Category Archives: Press Releases

May 21, 2019 · 9:04 am

2019 Southwest Regional OCTAfest Excerpt Schedule

ACT_v#ACTOCTA2019 has an official schedule! For more information on the OCTAFest convention click here. Below are the 14 outstanding excerpts being performed by our member theatres! Congratulations to all selected shows!

Thursday, June 20, 2019

  • 7:30pm – LOVE, LOSS, AND WHAT I WORE – The Drama Workshop
  • 8:30pm – FIRST DATE – The Footlighters, Inc.
  • 9:30pm – THE LAST DAYS OF JUDAS ISCARIOT – The Village Players of Fort Thomas

Friday, June 21, 2019

  • 7:15pm – OVER THE TAVERN – Beechmont Players, Inc.
  • 8:15pm – THE FOREIGNER – Mason Community Players
  • 9:15pm – SAVANNAH SIPPING SOCIETY – Fairfield Footlighters
  • 10:15pm – OUT OF STERNO – Mariemont Players Inc.

Saturday, June 22, 2019

  • 9am – NATIVITY ON THE SQUARE – Tri-County Players
  • 10am – MUSICAL OF MUSICALS – Cincinnati Music Theatre
  • 11am – VANYA & SONIA & MASHA & SPIKE – CenterStage Players (of Ohio)
  • 12pm – ORDINARY DAYS – INNOVAtheatre
  • Lunch Break
  • 2:15pm – ROSE’S DILEMMA – Milford Theatre Guilde
  • 3:15pm – SHERWOOD – Sunset Players
  • 4:15pm – ALMOST, MAINE – Stagecrafters Inc.

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May 20, 2019 · 2:20 pm

Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park Appoints New Association Artists

PIP_logoCINCINNATI (May 20,2019)–Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park Artistic Director Blake Robison announced today the appointment of Karen Zacarías and Nicole A. Watson as new Associate Artists for the theatre. They will join Wendy C. Goldberg on the Playhouse artistic team, working closely with Robison on season planning, new play development and community engagement.

“During my first season, I announced the Associate Artist model to bring a diversity of background, experience and viewpoint to the Playhouse,” says Robison. “I’m excited about the perspectives that Wendy, Karen and Nicole will bring to our artistic team.”

The Playhouse’s Associate Artist program broadens the scope of its artistry by inviting diverse, nationally recognized artists to participate fully in the life of the institution. Previous Associate Artists include Timothy Douglas, KJ Sanchez, Eric Ting and Michael Evan Haney.

“The program has been a success at every level. Our community is much richer for the contributions of these talented artists,” says Robison. “I can’t wait for Cincinnati to get to know Wendy, Nicole and Karen even better throughout the 2019-20 season.”

PIP_Wendy Goldberg

Wendy Goldberg.

Goldberg has spent 20 years leading the foremost programs in the development, direction and the production of new works for the American theatre. As Artistic Director of the National Playwrights Conference at the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center for 15 seasons, under Goldberg’s tenure, the O’Neill was awarded the 2010 Regional Tony Award. Her directing credits include multiple productions at Goodman Theatre, the Guthrie Theater, Actors Theater of Louisville, Denver Center, Center Stage and Arena Stage among others. During the 2019-20 Playhouse season, Goldberg will direct The Lifespan of a Fact, running in the Marx Theatre Oct. 19 – Nov. 16, 2019. Previously for the Playhouse, she directed the world premiere production of Leveling Up in 2013, Circle Mirror Transformation in 2015, and Doubt and Durango in 2008.

PIP_Nicole Watson

Nicole Watson.

Watson is the Associate Artistic Director at Round House Theatre. For the Playhouse, Watson directed the acclaimed 2017 production of Mr. Joy and recently directed a New York City workshop of The West End by Keith Josef Adkins, which was commissioned by the theatre. Other credits include Sweat by Lynn Nottage (Asolo Repertory Theatre), Dominique Morisseau’s Skeleton Crew (Baltimore Center Stage) and Colman Domingo’s Dot (Playmakers Repertory Company). She has worked with organizations such as the Lark Play Development Center, The Playwrights Center, The Tribeca Film Institute, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, The Fire This Time Festival, New Dramatists and the Public Theater.

PIP_Karen Zacarías

Karen Zacarias.

Zacarías was recently hailed by American Theatre as one of the 10 most produced playwrights in the United States. Her play Native Gardens was commissioned by and had its world premiere at the Playhouse in 2016 and went on to become one of American Theatre’s Top 10 Most Produced Plays of the 2018-19 season. The Playhouse also produced her work The Book Club Play in 2013. Zacarías will be in residence in Cincinnati during the 2019-20 season during the production of her play Destiny of Desire, running in the Marx Theatre Feb. 29 – March 28, 2020. Her award-winning plays also include The Copper Children, Legacy of Light, Mariela in the Desert and The Sins of Sor Juana.

