Footlighters, Inc. is proud to announce our 2025-2026 season
THE WIZARD OF OZ
Directed by Zac Holman
September 4-21, 2025
THE ADDAMS FAMILY
Directed by Aubrey E. Wilson
November 6-23, 2025
A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE
Directed by Jerry Wiesenhahn
January 29-February 15, 2026
GUYS AND DOLLS
Directed by Jennifer Day
April 16-May 3, 2026
Filed under Season Announcements
There’s No Place Like Home!
Cincinnati – The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati (TCT) is excited to announce its highly anticipated 2025-2026 season, marking the nation’s oldest professional theatre for young audiences’ historic return to the newly renovated, reimagined, and revived Emery Theater.
Until 1969, The Emery Theater was home to TCT productions. With just $4 million of a $51.5 million capital campaign to go, The Emery will reopen its doors in October as a historically preserved, yet technologically state-of-the-art theatrical venue! Equipped with the latest advancement in stagecraft, projection mapping within the audience is paired with a one-of-a-kind stage lift with a built-in turntable bringing scenery from under the stage. An automated fly system, advanced trap door equipment, and the latest in acoustic technology help to set the scene, while a massive LED media wall backs the entire stage—combining live theatre with automation, projections, illustrations, and animation and transforming each TCT production into a truly unique and immersive theatrical experience. Here’s a sneak peek: https://tinyurl.com/TCTEMERY
Much like the iconic theater itself—where historic charm now meets the latest technology—the theater’s first season will be a perfect blend of the old and the new, featuring two beloved classics and two brand-new premieres. Each production will captivate audiences of all ages.
Kicking off the season and the return to the Emery, TCT will present the one-hour “youth edition” of Frank L. Baum’s timeless classic, The Wizard of Oz. A story that has enchanted audiences for generations, audiences will follow Dorothy and friends down the Yellow Brick Road in an unforgettable experience unlike anything you have ever seen before! This wickedly colorful adventure over the rainbow will surely be remembered for generations to come. Stage Direction by TCT’s Artistic Director, Roderick Justice, The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition opens the newly renovated theatre and will run from October 10-26, 2025.
During the holiday season, TCT is bringing back one of the company’s most popular productions in its 105-year history with a show that is sweeter than maple syrup— the JR. (one-hour) version of Elf The Musical! Join Buddy the Elf on his hilarious journey from the North Pole to New York City in this heartwarming and hilarious holiday favorite. Directed by former TCT Company Manager and Associate Artistic Director, Eric Byrd, Elf, the Musical JR. takes the Emery stage December 5-21, 2025.
In the winter of 2026, one of the most beloved children’s book series of all-time jumps from the page to the stage! Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Musical brings Jeff Kinney’s iconic characters to life in a hilarious and heartfelt production. The show will also feature original illustrations and animations by Kinney himself. With Stage Direction by TCT’s Associate Artistic Director, Maddie Burgoon Jones, this exciting new musical will premiere February 20 – March 8, 2026.
Closing out the season is the stage adaptation of one of DreamWorks’ most legendary films. TCT is elated to present the JR. version of How to Train Your Dragon. Journey to the Isle of Berk with Hiccup and the majestic dragon, Toothless, who will prove that friendship and courage have the power to change the world! With Concept Direction by Roderick Justice, DreamWorks’ How to Train Your Dragon JR. will run between April 17 – May 3, 2026.
Artistic Director, Roderick Justice, shared his excitement about the season, stating: “Returning to The Emery Theater is a dream come true for TCT and for so many who have longed to revive the historic landmark. Our 106th season honors our past while celebrating the future, bringing both beloved stories and brand-new productions to life. We can’t wait for audiences of all ages to experience the magic of live theatre like never before!”
SUBSCRIPTIONS AND SINGLE TICKETS
Renewals for current TCT Subscribers will take place from February 26 through March 31. New subscriptions will go on sale May 6 at www.thechildrenstheatre.com. Beginning August 1, single tickets for all productions will go on sale for TCT’s 2025-2026 MainStage Season at the Emery Theater.
