Category Archives: Press Releases

November 18, 2020 · 10:36 am

Aronoff Center Name-A-Seat Opportunity – Take a Seat in History

CAA_Name a Seat logoBe a permanent part of the Aronoff Center!

(Cincinnati, OH) – As part of the Aronoff Center’s 25th Anniversary, the Cincinnati Arts Association invites friends and fans to support the popular arts destination with a Name-A-Seat donation, which allows them to add a name to a beautiful brass plaque on the arm of a select Procter & Gamble Hall seat. Or they may choose to celebrate a family member, honor an arts lover, or give a unique gift to the person who has everything with a seat donation that leaves a legacy. This is a rare opportunity to take a seat in history!

A seat can be named for:

  • An individual, couple, or family
  • Children, grandchildren, or parents
  • The memory of a loved one
  • A friend or colleague
  • A beloved pet
  • A business or organization
  • And more

DONATION AMOUNT PER SEAT PLAQUE

  • $1,000 – Front Orchestra
  • $750 – Rear Orchestra
  • $500 – Loge

The Name-A-Seat opportunity will run through the Aronoff Center’s 25th Anniversary season. The deadline for making a donation and choosing seats is August 31, 2021. The campaign is a naming opportunity only and does not imply ownership of the seat or reserve the use of the seat for any performances. However, donors may inquire about the availability of their named seat location when purchasing a ticket to any event at the Procter & Gamble Hall.

Name-A-Seat donations will not only support the Cincinnati Arts Association’s ongoing stewardship of the Aronoff Center, but also will help us raise the curtain on another 25 years (and more) of world-class events. It addition, gifts will help us sustain our transformative arts education programs, impactful Arts-in-Healing Initiative, and compelling exhibitions by local and regional artists at the Aronoff’s Weston Art Gallery.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant financial impact on Cincinnati Arts Association as a not-for-profit arts organization, with more than 300 events cancelled or rescheduled at the Aronoff Center and Music Hall,” said Steve Loftin, President, Cincinnati Arts Association. “The Name-A-Seat opportunity is a wonderful way to give a gift to the Aronoff during its 25th Anniversary. The generosity of our audiences, donors, and sponsors has never been more important than now, and we are extremely grateful for their ongoing interest and support.”

For more information and to make a Name-A-Seat donation, CLICK HERE.

CAA SEASON SPONSORS 

AMERITAS (Founding Season Sponsor), FIFTH THIRD BANK (Lifetime Endowment Partner), CINCINNATI-NORTHERN KENTUCKY HONDA DEALERS, LOCAL12 WKRC-TV, THE P&G FUND of The Greater Cincinnati Foundation, TRIHEALTH

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 600,000 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. Since the inception of its acclaimed arts education programs in 1995, CAA has reached more than 1.7 million students. For more information, visit www.CincinnatiArts.org.

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November 18, 2020 · 9:09 am

2020-2021 Season Cancelled at Fairfield Footlighters

fflBecause of suspected exposure to COVID at our home venue, we must cancel our production of Ken Ludwig’s BASKERVILLE.

Rather than postpone, we have made the hard decision to cancel the entire 2020-2021 season. We need your support more than ever. #StaySafe #SaveOurStages #Donate

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November 6, 2020 · 1:39 pm

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s production of THE VELVETEEN RABBIT

TCT_Velveteen Rabbit Costume Rendering The Velveteen Rabbit

Velveteen Rabbit Costume Rendering.

Featuring IN PERSON and online performances starting next week  

Cincinnati – When The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati kicks off its 101st season next week, it may look and feel a bit different. But the company is thrilled to have the opportunity to continue creating life-long memories through its award-winning MainStage productions with both in-person, socially-distanced, LIVE performances, as well as digitally streaming shows to watch at home or at school through the online service, Broadway On Demand. 

Starting November 12, THE VELVETEEN RABBIT, Margery Williams’ award-winning classic tale of a stuffed toy rabbit made real by a child’s enduring love will be retold in a modern and delightfully electric holiday musical staged live for audiences on TCT’s Ralph and Patricia Corbett Showtime Stage on Red Bank Road. The show will begin streaming for home and school audiences on Broadway On Demand the following week — on November 19.  

In an era of virtual reality and Minecraft, this musical captures the joy and magic of the book children and adults know and love, with a 16-bit digital twist designed to get the entire family into the spirit of the season.   