The Playhouse is supported by the generosity of almost 40,000 contributors to the ArtsWave Community campaign. The Ohio Arts Council helps fund the Playhouse with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. The Playhouse also receives funding from the Shubert Foundation.

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May 17, 2019 · 2:03 pm

Another Fun Filled Summer of Camps to Begin at the Fitton Center

FC_25 logoHamilton, Ohio. The Fitton Center for Creative Arts will begin another fun filled summer of camps for campers ages 5 to teen. A summer full of week-long art-themed camps begins June 17th and runs through August 2nd.

“With so many fun camp options, summer is one of the most energetic and creative seasons for our education program.”, says Director of Education, Kate Rowekamp. “We’re looking forward to inspiring and collaborating with many young actors, authors, artists, and maybe even a few dinosaurs in the coming months!”

During summer camps, little artists ages 5 – 9 can enjoy creating their own cute and creepy creatures in Monster-Makers Camp, make “dino”mite dinosaur-themed projects in Welcome to Fitton Park: Dinosaur Adventure Camp, and so much more! 7 to 12-year-old campers can become novelists, printmakers, combine art with the STEM subjects, make mosaics, and get runway ready in a variety of different themed-camps such as Artistic Authors Camp, Inky Ideas Camp, Camp STEAM, Mesmerizing Mosaics Camp, and Fashion & Jewelry Design Camp.  Teens can write and learn about publishing their own stories in the Tell Your Story: Creative Writing, Self-Expression, and Self-Publication Basics Camp, explore the intersection of art and STEM subjects in Camp STEAM, or print designs on our etching presses in New Editions: Teen Printmaking.

The Fitton Center’s arts education program continues to remain an integral component of our mission by bringing hands-on arts experiences to more than 1,000 students of all ages. Classes range from pottery and painting to digital photography, yoga and mosaics. The Fitton Center offers a diverse selection of courses that will appeal to both first-time and experienced artists alike. Generous discounts are available to members for all classes and workshops. Scholarships covering full tuition for one class, camp, or workshop are also available.

For more information on Summer camps or to register call 513 863 8873 or visit our website fittoncenter.org.

The Fitton Center for Creative Arts is incredibly excited to celebrate the 25th Anniversary season of performances, events, classes and exhibitions.

The Fitton Center for Creative Arts is located at 101 S. Monument Avenue on the Riverfront in downtown Hamilton, Ohio.

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Building Community Excellence through the Arts and Culture

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May 17, 2019 · 11:57 am

NKU SOTA Welcomes Meghan Bennett as Assistant Professor of Woodwinds

NKU_Meghan Bennett

Meghan Bennett.

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, KY – Northern Kentucky University’s School of the Arts has announced the appointment of Meghan Bennett, DMA, to the position of Assistant Professor of Flute Performance and Woodwinds Coordinator. Dr. Bennett previously served as Instructor of Flute at Prairie View A&M University and on the faculties of OrchKids, a program of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Floot Fire, the Longhorn Music Camp and the Carolina Summer Music Conservatory. Bennett’s appointment will officially begin on August 2019.

Meghan Bennett is an award-winning flutist leading a diverse career as an educator and solo, chamber and orchestral musician. She was awarded first prize in the South Carolina Flute Society Young Artist Competition and Morning, Afternoon and Eau Claire Music Club Competition and has been a prizewinning finalist in the Atlanta Flute Club Young Artist Competition, the Flute Society of Kentucky Young Artist Competition and the Greater Philadelphia Flute Society Collegiate Young Artist Competition. In August 2019 she will compete as a quarterfinalist in the National Flute Association Young Artist Competition.

“There is something really special happening at NKU and I am thrilled to join this wonderful institution,” said Bennett. “I am so excited to work with everyone and generate experiences that really lend themselves to the development of the complete artist – mind, body and spirit.”

She has been guest soloist with Chamber Music International in Dallas, TX, joined the New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players on tour and was flutist with Spotlight on Opera in Austin, TX. In addition, she has performed with the Spoleto Festival USA Orchestra, Waco Symphony Orchestra, Round Rock Symphony and the Palmetto Opera Orchestra. Dr. Bennett has been a recipient of fellowships to attend the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, Brevard Music Center, Marrowstone Music Festival and the National Music Festival.

Bennett is an active chamber musician. She is a founding member of both Prismatx Ensemble, a contemporary music ensemble based in Austin, TX, and Li5ten quintet, 2017 quarterfinalist at the Fischoff Competition and recipient of the Chamber Music Residency Fellowship at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity. Dr. Bennett is also a member of Emissary Quartet [4 flutes], who recently performed a recital at the DiMenna Center featuring three winning compositions from EQ’s 2017 Call for Scores Competition, a workshop and recital for the New Jersey Flute Society and a workshop for composition students at Princeton University.

