays include comedies, farces, dramatic comedies, and musical comedies.

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May 1, 2023 · 6:22 am

The Walnut Hills High School Theatre Department Presents 42ND STREET: Youth Edition

WHHS_42nd Street

Caroline Lovelace as Peggy Sawyer, Winter Cruser as Billy Lawlor and Violet Kimnach as Annie. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

Cincinnati, OH-Following their previous production of Puffs, The Walnut Hills High School Theatre Department is eager to welcome back audiences with a heart warming classic that’s fun for the whole family, 42nd Street: Youth Edition.

The show runs May 11th-13th, 2023 at 7 p.m.

42nd Street celebrates Broadway, Times Square, and the magic of show biz with wit, humor and pizzazz. At the height of the Great Depression, aspiring chorus girl Peggy Sawyer comes to the big city from Allentown, PA, and soon lands her first big job in the ensemble of a glitzy new Broadway show. But just before opening night, the leading lady breaks her ankle. Will Peggy be able to step in and become a star?

“After doing some more serious titles earlier in our season, I’m glad we’re finishing up with a more light-hearted and warm story about hopes and dreams that both old and young can relate to.” says director Mike Sherman.

Tickets are $13 for adults and $11 for students. They are now available, and can be purchased at: https://sites.google.com/view/whhstheatredepartment/tickets. 

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

Caroline Lovelace as Peggy Sawyer, Clark Sayer as Julian Marsh, Winter Cruser as Billy Lawlor, Adelaide Linser as Dorothy Brock, Harper Monnin as Andy Lee, Cat Riggs as Maggie Jones, Jonathan Rubin as Bert Barry, Jonas Warner as Mac, Grant Luebke as Abner Dillon, C.C Wise as Frankie, Zel Auger as Pat Denning, Sophia Puthoff as Phyllis, Violet Kimnach as Annie, Carolina Junewick as Lorraine, Maya Lipscomb as Gladys, Myah Firdhaus as Winnie, Naomi Madaris as Doctor, Noah Leventhal as Second Man/First Thug/Another Boy, Andrew Prevost as Man’s Voice/Second Thug/A Boy, Ash Kertpet as Girl’s Voice, Maria Smyth as Second Girl, Noa Jaffee as Chorus Girl, and Lauryn Shafer as Another Girl, Rachel Everingham as Waitress, Aniyah Calvin as Waitress, Jennifer Keifer as Ensemble, and Riley Coleman as Ensemble

  • Directed by Mike Sherman
  • Co-Assistant Directed by Clare Graff and Wolf Singer
  • Music Director: Steve Goers
  • Choreographer: Izzy Lachey
  • Technical Direction by Helen A. Raymond-Goers
  • Production Stage Manager- Diana Hutchinson
  • Assistant Stage Management- Laylah Torain and Kat Swift
  • Costume Designer- Amelia Price and Amelia Reidy
  • Costume Design Mentor: Emma Smith
  • Hair and Makeup Designer- Emma Dalton
  • Lighting Designers- Allison Calkins and Tein Dao
  • Lighting Head Electrician- Maya Busche
  • Marketing and Publicity Head- Lizzy Rebber
  • Props Designers- Kyra Doty and Abbie Kershner
  • Props Manager: Oran Wilkins
  • Scenic Designers- Ryan Peerless and Max Rush
  • Sound Designer- Katie Berich and Maya Busche

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May 1, 2023 · 6:20 am

Dancing for the Stars 2023 Announces Winners 

CAA_Dancing with the Stars 2023 Winner

Winner Brock Leah Spears with Amanda Barazza.

Britton Spitler as Brock Leah Spears (Project Manager, ADM) and Dance Pro Amanda Barraza Crowned New Dancing for the Stars Champs

Litsa Spanos honored as Fundraising Champion

[CINCINNATI, OH] – Britton Spitler as Brock Leah Spears (Project Manager – ADM) and dance pro Amanda Barraza (Independent Dance Instructor) received a nearly perfect score of 29, taking first place at the Cincinnati Arts Association’s fifteenth annual Dancing for the Stars on Saturday, April 22, 2023 at the Music Hall Ballroom. Litsa Spanos (President – ADC Art Design Consultants, Inc.) took home the Fundraising Champion Award, as the celebrity who raised the most money for the event through ticket sales and donations – nearly $12,000.

Morgan Owens (Entrepreneur, Author, Consultant, Speaker, and Brand Ambassador) and Josh Tilford (Independent Dance Instructor) took second place, and Fundraising Champ Litsa Spanos and Andrea Stefano (Independent Dance Instructor) placed third.

As CAA’s largest annual fundraiser, the popular annual event raised more than $70,000 in support of the organization’s acclaimed arts education programs, including the Overture Awards – the nation’s largest locally run high school arts scholarship competition. 

