Category Archives: Press Releases

May 3, 2023 · 6:00 am

Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati closes the 2022-2023 Season with the Regional Premiere Dramedy MAYTAG VIRGIN

ETC_Maytag VirginMay 27 – June 18, 2023

(Cincinnati, OH) Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati (ETC) closes its 2022-2023 Season with the regional premiere dramedy Maytag Virgin by Audrey Cefaly. Two new neighbors put their hearts (and laundry) on the line in this poignant dramedy that tells a witty, romantic, and honest story of connection. May 27–June 18, 2023. Directed by Bridget Leak. Premiere Sponsors are John Goering; Mark Haggard and Daniel Brown.

Good fences make good neighbors, right? But what about clotheslines? When the unflappable Jack Key moves in next door to the endearingly neurotic Lizzy Nash, sparks fly. Over time, neighborly nagging softens, and a deeper connection emerges between the two high school teachers. As the leaves turn yellow and the months march on, kept secrets shake loose, and the pair finds themselves facing the same question: How do you know when you’re ready to live, and love, again?

“Maytag Virgin reminds us that the world is full of possibilities,” says Producing Artistic Director D. Lynn Meyers. “It’s the perfect dramedy. You’re going to laugh out loud, and you’re going to be touched by the story that is far more than boy meets girl. It’s about how love really never leaves, even when the people who love each other do. It’s absolutely charming.”

About the Cast

Ryan Wesley Gilreath (Jack Key) last performed at Ensemble Theatre in Queen, and some of his other credits there include Ripcord, Tribes, Other Desert Cities, Next Fall, 33 Variations, and Mary’s Wedding. His TV and film credits include The Bikeriders with Austin Butler; Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile on Netflix; Forrest Mars in The Food That Built America; Jack Miller in TURN: Washington’s Spies; Oppenheimer in American Genius; Doc Robinson in Gold Fever; and the pilot of Guilty on Fox. His theatre credits include A Christmas Carol, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park; Ears on a Beatle, Human Race Theatre; and Burning Desire, Seven Angels, and Deathtrap, Florida Repertory Theatre.

Maggie Lou Rader (Elizabeth “Lizzy” Nash) makes her Ensemble Theatre debut with this production. Originally from Oklahoma, she attended William Jewell College, Oxford University, and the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. She has performed regionally and internationally with Human Race Theatre, Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Know Theatre, Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park, The Kitchen Theatre, Birmingham Old Rep, and Cincinnati Shakespeare Company. Some of her favorite credits include Maggie in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, June in Alabaster, The Pilot in Grounded, and Marie Antoinette in The Revolutionists.

Bridget Leak (Director) returns to Ensemble Theatre, having previously directed Queen. Her previous Cincinnati directing credits include Actually with Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Playhouse’s Off the Hill Series, and the current production of RUH-Roh! at the Cincinnati Fringe Festival. Her previous honors include People’s Liberty Grant recipient, Cincinnati Art Ambassador Fellowship, Lincoln Center Directors Lab alum, Artist in Residence at Robert Wilson’s The Watermill Center, Directing Fellow at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, and an SDCF Observer (Cleveland Play House and Round House Theatre). Bridget has an MFA in directing from the Actors Studio Drama School at Pace University.

Production team: Brian c. Mehring (Resident Scenic & Lighting Designer), Brooke Arthur (Costume Designer), Matt Callahan (Sound Designer), Shannon Rae Lutz (Properties Curator & Design Assistant), and Jack Murphy (Technical Director). Production Stage Manager is Margot Whitney. Assistant Stage Manager is Lexi Muller.

Performance Information
Performances Tuesday-Thursday at 7:30 pm; Friday & Saturday at 8:00 pm; Saturday & Sunday at 2:00 pm. Performances vary. A complete calendar of performances is available at www.ensemblecincinnati.org.

Ticket Prices
Tickets start at $35 for adults and student tickets are $28. Half-Price Rush Tickets: All remaining tickets for the current day’s performance(s) are available two hours prior to each show time for half-price (discount only applies to adult tickets) when purchasing by phone or in person. $15 Student Rush Tickets: Students may purchase up to two $15 student rush tickets two hours prior to show time with valid student I.D. Available in person only.