Bennett received a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from The University of Texas at Austin, Master of Music degree from the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University, and a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of South Carolina.

About NKU School of the Arts
Created in 2015, the School of the Arts is the creative engine of NKU, showcasing dance, music, theatre, and visual arts and preparing students to be creative trailblazers in the Arts and in their careers. With 33 degree options, SOTA students find creative intersections that reflect their passion and their career goals. Additionally, minors within SOTA come from every college on campus from Nursing to Mathematics, Political Science to Construction Management, bringing varied viewpoints into each classroom and fueling creativity and collaboration campus-wide. SOTA’s Prep programs, including the nationally recognized String Project, engage students from children to adults annually, engaging the community and creating the musicians and performers of the future. To learn more, please visit nku.edu/sota or follow on social media @NKUSOTA.

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May 17, 2019 · 11:06 am

Dave Maher in DAVE MAHER COMA SHOW at Cincy Fringe, June 1-14

CFF19_Dave Maher Coma Show“Smartly unhinged, wildly funny comedian with a big heart and warm smile.” –Gapers Block

“I’d watch Maher do just about anything.” –Chicago Reader 

CINCINNATI, OH (May 15, 2019) – Chicago comedian Dave Maher was almost taken off life support during a monthlong diabetic coma. He was eulogized on Facebook. Then he woke up. After appearing on “This American Life,” at the Edinburgh Fringe, and at the legendary Steppenwolf Theatre, he brings “Dave Maher Coma Show,” his narrative stand-up show about the experience, to Cincy Fringe.

The festival appearance is a homecoming for Maher, who graduated from Sycamore High School and made his recovery from the coma at Good Samaritan Hospital.

“It means a lot for me to be able to share this show with people in my hometown, where I literally came back to life,” Maher says. “It’s a unique experience, and I use all of the powers I’ve gained from a decade in the Chicago comedy scene to make it funny and, hopefully, moving.”

“Dave Maher Coma Show” explores the physical and existential discomfort of waking up in a new body with a second chance at life. With his trademark combination of mischief and sincerity, Dave asks questions about life, online death, and the cost of change. He provides no easy answers but plenty of hard laughs.

This critically acclaimed one-man show sold out its initial run in Chicago, and the Kickstarter campaign to fund its Edinburgh Fringe run reached its goal in a week. Most recently, Dave performed the show in a two-night engagement at Steppenwolf, the legendary Chicago theater co-founded by Gary Sinise and home to Tracy Letts, Laurie Metcalf, and John Malkovich.

Don’t miss “Dave Maher Coma Show” at the 2019 Cincy Fringe. There won’t be another show like it. Tickets are $15 and available for purchase by calling (513) 300-5669 or online here: https://guide.artswave.org/event/dave-maher-coma-show/.

  • June 1, 9:00 pm (Sat)
  • June 2, 04:00 pm (Sun)
  • June 5, 07:45 pm (Wed)
  • June 7, 07:00 pm (Fri)
  • June 8, 07:00 pm (Sat)
  • June 11, 08:30 pm (Tue)
  • June 12, 07:45 pm (Wed)
  • June 14, 07:00 pm (Fri)

All show at the Mini Microcinema, 1329 Main St.

About Dave Maher: Dave Maher is a veteran of Chicago’s comedy scene for over a decade. He has appeared live at the Steppenwolf Theatre, on television (“Chicago Med”), and you can hear his voice on “This American Life.” He tours “Dave Maher Coma Show” around the U.S. and internationally, including a run at the 2018 Edinburgh Fringe. His new one-man show, currently in development, is “Feed Wolf Ice Cream: A Comedy Show About Death.”

“Dave Maher II” (Chicago Reader): “Maher is that rare monologist who combines a sharp eye for the microdetail…with a keen understanding of macrostructure, making for a performance both disarmingly personal and carefully controlled… I’d watch Maher do just about anything.”

“Dave Maher, high-concept mischief-maker, revives his Coma Show this weekend” (Chicago Reader): “It’s a carefully observed, discomfitingly intimate, disarmingly funny monologue. But for all his candor, Maher finds time to let his inner imp out…”

“Dave Maher Coma Show Comes Alive at The Annoyance” (Gapers Block): “…the smartly unhinged, wildly funny comedian with a big heart and warm smile…”

“Players 2016: The Fifty People Who Really Perform for Chicago” (#40, Newcity): “…this hard-working improviser-turned-stand-up used the experience…as inspiration for a one-man show that…sold so well that it was extended several times…”

“Comedian Dave Maher: Finding the funny in his near-death experience” (Chicago Tribune)

“Dave Maher turns his coma into stand-up comedy” (Chicago Reader)

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