ACCESSIBILITY
Productions are designed for children ages 4+ and their families. ASL interpretation and audio description will be offered during the second Saturday at 2 PM performances of all productions. Sensory-Friendly performances will be scheduled for select productions.
AUDITIONS
TCT is committed to breaking down barriers, including those that impact its talent. The Company primarily casts age-appropriately—professional adult actors in adult roles and professionally trained young actors (Age 9+) in children’s roles— By moving to The Emery there will be significantly reduced workday and school-day commitments. Previously, performers missed up to 2 weeks of work/school for tech and performances; now, those cast will only miss 5 days, limited to Thursdays and Fridays. All roles are paid.
Audition breakdowns and signups will be posted on TCT’s website two weeks before each audition period. For those interested in auditioning and being considered for the first season at the Emery, mark your calendars!
PERFORMANCES Public Performances, Sensory-Friendly, and School Matinees for the 25-26 Season:
SUPPORT & FUNDING
The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati is supported by ArtsWave and the generosity of thousands of contributors to the ArtsWave Community Campaign. The Ohio Arts Council has helped fund this program with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence, and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans.
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Filed under Press Releases, Season Announcements
ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO’S NEST
June 27-July 6
Stained Glass Theatre [Newport]
ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO’S NEST follows the rebellious Randle P. McMurphy as he challenges the tyrannical Nurse Ratched in a mental institution. Immortalized by the iconic film starring Jack Nicholson, the story explores power, freedom, and resistance.
URINETOWN the Musical
July 13-20
NKU Patricia Corbett Theatre [Highland Heights]
URINTOWN is a satirical musical where a severe water shortage forces citizens to pay to use public toilets. When a rebellious hero challenges the corrupt system, chaos ensues. With sharp humor and self-aware storytelling, the show parodies capitalism, politics, and musical theatre itself.
Filed under Season Announcements
Stage Right Announces 2025-2026 Season
Williamstown, KY – For the first time in its history Stage Right Musical Theatre Company is thrilled to announce the entirety of its 9th Season. Featuring blockbuster titles and family fun,
Stage Right’s season is perfect for every member of the family.
“So many Theatres have been struggling to attract audiences after covid. Our patrons have shown up and then some. We are fortunate to see growth in our audiences and cannot wait to share this exciting season with old friends and brand new audiences alike!” Artistic Director John Siedenberg II said.
The season kicks off in June with Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat running June 6-22. This blockbuster musical comedy is based on the biblical story of Joseph and his coat of many colors with music by the legendary Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. We’re thrilled to bring one of our most requested shows this summer.
We close the summer with Mark Landon Smith’s hilarious comedy An Evening of Culture running July 11-20. When a small southern community presents Romeo & Juliet as part of their annual “Evening of Culture” things go awry fast. Set pieces fall apart, Romeo can’t read the lines smudged on his arm, and there might be a dog loose backstage. This hilarious comedy will have you laughing from beginning to end.
The holidays arrive with our education program’s (Rising Stars Academy) presentation of the classic The Best Christmas Pageant Ever running December 12-15. Barbara Robinson’s beloved story of hope, redemption, and second chances comes to life onstage for your entire
family to experience.
And our 9th season closes out with Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka running January 30 – February 8, 2026. Based on the book by Roald Dahl and the beloved 1971 film Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Follow Charlie Bucket as he tours the mysterious Wonka Chocolate Factory. This wonderful musical is the perfect sweet treat to warm up your winter.
Season Tickets are now on sale at www.StageRightMTC.org with Single Tickets set to go on sale in April. Save money and see more when you subscribe to see all of our shows this
season.
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Stage Right Musical Theatre Company was founded in 2016 to provide quality entertainment and arts education to Grant County, it’s visitors, and the surrounding region. Last season alone we reached thousands of audience members from over 19 counties, 13 states and Canada.
Filed under Press Releases, Season Announcements
SRMTC is thrilled to announce our ninth season.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
June 6-22
An Evening of Culture
July 11-20
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
December 12-15
Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka
January 30 – February 8
Season Tickets are on sale now at https://bit.ly/SubscribeSRMTC.
Filed under Season Announcements
Behind the Curtain Cincinnati 