“TCT’s version of The Velveteen Rabbit is set within the high-tech concept of virtual reality. We live in a world of computers, smart phones, Zoom meetings, and gaming systems. Through these digital experiences, a child’s imagination can be exercised in ways we never imagined before,” said Roderick Justice, Producing Artistic Director and director of the stage production. “Virtual reality unlocks potential and draw parallels to what is real and what had the potential to be real.” 

Mr. Justice adds, “The Velveteen Rabbit is a poetic lesson in a child’s ability to love. Children are often thrust into the same situations in which our Velveteen Rabbit finds himself. They can be made to feel insecure and inadequate, or not quite “real” when bullied or teased by others. Children are often left alone with their thoughts, worries, and vivid imaginations to fill in the blanks.” 

In-person seating will be limited to 30% (or 44 seats) per performance. Demand is high and performances are expected to sell out quickly — some are already filled.  

The TCT Team has been working diligently to create and debut new safety protocols to protect the audience, staff, and the actors on stage. Most exciting are specially designed nose and mouth coverings integrated into the costumes by Resident Costume Designer, Jeff Shearer, and pre-recorded vocal amplification used to reduce the amount of respiration created by actors in the theater during a performance.  

“The health and well-being of our audience, students, and staff have been and always will be our top priority, said Kim Kern, TCT’s Managing Director and CEO. “In April, we assembled a committee of advisors, health professionals, and community leaders to guide our safety protocols. Through their constant guidance, we receive the most up-to-date information, implement strategies early, and continue to go above and beyond CDC, state, and local guidelines to keep everyone safe, happy, healthy, and creative.” 

At all in-person shows, mandatory masks for the audience, as well as social distancing, will be required. For complete health and safely protocols, visit https://thechildrenstheatre.com/2020/08/safety-protocols/.  

Live performances on TCT’s Ralph and Patricia Corbett’s Showtime Stage on Red Bank Road will take place Thursdays and Fridays at 7pm, Saturdays at 11am, 2pm, and 5pm, and Sundays at 2pm and 5pm November 12 through December 13. (Please note: shows will not take place the week of November 23 due to the Thanksgiving holiday.)    

Tickets and digital passes are on sale now. For details visit www.thechildrenstheatre.com. Ticket prices for live performances range from $25 to $30 per ticket.  

With the help of Macy’s as Virtual Production Sponsor, digital performances begin on Broadway on Demand on November 19. The presale price for a digital pass is $15.95. This presale price is only available until the production debuts online. After that time, digital passes are $18.95. Digital passes provide unlimited viewing over three days, which begin after the first view.  

THE VELVETEEN RABBIT was adapted by William S. Kilborne Jr and Albert T. Viola, features music by Albert T. Viola and lyrics by William S. Kilborne, Jr., with additional orchestrations by Steve Goers. The show is directed by Roderick Justice and can be enjoyed by all ages.    

The Cast includes:  

  • Soldier, Puppeteer…..EVAN BLUST† 
  • Robot, Puppeteer…..CELIA JOY D’ASCENZO† 
  • Velveteen Rabbit…..A. JAMES JONES 
  • Clown, Girl Rabbit…..MADDIE BURGOON JONES 
  • Skin Horse…..DEONDRA KAMAU MEANS 
  • Marching Bear, Fairy, Puppeteer…..BRANDI LANGFORD-SHERRILL 
  • The Boy, Puppeteer…..KAVAN VADIVELU†

UNDERSTUDIES 

  • For Velveteen Rabbit & Skin Horse — EVAN BLUST† 
  • For Clown, Girl Rabbit, Soldier & Puppeteer — MARLO D’ASCENZO† 
  • For Bear, Fairy & Puppeteer — MIA BELLA D’ASCENZO† 
  • For The Boy & Robot — GRIFFIN HATFIELD† 

 SWING 

  • For Velveteen Rabbit, Skin Horse Clown, Soldier, Girl Rabbit, Bear, Fairy — KAYLA VOGEL 

† Denotes TCT’s Young Artists Company  

THE VELVETEEN RABBIT is made possible by the generosity of Production Sponsor, Edyth B. Lindner, Season Sponsors, ArtsWave, Ohio Arts Council, The Patricia A. Corbett Trust, The Charles H. Dater Foundation, The H.B., E.W. and F.R. Luther Foundation, and Virtual Production Sponsor, Macy’s. The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati is supported by ArtsWave and the generosity of tens of thousands of contributors to the ArtsWave Community Campaign. The Ohio Arts Council helped fund this program with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans.  

