Tag Archives: Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park

April 19, 2022 · 1:48 pm

Off-Broadway Hit SCHOOL GIRLS; OR, THE AFRICAN MEAN GIRLS PLAY Begins April 30 at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park

PIP_SchoolgirlsCINCINNATI (April 19, 2022) – The Off-Broadway coming-of-age story SCHOOL GIRLS; OR, THE AFRICAN MEAN GIRLS PLAY sold out its run in New York. Now, Cincinnati audiences can enjoy a new production that takes them into the endlessly entertaining world of teenage girlhood when it plays in the Marx Theatre this spring. Presented by Moe & Jack Rouse and Randolph Wadsworth, the show begins April 30 and runs through May 22. Opening night is May 5.

The New York Times called the play “a gleeful African makeover of an American genre,” while The Hollywood Reporter called it “ferociously entertaining.”

SCHOOL GIRLS combines coming-of-age drama with sharp comedy for an entertaining, teenage morality tale with a nod to Tina Fey’s comedy Mean Girls. At the same time, its reflections on such themes as colorism, hair, body image and socioeconomics open the door to a relevant discussion of Black culture.

Paulina, the reigning Queen Bee of Ghana’s most exclusive boarding school, finds her carefully controlled world thrown into chaos when new girl Ericka arrives from America and captures the envy of their peers. What’s more, Paulina finds her quest to become Miss Ghana 1986 threatened when Ericka captures the attention of a pageant recruiter.

SCHOOL GIRLS is written by Jocelyn Bioh, an award-winning Ghanaian American writer and performer. Her plays, including SCHOOL GIRLS, have been produced extensively in New York and around the country. She has been a staff writer for the Netflix series Russian Doll and Spike Lee’s She’s Gotta Have It. Bioh has also been tapped to write a musical adaptation of the Caribbean fairy tale Once on This Island for Disney+.

“In the case of School Girls, as a dark-skinned woman, I know in a very personal and visceral way what it’s like to feel inferior to people who are lighter-skinned than me,” Bioh says in an interview with Women and Hollywood. “The journey to owning and accepting beauty was a really long one, and I always knew I would address that in a play, but I wasn’t sure how. It didn’t feel like an after-school special because that’s also not my thing. Colorism is played out in my play, although it’s not mentioned. That’s why I think the story really lives.”

The Playhouse’s $10 Tuesday program returns during SCHOOL GIRLS on the Tuesday, May 3 performance. A minimum of 100 tickets will be available.

CAST
Patrice Bell (Eloise Amponsah), Kaitlyn Boyer (Ericka Boafo), Burgess Byrd (Headmistress Francis), Kayla Forde (Mercy), Jasmine Cheri Rush (Gifty), Matenin Sangare (Ama), Markia Nicole Smith (Paulina Sarpong), Starnubia (Nana)

PRODUCTION
Jocelyn Bioh (Playwright), Candis C. Jones (Director), Milagros Ponce de León (Set Designer), Kristie Chiyere Osi (Costume Designer), Daisy Long (Lighting Designer) Rucyl Frison, (Sound Designer/Composer), Stephanie Klapper, CSA (Casting Director), Andrea L. Shell (Stage Manager), Brook Redler (Second Stage Manager), Brandon T. Holmes (Assistant Stage Manager)

TICKETS
To purchase tickets or for more information, call the Playhouse Box Office at 513-421-3888 (toll-free in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana at 800-582-3208) or visit www.cincyplay.com. For patrons who are deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind or speech-disabled, dial 711 to connect to the Box Office via Ohio Relay Services.

Performances on Tuesdays through Saturdays will begin at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m. There is one Wednesday matinee at 1 p.m. on May 11.

Individual tickets start at just $35. Student tickets are just $15 on the day of the show for all other performances. Discounted ticket prices for teens are available for all productions and are $30 to $45, depending on show and seat location. During the run, there will be three post-show meet-the-artist discussions, one audio-described performance and one signed performance. Details are on the website.

$10 Tuesday
The $10 tickets may only be purchased in-person at the Playhouse Box Office beginning at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 3 when the building opens to the public. Limit two per person. No advance reservations or choice of seating.

ADVISORY
Recommended for ages 13 and up. The competition for Miss Ghana is fierce, and while they’re in pursuit of the crown, contestants use adult language and have frank discussions of body shaming, classism, colorism and self-image.

EVENTS

PLAYHOUSE PERSPECTIVES: If the Present Looks Like the Past: A Conversation About Colorism
Monday, May 16 at 6 p.m. at the Playhouse

Author Alice Walker defines colorism as “prejudicial or preferential treatment of same-race people based solely on their color.” SCHOOL GIRLS displays the ways colorism affects the Black community, and particularly young Black girls as they are discovering their identity. Join us for an engaging dialogue with actors from the play and community members to discuss and share experiences and to learn about colorism. Panelists include Burgess Byrd and Markia Nicole Smith (actors from the play) and Dr. Shantel Thomas.