The remaining five dance pairs included:

  • David Kapor (Founder & Managing Partner – Kapor, Davis & Associates, LLC) and Bonita Brockert (Independent Dance Instructor)
  • Frank Marzullo (Meteorologist – FOX19 NOW) and Alaine Glick (Independent Dance Instructor)
  • Diana Nguyen (Owner – Deluxe Nail Salon & Spa) and Jeremy Mainous (Arthur Murray Dance Studio – Montgomery)
  • Tom Parker (Director of External Communications – Lindner Center of Hope) and Melissa Vaughn (Arthur Murray Dance Studio – Montgomery)
  • Erin Rolfes (Director of Communication & Media Relations – The Kroger Co.) and Rostislav Toporski (Independent Dance Instructor)

Inspired by the hit TV show Dancing with the Stars, Dancing for the Stars 2023 featured eight Cincinnati celebrities paired with some of the area’s finest professional dancers in a competition program at which the audience vote and judges scores propelled the winners to victory. The competitive dance for the evening was Disco/Hustle, and each dance pair had 90 seconds to woo the crowd and the judges.

Event emcees were Chris O’Brien & Janeen Coyle (“Married With Microphones,” 103.5 WGRR-FM). The competition judges were Douglas Beal (Independent Dance Instructor), Jon Lawhead (Dancing for the Stars 2022 alum), and Amanda Orlando (WARM 98.5 Morning Show host).

In addition, Dancing for the Stars 2023 featured:

  • Wine tasting (compliments of Heidelberg Distributing) during a meet-and-greet reception with the stars and the pros before the competition
  • Dinner-by-the-Bite provided by A Catered Affair, Metropolitan Club, Moerlein Lager House, Prime Cincinnati, Primo Italian Steakhouse, Skyline Chili, Street City Pub, That’s So Sweet, Vonderhaar’s Catering
  • Dance music by popular DJ and 103.5 WGRR personality JD Hughes
  • Open dancing before and after the competition
  • Entertaining and amazing exhibition dances by the Dancing for the Stars talented pros.
  • An inspiring video about the Overture Awards, featuring interviews with the six student winners of the 2023 Overture Awards finals competition.
  • Two big screens that featured live video of the competition and engaging video introductions of the stars and pros (interviews and rehearsal footage) before their dances.
  • Humorous, astute, and supportive comments from the Dancing for the Stars panel of judges.
  • Exceptionally responsive, raucous, and energetic audience reactions, which included large cheering sections holding signs with various messages in support of their favorite Stars.
  • Lots of flashy, retro, Disco outfits and big hair worn by the dance celebs and pros.

Dance Pair Song Selections

  • Britton Spitler as Brock Leah Spears / Amanda Barraza: “Last Dance” by Donna Summer
  • Morgan Owens / Josh Tilford: “Bad Girls” by Donna Summer
  • Litsa Spanos / Andrea Stefano: “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees and N-Trance
  • David Kapor / Bonita Brockert: “Living With a Hernia” by “Weird Al” Yankovic
  • Frank Marzullo / Alaine Glick: “Car Wash” by Rose Royce
  • Diana Nguyen / Jeremy Mainous: “Barbie Girl” by Aqua
  • Tom Parker / Melissa Vaughn: “Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond
  • Erin Rolfes / Rostislav Toporski: “Le Freak” by Chic

Presenting Sponsor: TriHealth

Event Sponsors: Arthur Murray – Montgomery, Amanda Barraza, Bonita Brockert, Alaine Glick, Harlan Graphics, Punky’s Pixels, Andrea Stefano, Josh Tilford, Rostislav Toporski 

Libations Sponsors:  Heidelberg Distributing, Ohio Valley Wine & Beer, Pepsi 

Event Committee:  Doreen Beatrice, Michael Betz, Amal Daoud, Terry Foster, Ginger Loftin, Rosemary Schlachter, Phil Schworer, and Dr. Tracey Skale 

CINCINNATI ARTS ASSOCIATION’S EDUCATION & COMMUNITY ENGAGMENT PROGRAMS

CAA’s Education & Community Engagement Department cultivates diverse, inclusive, and accessible arts engagements, seeking to remove barriers preventing arts participation. Committed to a practice of antiracism, the Education and Community Engagement Department encourages the use of CAA venues, develops diverse arts supporters, and fosters an appreciation and understanding of diverse arts disciplines, while encouraging and supporting practicing arts educators and administrators, audiences, and aspiring artists.

SchoolTime presents a series of programs that feature nationally recognized artists at the Aronoff Center and Music Hall. The Artists on Tour program brings a variety of arts experiences directly to schools, community centers, and other organizations. The finest local teaching artists in the region enhance learning with unique programs that vary in culture and art form.

The Arts in Healing Initiative integrates the performing and visual arts in medical and community healthcare settings and other non-traditional settings to promote community wellness and encourage the community to explore the arts as an active part of their healing and ongoing wellness.

The Overture Awards is a program that recognizes and rewards excellence in the arts among Greater Cincinnati students in grades 9-12. Its mission is to encourage arts education as an integral part of a student’s academic experience and to create an environment that encourages training in, and appreciation of, the arts. The Overture Awards is the area’s largest solo arts competition and offers awards in six artistic disciplines: creative writing, dance, instrumental music, theatre, visual art, and vocal music.