** Live productions are subject to capacity restrictions and safety protocol through the CDC and the State of Ohio and may be converted to a digital ticket if the performance must be canceled for any reason due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  

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November 3, 2020 · 11:33 am

Virtual Romantic Comedy, GARDEN POLITICS, Provides The Perfect Escape

HRTC_Garden Politics logoThe Human Race Theatre Company, Dayton’s premier professional theatre company, is excited to announce a virtual reading of a play by Michael Slade, Garden Politics, will be made available on the streaming platform Broadway On Demand from November 13 – 18, 2020.

“This marks our second virtual playreading since our COVID shut down in March,” states Human Race Artistic Director and Founding Member, Kevin Moore.  “Rehearsing and performing via Zoom is a very different experience for our actors. It’s a combination of voice-over, oral interpretation, and acting for the camera. It’s theatrical, but not exactly theatre. Yet, it is still storytelling – and that fulfills our mission. For 34 years we have shared stories that enlighten us, move us, and yes, startle us into new thoughts.”

This project also marks the company’s sixth project with playwright Michael Slade since 2008, including three world premieres (Change, Under A Red Moon and Family Shots)  Slade is a three-time Emmy Award winner for Writing and Co-Creating the hit series After Forever, streaming on Amazon Prime Video.

Described as a romantic comedy about people of “a certain age” who find love while battling City Hall, Garden Politics is directed by Human Race Resident Artist and Founding Member, Scott Stoney.  The cast includes Resident Artist Patricia Linhart, and Dayton actors Saul Caplan and Libby Holley Scancarello.  Video Editing is provided by Shaunn Baker of WorldStage Media.

Tickets are available at Broadway on Demand by using this link:  https://www.broadwayondemand.com/series/jesbUDfoukL0-garden-politics–the-human-race-theatre-company

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October 30, 2020 · 2:23 pm

NKU SOTA Streams EDGES to Kick Off 2020-21 Theatre Season

NKU_Edges logoHIGHLAND HEIGHTS, KY – Northern Kentucky University’s School of the Arts presents the song cycle EDGES by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul as the first installment of the 2020-21 Theatre + Dance academic season. The scheduled performances of Edges will be available to view online through ShowTix4U on Nov. 5-8.

Event Details:

  • What: EDGES by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul
  • When: Nov. 5 – 7 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 8 at 2 p.m.
  • Where: Streaming/On-Demand at ShowTix4U
  • Admission: Pay What You Can; $3 for On-Demand 48 hour rental
NKU_Edges3

Chloe Hedrick on film monitor

“I felt Edges would be a perfect show to attempt during a time in history where we are asking so many questions,” said Jamey Strawn, director. Edges is not a traditional musical; it is a song cycle that highlights burgeoning adults asking classic coming-of-age questions. The songs cover universal issues as love, commitment, identity, and meaning. Characters deal with confronting emotions, escaping expectations, and deciphering complicated relationships.

Creating theatre at a university under COVID restrictions revealed many challenges and required a production team willing to think outside the box and develop creative solutions in a completely fluid environment. This production’s primary goal was to create theatre safely while incorporating new experiences. Actors met for rehearsals one-on-one with the director, rotating rooms every 45 minutes to ensure air circulation, and everyone remained masked at all times. The show was recorded with one actor at a time, in a completely isolated and distanced environment. The entire process was in compliance with the Norse Nine guidelines.

NKU_Edges2

Jamey Strawn preparing music.

“We embraced the challenge of coming up with creative ways to film the show to reflect the isolated situations of the characters,” said Strawn. “I’m proud of the dedication of the students, faculty, and staff that worked tirelessly to ensure the success of this production. We all yearn for that moment in the future when we return to live theatre, for now we view obstacles as opportunities and celebrate the learning opportunities in this new environment.”

The NKU cast features Megan Carlson, Chloe Hedrick, Makenna Henehan, Caroline Rakestraw, Randolph Geers, Kanai Nakata, Alex Simpson and Tre Taylor. Special thanks to Norse Media and Chris Strobel for providing filming and editing support during the production process. Edges is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.

About NKU School of the Arts: SOTA is the Creative Engine of NKU. The School of the Arts combines Dance, Music, Theatre, and Visual Arts to bring unparalleled artistic opportunities to current and future students. In a changing world, SOTA prepares students to be creative trailblazers in the Arts and their careers. Whether we are creating motion graphics, producing on the stage, or utilizing our dance classes to collaborate with therapeutic exercise in health sciences, we are on the cutting edge of transdisciplinary studies. SOTA offers 11 degrees with 30 specializations in addition to 7 minors to develop graduates that are personally engaged, innovative, and curious with advanced skillsets in collaboration and creative risk-taking. For more information, visit nku.edu/sota or follow on social media @NKUSOTA.

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.

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