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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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May 3, 2023 · 5:59 am

Greater Cincinnati High Schools Celebrate Theatre at Cappies Gala on May 7

MISC_The Cappies logoIn Tony’s-style ceremony at the Aronoff Center, students will recognize achievements in performance, technical theatre, and review writing

MAY 1, 2023, Cincinnati, OH – The ballots have been cast and the votes are in! On May 7 at the Aronoff Center for the Arts, local high school students will be recognized in a Tony’s-style awards ceremony for their accomplishments in theatrical performance, technical theatre, and writing.

The annual Cappies Gala, organized by the Cappies of Greater Cincinnati, celebrates the hard work of high school theatre departments across Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. This year, more than 100 student critics from 15 local high schools were involved in the local chapter of the international Critics and Awards Program.

To complete the program, students must attend at least five theatrical performances at other high schools and write constructive reviews. At the performance, the students participate in a teacher-led workshop where they learn the history and background of the show, participate in structured discussion about their observations, and determine which students should be considered for nomination for various awards categories.

Tickets for the gala are on sale at the Cincinnati Arts Association box office. For more information, call the Cincinnati Arts Association ticket office at 513-621-2787 [ARTS] or visit them on the web at CincinnatiArts.org. More information, as well as sponsorship and program advertising details, can be found at cincicap.com/gala.

And the nominees are:

Marketing & Publicity:

Isaiah Goebel, Makenna Halm, Christian Romero, Kimora Tolbert
Colerain High School, Clue, High School Edition

Paige Barber, Georgia Horton, Mollie Spears, Shreya Vaghela
Highlands High School, Sweeney Todd, The Musical

Emma Chapman, Catherine Foster, Katie Frazee, Ali Lewis
Mercy McAuley High School, Seussical

Cecilia Rice, Agatha Horstman, Kameron Kerl
Roger Bacon High School, We Will Rock You, School Edition

Abby Brettschneider, Niki Lippert
Taylor High School, Mamma Mia

Andrew Canter, Adelaide Linser, Caroline Lovelace
Walnut Hills High School, Macbeth 

Special Effects/Technology:

Jack Geers, Caden Broenner, Jacob Burdett
Roger Bacon High School, We Will Rock You, School Edition

Maceo Moll Hooper, Finley Manktelow
School for Creative and Performing Arts, The Wiz

Andrew Rhoades
Walnut Hills High School, Macbeth 

Hair & Make-up

Rachel Fessler, Peyton Pope, James Wilson, crew
Highlands High School, Sweeney Todd, The Musical

Ella Clemons, Grace Hepburn, Hailey Mollman
Loveland High School, The Wizard of Oz

Abby Campbell, Rachel Heinz, Elaina Ward, Crew
Mercy McAuley High School, Seussical

Tobie Brooks, Angelica Needham-Castano
School for Creative and Performing Arts, The Wiz

Lizzy Rebber, Sci Redding, Crew
Walnut Hills High School, Macbeth

Sarah Boeh, Leah Marx
William Henry Harrison High School, The Addams Family

​Sound:

Naila Browder, Grace Field, Alora Wethington
Campbell County High School, Sweeney Todd, The Play

Karli Smith, Shelby Farler, Jaelin Parker, Dana Rullmann
Colerain High School, Clue, High School Edition

Andrew Brokesh, Roscoe Putnam
Roger Bacon High School, We Will Rock You, School Edition

Miles DiMeo, Gyasi Henderson, Shania Brewer, Iris Combs
School for Creative and Performing Arts, The Wiz

Katie Berich, Maya Busche, Abi Lonergan, Heather Strom
Walnut Hills High School, Macbeth

Samuel Aronoff, Ellis Clay, Gabby Soto
William Mason High School, Clue, High School Edition 

Props:

Emily Bunch, Ellie Flinchum, Taylor Gillespie, Payton Potts
Campbell County High School, Sweeney Todd, The Play