This event is free, but registration is required by calling the Box Office at 513-421-3888 or visiting cincyplay.com.  Playhouse Perspectives is made possible thanks to a generous gift from Barbara and Roderick Barr.

MEET THE ARTISTS
Stay after select performances for a behind-the-scenes discussion with the cast and crew:

  • May 8 at 2 p.m.
  • May 18 at 7:30 p.m.
  • May 22 at 2 p.m.

AUDIO-DESCRIBED PERFORMANCE (May 21 at 2 p.m.) Each Marx Theatre production offers one audio-described performance during the show’s run. Trained volunteers describe the visual elements of the production via a closed-circuit receiver that is approximately the size of a deck of cards and fits in a jacket pocket or on the lap. A small earpiece fits into one ear, allowing patrons to hear dialogue, music and other sound effects. The description is timed to avoid interfering with dialogue.

SIGNED PERFORMANCE (May 22 at 2 p.m.) Each Marx Theatre production offers one signed performance during the show’s run. The interpreter stands toward the bottom of aisle 5. Look at our Accessibility page for a map of best viewing locations. This performance also includes a Meet the Artists discussion with the cast and crew after the show. Funding for this program is made possible by Bartlett & Co.

HEALTH AND SAFETY
Beginning on Tuesday, April 26, 2022, the masking requirement for performances at the Playhouse will change. Face masks will be strongly encouraged, but not required, while inside the Playhouse facility. Single-use masks are available upon request. Proof of vaccination and/or a negative test are not required to enter, and all other procedures also remain the same and can be found on our health and safety page.

SPONSORS
Presented by Moe & Jack Rouse and Randolph Wadsworth. Production sponsor is RotoRooter. Artist Sponsors are Kisling, Nestico and Redick and Messer Construction. Honorary Producers are Charles and Joann Mead. Additional support by Greater Cincinnati Foundation. Marx Theatre Season presented by The Scheuler Group. The Rosenthal Family Foundation is a season sponsor of new work. Marx Theatre season design sponsor is US Bank.

The Playhouse is supported by the generosity of more than 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.

ACCESS
The Playhouse is fully accessible. Audio enhancement receivers, large print programs, and complete wheelchair access are available.

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April 6, 2022 · 2:18 pm

Off the Grid Event Stage Manager Sought by Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park

PIP_logoCincinnati Playhouse in the Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO) and is committed to fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion in all areas of its work, both on and offstage. Qualified individuals who bring diverse perspectives and life experiences to the workplace are especially encouraged to apply. 

Job Title: Off the Grid, Event Stage Manager

Position Overview: The Off the Grid Event Stage Manager is responsible for the overseeing of rehearsals and performances of the Off the Grid Series including managing back of house and onstage areas. The Off the Grid Stage Manager assists the director and coordinates technical elements with the Education Associate Producer for the smooth running of rehearsals and performances. This position will also be pivotal to the smooth running of the performance. Additionally, the Off the Grid Event Stage Manager makes sure that everyone and everything involved in the production from musicians, technicians, props, lighting, sound, musical instruments, and various equipment are in the right place, at the right time.

Reports to: Education Associate Producer & Director of Artistic Engagement 

Starting Salary: $18.75 per hour

Position Responsibilities

  • Prepare for rehearsals including but not limited to organizing, cleaning, taping the production space, setting up supplies in the production space and dressing rooms, when available
  • Create pre-production, rehearsal, and performance paperwork, as needed
  • Lead tracking time, giving calls, and assembling actors.
  • Assist in maintaining a clean and safe workplace, in line with Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park’s safety and health protocols.
  • Participate loading equipment in and out, setting equipment, and maintaining consistent quality of both the technical elements and production as a whole.
  • Prepare for performances including but not limited to organizing, cleaning, prepping the space, setting up supplies in the production space and dressing rooms, when available
  • Other duties as assigned. 

Ideal Qualifications and Skills:

  • Self-motivated and detail oriented with an ability to adapt to and quickly learn new procedures.
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel & Outlook.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment while keeping a positive work attitude.
  • A good knowledge of stage management techniques and rehearsal/performance processes is preferred.
  • Ability to interact and build relationships with people of diverse backgrounds, personalities and characteristics.
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule.
  • Knowledge of interactive or non-traditional events preferred
  • General knowledge of multi-departmental technical theatre practices preferred. 