Now in its 27th year, the Overture Awards has granted over nearly $1,000,000 to youth and schools in the Tri-state region. The Overture Awards was launched in 1996 by the Cinergy Foundation and Leadership Cincinnati (a Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber of Commerce program).

CINCINNATI ARTS ASSOCIATION

Founded in 1992, the Cincinnati Arts Association (CAA) is a not-for-profit organization that oversees the programming and management of the Tri-state’s finest performing arts venues – the Aronoff Center for the Arts and Music Hall – and is dedicated to supporting performing and visual arts. Each year, CAA presents a diverse schedule of events; serves upwards of 700,000 people in its venues; features the work of talented local, regional, and national artists in the Weston Art Gallery (located in the Aronoff Center); and supports the work of more than one dozen resident companies.

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April 27, 2023 · 4:07 pm

Matt Distel Appointed Executive Director of The Carnegie

TC_Matt DistelAfter 9+ Years as The Carnegie’s Exhibitions Director, Distel will undertake a new role as the organization’s leader

COVINGTON, Ky. (April 27, 2023) – The Carnegie has announced the appointment of Matt Distel as its next Executive Director.

An accomplished curator and arts administrator, Matt Distel brings nearly 30 years of experience to the Executive Director position. Distel is stepping into this new role with a long history at The Carnegie and a decorated career leading community-centered arts organizations.

Distel first joined The Carnegie staff as its Exhibitions Director in 2013 and has been organizing exhibitions since 1994—with a particular focus on artists from the region. Prior to joining The Carnegie, Distel held curatorial roles at the Cincinnati Art Museum and the Contemporary Arts Center as well as served as Executive Director of Visionaries + Voices in Cincinnati and HVCCA in Peekskill, NY. He was also the co-founder and director of Country Club, a commercial gallery based in Cincinnati and Los Angeles.

Notably, Distel has curated and organized numerous exhibitions and installations including projects with SIMPARCH, Kendell Geers, Temporary Services, The Yes Men, Beth Campbell, Alexis Rockman, Jay Bolotin, Future Retrieval, Terry Berlier, Design 99, Courttney Cooper, Ryan McGinness, Ellen Berkenblit, Edie Harper, Tom Wesselmann and Atlas Group.

“We feel very fortunate that Matt will be our next Executive Director,” said Jamie Horn, Carnegie Board President. “We have an exceptionally strong team at The Carnegie—and Matt has been a foundational member of the staff for nearly a decade. I am certain The Carnegie will thrive under Matt’s leadership and believe he will usher in a dynamic era for the organization.”

The Carnegie is a three-tiered organization and Distel’s new role as Executive Director oversees each department: Gallery, Education and Theatre. Under his direction as Exhibitions Director, The Carnegie Galleries expanded its mission while deepening local relationships. In an effort to generate opportunities for regional artists, Distel experimented with several exhibition models that nurtured connections between guest curators, writers, gallerists and fellow artists. The Carnegie’s most recent FotoFocus exhibition These Things Are Connected beautifully illustrates Distel’s philosophy: he brought together five curators working inside and outside of the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky region to select and develop projects based on linking artists across different geographies. In the same way, The Carnegie Galleries prioritizes connecting artists with a range of curatorial voices that provides new contexts for their work—an effort that subsequently nurtures the region’s vibrant and growing art community.

“Since my very first experiences in the art world nearly 30 years ago, I have always worked to amplify regional voices of both the performing and visual artists—and believe that a vibrant art community’s impact reaches beyond a single studio, stage or classroom.” Distel added “I’m honored to continue building upon the successes established by previous Executive Directors Kim Best and Katie Brass. Thanks to my predecessors, especially Kim’s Capital Campaign initiative, The Carnegie will continue to connect artists to each other and communities beyond our region.”

Distel’s appointment follows some major milestones for the organization, including The Carnegie’s inaugural Summer Theatre Series and the successful production of Singin’ in the Rain. The Theatre’s new season format led by Tyler Gabbard produced significant growth in audience and record sales for the organization. Under the guidance of Alissa Paasch, The Carnegie’s Education department has also seen a notable expansion in recent years, facilitating in-school arts integration programming in Covington school systems and beyond—plus on-site programming in their Eva G. Farris Education Center.

In conjunction with Matt Distel’s appointment, The Carnegie will also be announcing their search for a Development Director. This position will be pivotal in securing ongoing financial support and facilitating organizational growth.

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About The Carnegie 
The Carnegie is Northern Kentucky’s largest multidisciplinary arts venue providing theatre events, educational programs and art exhibitions to the Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati community. The Carnegie facility is home to The Carnegie Galleries, the Otto M. Budig Theatre, and the Eva G. Farris Education Center. More information about The Carnegie is available at http://www.thecarnegie.com or by calling (859) 491-2030.

The Carnegie is supported by the generosity of tens of thousands of contributors to the ArtsWave Community Campaign. The Carnegie receives ongoing operating support from the Kentucky Arts Council, City of Covington, Kenton County Fiscal Courts, Carol Ann & Ralph V. Haile, Jr. Foundation, the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, and Cincinnati International Wine Festival.

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