Gracin Conly, Cadence Lynn, Arach McNamara, Lillian Smith,
Colerain High School, Clue, High School Edition

Rowan Cavanaugh, Addie Littner, Hannah Nieporte, Crew
Highlands High School, Sweeney Todd, The Musical

Claire Erion, Kallie Toon
Mercy McAuley High School, Seussical

AJ Frecker, Oran Wilkins, Crew
Walnut Hills High School, Macbeth

Abbie Dreyer, Elizabeth Stitak, Kavya Chintakayala, Crew
William Mason High School, Clue, High School Edition

Lighting:

Catherine Deaton, Balma Yarza Ferrer
Campbell County High School, Sweeney Todd, The Play

Lily Farmer, Raegan Popp, Nicolas Smith, and crew
Colerain High School, Clue, High School Edition

Robert Chalk, Penelope Kolb, Gabe McDermott, and crew
Highlands High School, Sweeney Todd, The Musical

Nicholas Peebles, Eleanor Klein, Izzy Bisogni
Loveland High School, The Wizard of Oz

Anthony Mechley, Anna Kenny, Jack Hudgens, Mina Mader
Roger Bacon High School, We Will Rock You, School Edition

Jake Elsen, Alex Feltner, Dakota Gibbs, Clayton Picchioni
Taylor High School, Mamma Mia 

Costumes:

Gracie Bridewell, Kaitlyn Bunch, Makayla Bush, Crew
Campbell County High School, Sweeney Todd, The Play

Linnell Anderson, Sydney Beach, Megan Reichert, Crew
Highlands High School, Sweeney Todd, The Musical

Isabella Cassaro, Adelaide Lindner, Sabrina Warren, Crew
Mercy McAuley High School, Seussical

Raelynn Chesher, crew
Roger Bacon High School, We Will Rock You, School Edition

Elise Cochrane
School for Creative and Performing Arts, The Wiz

Ashley Reckelhoff
William Henry Harrison High School, The Addams Family 

Sets:

Jami Hiller, Adelaide Sheets, Caitlynn Smith, Crew
Campbell County High School, Sweeney Todd, The Play

Catherine Coleman, Samantha Cooper, Olivia Sunderman, Crew
Colerain High School, Clue, High School Edition

EJ Burke, Niki Essen, Grace Schreyer, Crew
Mercy McAuley High School, Seussical

Kiyanna Beamon, Lotte Holland, Eaen Gongora, McGregor Philps
School for Creative and Performing Arts, The Wiz

Mariah Clark, Angel Hockemeyer, Callum Metz, Crew
Taylor High School, Mamma Mia

Sarah Bartlett, Crew
William Mason High School, Clue, High School Edition 

Orchestra:

The Little Women Orchestra
Randall K. Cooper High School, Little Women The Musical

RB3
Roger Bacon High School, We Will Rock You, School Edition

SCPA Orchestra
School for Creative and Performing Arts, The Wiz

Choreography:

Lilliana Adams, Elayna Bender, Logan Duerk, Delana Hinman
Taylor High School, Mamma Mia

Anna Grace Hull, Caroline McKernan, Josie Lickliter, Grace Rudie
Ursuline Academy, Seussical: The Musical

Lael Ingram
Walnut Hills High School, Macbeth

Maddie Hall
William Henry Harrison High School, The Addams Family

Creativity:

Arabella Bertucci, Olivia Huff, Bailey Klei
Campbell County High School, Sweeney Todd, The Play

Chloe Caudill, Cooper Gamble, Logan Holbrook, Caleb Lindsey
Highlands High School, Sweeney Todd, The Musical

Charleigh Cox
Larry A Ryle High School, Eurydice

Ryan Peerless
Walnut Hills High School, Macbeth 

Stage Management & Stage Crew

Karly Fleckenstein, Tylar Frankowski, Karis Pugh, Crew
Campbell County High School, Sweeney Todd, The Play

Adriana Mayfield, Adrianna Spaulding
Colerain High School, Clue, High School Edition

Bradley Groneck, Stella Halbauer, Jack Langlinais, crew
Highlands High School, Sweeney Todd, The Musical