Work Environment and Physical Demands:

  • The work environment will be located in both climate-controlled office, interior rehearsal space, and exterior spaces that may be subject to changing weather conditions. This position may also include home-based remote work.
  • Frequent standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching and crawling.
  • Lift, carry, push, pull: generally, up to 25 lbs. and occasionally up to 40 lbs.
  • Safely climb, ascend/descend ladders, uneven terrain, and occasional muddy areas
  • Clear and accurate communication skills, especially verbally.
  • Ability to speak clearly to and hear/listen to employees/clients via phone or in person.

The physical demands and safe working expectations described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations can be made available upon request.

While this description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current position, it is not necessarily exhaustive of all responsibilities, duties, requirements, or expectations of this position. Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park reserves the right to revise or amend this description based on business needs or changes to the work environment.

To Apply: Qualified candidates should submit a cover letter, resume and references to Amy Stier (amy.stier@cincyplay.com). Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the position will be filled as soon as the successful candidate is identified.

Access Statement: If accommodations are needed to complete this application process please contact us to make alternative arrangements.

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April 6, 2022 · 2:15 pm

Off the Grid Event Technician Sought by Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park

PIP_logoCincinnati Playhouse in the Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO) and is committed to fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion in all areas of its work, both on and offstage. Qualified individuals who bring diverse perspectives and life experiences to the workplace are especially encouraged to apply. 

Job Title: Off the Grid Event Technician

Position Overview: The Off the Grid Event Technician is responsible for supporting technical aspects of Off the Grid events including, but not limited to, audio, lighting, set-up/restoration, and related functions. This position should be able to quickly switch between following instructions to leading projects.

Reports to: Education Associate Producer & Director of Artistic Engagement 

Starting Salary: $18 per hour

Position Responsibilities

  • Assist in preparing for rehearsals including but not limited to organizing, cleaning, taping the production space, setting up supplies in the production space and dressing rooms, when available
  • Create paperwork, as needed
  • Lead projects and work independently, as needed
  • Set, maintain, and reset all technical elements of the performance
  • Train actors on the safe operation of technical elements
  • Assist in maintaining a clean and safe workplace, in line with Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park’s safety and health protocols.
  • Participate in/ Lead loading equipment in and out, setting equipment, and maintaining consistent quality of both the technical elements and production as a whole.
  • Prepare for performances including but not limited to organizing, cleaning, prepping the space, setting up supplies in the production space and dressing rooms, when available
  • Perform and supervise limited set construction, painting, basic rigging, basic lighting, sound, and video operation, and other activities as needed.
  • Other duties as assigned. 

Ideal Qualifications and Skills:

  • Self-motivated and detail oriented with an ability to adapt to and quickly learn new procedures.
  • Proficient in basic to intermediate technical theatre skills
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment while keeping a positive work attitude.
  • A good knowledge of stage management techniques and rehearsal/performance processes is preferred.
  • Ability to interact and build relationships with people of diverse backgrounds, personalities, and characteristics.
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule.
  • Knowledge of interactive or non-traditional events preferred 

Work Environment and Physical Demands:

  • The work environment will be located in both climate-controlled office, interior rehearsal space, and exterior spaces that may be subject to changing weather conditions. This position may also include home-based remote work.
  • Frequent standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching and crawling.
  • Lift, carry, push, pull: generally, up to 25 lbs. and occasionally up to 40 lbs.
  • Safely climb, ascend/descend ladders, uneven terrain, and occasional muddy areas
  • Clear and accurate communication skills, especially verbally.
  • Ability to speak clearly to and hear/listen to employees/clients via phone, in- person, or two-way radio.

The physical demands and safe working expectations described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations can be made available upon request.

While this description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current position, it is not necessarily exhaustive of all responsibilities, duties, requirements, or expectations of this position. Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park reserves the right to revise or amend this description based on business needs or changes to the work environment.

To Apply:  Qualified candidates should submit a cover letter, resume and references to Amy Stier, (amy.stier@cincyplay.com). Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the position will be filled as soon as the successful candidate is identified.

Access Statement: If accommodations are needed to complete this application process please contact us to make alternative arrangements.

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April 1, 2022 · 10:42 am

SCHOOL GIRLS: OR, THE AFRICAN MEAN GIRLS PLAY Runs April 30-May 22

PIP_SchoolgirlsSCHOOL GIRLS: OR, THE AFRICAN MEAN GIRLS PLAY
Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park
April 30-May 22
Marx Theatre [Eden Park]

Directed by Candis C. Jones

Beauty, ambition and biting comedy combine in this off-Broadway hit! Paulina is the reigning Queen Bee at Ghana’s most exclusive boarding school. She’s got the trendiest clothes and the command of her loyal hive of friends. At the start of the 1986 school year, she sets her sights on the annual Miss Universe pageant. But when new girl Ericka transfers from America in the middle of the year, Paulina’s carefully controlled world is thrown into chaos. The beautiful and charming Ericka catches the attention of the pageant recruiter and topples the school’s social order in the process. Called “ferociously entertaining” by The Hollywood Reporter, School Girls fearlessly explores the universal challenges of teenage girlhood and all the drama that comes with it. Recommended for ages 13 and up. 