Jessica Berwanger, Sydney Neyer, Ava Sand, Crew
Mercy McAuley High School, Seussical

Trinity Gibson
School for Creative and Performing Arts, The Wiz

Abbie Kershner, Nyla Shahanavaz, Crew
Walnut Hills High School, Macbeth

Ensemble in a Play:

Victorian Townspeople/Newgate Patients
Campbell County High School, Sweeney Todd, The Play

The Six Suspects
Colerain High School, Clue, High School Edition

The Rocks
Larry A Ryle High School, Eurydice

The Witches
Walnut Hills High School, Macbeth

The Six Suspects
William Mason High School, Clue, High School Edition 

Ensemble in a Musical:

The Lunatics
Highlands High School, Sweeney Todd, The Musical

The Bird Girls
Mercy McAuley High School, Seussical

The Bohemians
Roger Bacon High School, We Will Rock You, School Edition

Tornado, Monkey, Poppy Dancers
School for Creative and Performing Arts, The Wiz

Summer Night Singers
Taylor High School, Mamma Mia

Wickershams
Ursuline Academy, Seussical

Featured Actor in a Female Role in a Play:

Brooklynn Overgaard-McCool
Campbell County High School, Sweeney Todd, The Play

Kailie Gould
Colerain High School, Clue, High School Edition

Sophie Christian
Walnut Hills High School, Macbeth

Molly Cronin
William Mason High School, Clue, High School Edition

Featured Actor in a Male Role in a Play:

Natalie Hicks
Campbell County High School, Sweeney Todd, The Play

Joey Smith
Colerain High School, Clue, High School Edition

Zach Petrie
Larry A Ryle High School, Eurydice

Hadrian Dwyer
Walnut Hills High School, Macbeth

Miguel Castro
William Mason High School, Clue, High School Edition

Featured Actor in a Female Role in a Musical:

Phia Veshapidze
Highlands High School, Sweeney Todd, The Musical

Grace Koenig
Mercy McAuley High School, Seussical

Rachael Baute
Randall K. Cooper High School, Little Women The Musical

Grace Hoffmann
Roger Bacon High School, We Will Rock You, School Edition

Abigail Rauen
School for Creative and Performing Arts, The Wiz

Maggie Farwig
Ursuline Academy, Seussical: The Musical 

Featured Actor in a Male Role in a Musical:

Noah Varland
Highlands High School, Sweeney Todd, The Musical

Paul Laufersweiler
Loveland High School, The Wizard of Oz

Daevon March
Randall K. Cooper High School, Little Women The Musical

Trevor Hatfield
Roger Bacon High School, We Will Rock You, School Edition

Deaundre Dunham
School for Creative and Performing Arts, The Wiz

Ethan Roush
William Henry Harrison High School, The Addams Family

Dancer in a Female Role:

Arabella Bertucci
Campbell County High School, Sweeney Todd, The Play

Tricia Halili-Felse
Loveland High School, The Wizard of Oz

Olivia Radecki
Roger Bacon High School, We Will Rock You, School Edition

Trista Mullenix
School for Creative and Performing Arts, The Wiz

Maya Max
Ursuline Academy, Seussical

Maddie Hall
William Henry Harrison High School, The Addams Family 

Dancer in a Male Role:

Elaina Ward
Mercy McAuley High School, Seussical

Tristen Ingram
School for Creative and Performing Arts, The Wiz

Logan Duerk
Taylor High School, Mamma Mia

Jane Asche
Ursuline Academy, Seussical

Vocalist in a Female Role:

Ella Mueller
Randall K. Cooper High School, Little Women The Musical

Nia Buchannon
Roger Bacon High School, We Will Rock You, School Edition

Maya Chavez
Saint Ursula Academy, Little Women the Musical

Addy Probasco
School for Creative and Performing Arts, The Wiz

Elizabeth Benton
Ursuline Academy, Seussical

Chloe Schwettman
William Henry Harrison High School, The Addams Family

Vocalist in a Male Role:

Jameson Zoller
Highlands High School, Sweeney Todd, The Musical

Moose Hendricks
Loveland High School, The Wizard of Oz 

Ray Huffman
Roger Bacon High School, We Will Rock You, School Edition

Preston Marx
Saint Ursula Academy, Little Women the Musical

Stephen Lambert
School for Creative and Performing Arts, The Wiz

Blake Wanek
Taylor High School, Mamma Mia 

Comic Actor in a Female Role in a Play:

Chanel Sanchez
Colerain High School, Clue, High School Edition

Maria Zacher
William Mason High School, Clue, High School Edition

Comic Actor in a Male Role in a Play:

Jonas Aboagye
Campbell County High School, Sweeney Todd, The Play

Michael Kongos
Colerain High School, Clue, High School Edition

Bradley McAlister
Larry A Ryle High School, Eurydice

Clark Sayre
Walnut Hills High School, Macbeth

Connor Lape
William Mason High School, Clue, High School Edition 

Comic Actor in a Female Role in a Musical:

Grace Shuley
Highlands High School, Sweeney Todd, The Musical

Abby Sewell
Mercy McAuley High School, Seussical

Colleen Woeste
Roger Bacon High School, We Will Rock You, School Edition

Mia Richardson
School for Creative and Performing Arts, The Wiz

Anna Bucher
Taylor High School, Mamma Mia

Josie Lickliter
Ursuline Academy, Seussical

Comic Actor in a Male Role in a Musical

George Jewell
Loveland High School, The Wizard of Oz

Olivia Duker
Mercy McAuley High School, Seussical

Conner Beierle
Roger Bacon High School, We Will Rock You, School Edition

Gemariah Washington
School for Creative and Performing Arts, The Wiz

Noah Tisevich
Taylor High School, Mamma Mia

Gino Fiorino
William Henry Harrison High School, The Addams Family 

Supporting Actor in a Female Role in a Play:

Aubrie Klei
Campbell County High School, Sweeney Todd, The Play

Janet Kelly
Colerain High School, Clue, High School Edition

Avery Frank
Walnut Hills High School, Macbeth

Syeirra Todaro
William Mason High School, Clue High School Edition 

Supporting Actor in a Male Role in a Play:

Mack Hodge
Campbell County High School, Sweeney Todd, The Play

Ethan Stoelt
Colerain High School, Clue, High School Edition

Joseph Eversole
Larry A Ryle High School, Eurydice

Nate Caudill
Walnut Hills High School, Macbeth

Webb Beatty
William Mason High School, Clue, High School Edition 

Supporting Actor in a Female Role in a Musical

Jonah Listerman
Highlands High School, Sweeney Todd, The Musical

Sophia Herbon
Loveland High School, The Wizard of Oz

Lydia Wright
Mercy McAuley High School, Seussical

Zoe Nienaber
Roger Bacon High School, We Will Rock You, School Edition

Anna Grace Hull
Ursuline Academy, Seussical: The Musical

Alexi Moore
William Henry Harrison High School, The Addams Family 

Supporting Actor in a Male Role in a Musical

Ethan Shepherd
Loveland High School, The Wizard of Oz

Madalyn Emery
Mercy McAuley High School, Seussical

Casey Lanser
Roger Bacon High School, We Will Rock You, School Edition

Demarco Reed
School for Creative and Performing Arts, The Wiz

Aric Schauer
Ursuline Academy, Seussical

Matthew Rudolph
William Henry Harrison High School, The Addams Family

Lead Actor in a Female Role in a Play:

Sarai Aboagye
Campbell County High School, Sweeney Todd, The Play

Charlotte McVay
Colerain High School, Clue, High School Edition

Keyana Payne
Larry A Ryle High School, Eurydice

Emma Dalton
Walnut Hills High School, Macbeth

Abby Burns
William Mason High School, Clue, High School Edition

Lead Actor in a Male Role in a Play:

Chas Harmon
Campbell County High School, Sweeney Todd, The Play

James Covarrubias
Colerain High School, Clue, High School Edition

Andrew Pugh
Larry A Ryle High School, Eurydice

Wolf Singer
Walnut Hills High School, Macbeth

Gretchen Knuth
William Mason High School, Clue, High School Edition 

Lead Actor in a Female Role in a Musical:

Sophie Eilert
Loveland High School, The Wizard of Oz

Ali Lewis
Mercy McAuley High School, Seussical

Ellie Oakes
Randall K. Cooper High School, Little Women The Musical

Momo Greenwell
Saint Ursula Academy, Little Women the Musical

Chloe Hall
School for Creative and Performing Arts, The Wiz

Elayna Bender
Taylor High School, Mamma Mia 

Lead Actor in a Male Role in a Musical

Evan Stuart
Highlands High School, Sweeney Todd, The Musical

Sam Broelmann
Loveland High School, The Wizard of Oz

Dora Gehrum
Mercy McAuley High School, Seussical

Colton Henderson
School for Creative and Performing Arts, The Wiz

Henry Aug
Taylor High School, Mamma Mia

Christian Mauldin
William Henry Harrison High School, The Addams Family 

Song:

“The Ballad of Sweeney Todd (opening)”
Highlands High School, Sweeney Todd, The Musical

“Jitterbug”
Loveland High School, The Wizard of Oz

“Finale Act 2: Oh The Thinks You Can Think!”
Mercy McAuley High School, Seussical

“We Will Rock You”
Roger Bacon High School, We Will Rock You, School Edition

“A Brand New Day”
School for Creative and Performing Arts, The Wiz

“Money Money Money”
Taylor High School, Mamma Mia 

Play:

Sweeney Todd
Campbell County High School

Clue, High School Edition
Colerain High School

Eurydice
Larry A Ryle High School

Macbeth
Walnut Hills High School

Clue, High School Edition
William Mason High School

Musical

Sweeney Todd
Highlands High School

Seussical
Mercy McAuley High School

We Will Rock You (School Edition)
Roger Bacon High School

The Wiz
School for Creative and Performing Arts

Mamma Mia
Taylor High School

The Addams Family
William Henry Harrison High School

Top Critique:

Charlotte Weghorst, Review of Little Women
Highlands High School

Grace Hoffmann, Review of Macbeth
Roger Bacon High School

Emily Merica, Review of Clue
Ursuline Academy

Katie Berich, Review of Eurydice
Walnut Hills High School

Lizzy Rebber, Review of We Will Rock You
Walnut Hills High School

Ashlyn Fuhrmann, Review of Sweeney Todd
William Henry Harrison High School

Up and Coming Critic

Alexandra Hess
Campbell County High School

Norah Shadwell
Highlands High School

Charlotte Weghorst
Highlands High School

Catherine Foster
Mercy McAuley High School

Kendall Davis
William Mason High School

Ashlyn Fuhrmann
William Henry Harrison High School

Returning Critic:

Gabby Fronk
Loveland High School

Helena Hennessy
Mercy McAuley High School

Emily Merica
Ursuline Academy

Katie Berich
Walnut Hills High School

Lizzy Rebber
Walnut Hills High School

Wolf Singer
Walnut Hills High School

Graduating Critic:

Katie Buschle
Highlands High School

Jessica Roell
Mercy McAuley High School

Grace Hoffmann
Roger Bacon High School

Ella Jones
Ursuline Academy

Grace Rudie
Ursuline Academy

Loretta Rubin
Walnut Hills High School

Critic Team:

Highlands High School Critic Team

Loveland High School Critic Team

Mercy McAuley High School Critic Team

Roger Bacon High School Critic Team

Ursuline Academy Critic Team

Walnut Hills High School Critic Team

About The Cappies of Greater Cincinnati
The Critics and Awards Program strives to recognize Greater Cincinnati’s talented community of young writers, performers, and technical crews. High school theatre and journalism students who participate in the Cappies program are trained as critics, attend shows at other schools, and write and publish reviews. At the end of the school year, the student critics vote to give awards to their fellow students for outstanding productions, group and individual performances, and achievements in technical categories. Awards are presented at the annual Cappies Gala. Learn more at cincicap.com.

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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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