  • In preview Sat, April 30 at 7:30pm
  • In preview Tue-Wed, May 3-4 at 7:30pm
  • Thu-Fri, May 5-6 at 7:30pm
  • Sat, May 7 at 2pm & 7:30pm
  • Sun, May 8 at 2pm
  • Tue, May 10 at 7:30pm
  • Wed, May 11 at 1pm & 7:30pm
  • Thu-Fri, May 12-13 at 7:30pm
  • Sat, May 14 at 2pm & 7:30pm
  • Sun, May 15 at 2pm
  • Tue-Fri, May 17-20 at 7:30pm
  • Sat, May 21 at 2pm & 7:30pm
  • Sun, May 22 at 2pm

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March 22, 2022 · 11:24 am

One-Woman Show Reveals Fascinating Details of America’s Favorite Sex Therapist When BECOMING DOCTOR RUTH His the Stage April 9

PIP_Becoming Dr Ruth 2

Anne O’Sullivan as Dr. Ruth in New Repertory Theatre’s BECOMING DR. RUTH. Photo by Andrew Brilliant/Brilliant Pictures

CINCINNATI (March 22, 2022)—Many fans of talk shows and pop culture recall Dr. Ruth Westheimer as America’s favorite sex therapist in the 1980s and 1990s, rewriting the playbook on what can and can’t be discussed on the air with strangers. But few know the story of her remarkable journey. Beginning April 9, BECOMING DR. RUTH will narrate the inspiring details of her life in an illuminating one-woman show presented by the Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati. The show runs April 9 through May 15. Opening night is April 14.

Dr. Ruth Westheimer gave people a new way to view themselves and their relationships. Yet there is much more to her story that will resonate with today’s audiences. In this heartwarming portrait of her life, she narrates fascinating details from her early life–from the tragic separation of her family during the Holocaust to her experiences as an Israeli sniper—as well as struggles with balancing work, higher education and single motherhood in America.

Director Stephen Nachamie will transform the Rosenthal Shelterhouse Theatre space into Dr. Ruth’s home to help the audience “glimpse inside her most personal memories.”

“We are inviting the audience into her apartment. It is important that they meet Dr. Ruth not as the polished talk-show host or figure they know but to see her as a human being,” says Nachamie, who met Dr. Ruth several times as a child and then directed the show in 2019 at New Repertory Theatre in Massachusetts with actor Anne O’Sullivan at the center. She returns to the role in the Playhouse’s production.

BroadwayWorld wrote in a review of the show at New Repertory Theatre, “A must in any solo stage performance is for the artist to connect with the audience, and Anne O’Sullivan reaches through the fourth wall to grab our attention with warmth and Ruth’s indomitable joie de vivre.”

Dr. Ruth, also known as Karola Ruth Siegel, was born in June 1928 in Frankfurt, Germany. Her parents placed her on a kindertransport in 1939 for her safety, which took her from Nazi-occupied Germany to Switzerland and permanently separated her from her family. She survived war-torn Europe and became an Israeli sniper and Jewish freedom fighter with the Haganah. She later moved to Paris with her first husband to begin her education and then navigated life as a working single mother in New York City, in pursuit of continuing her training in psychology and counseling. Shortly after, her illustrious career as an educational media personality began.

“If you thought you knew all about Dr. Ruth, the woman, the myth, the legend, you might just be mistaken,” TheaterMania writes of the one-woman show.

Audiences can learn the true story behind the legend beginning April 9.

CAST & PRODUCTION
Anne O’Sullivan (Dr. Ruth Westheimer), Mark St. Germain (Playwright), Stephen Nachamie (Director), Brian Prather (Set Designer), Gordon DeVinney (Costume Designer), Amber Whatley (Lighting Designer), Fabian Obispo (Sound Designer), Brooke Redler (Stage Manager)

TICKETS
To purchase tickets or for more information, call the Playhouse Box Office at 513-421-3888 (toll-free in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana at 800-582-3208) or visit www.cincyplay.com. For patrons who are deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind or speech-disabled, dial 711 to connect to the Box Office via Ohio Relay Services.

Performances on Tuesdays through Saturdays will begin at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m. There is one Wednesday matinee at 1 p.m. on April 20.

Individual tickets start at just $35. Student tickets are just $15 on the day of the show for all other performances. Discounted ticket prices for teens are available for all productions and are $30 to $45, depending on show and seat location. There will be four post-show meet-the-artist discussions during the run. For tickets, visit cincyplay.com.

ADVISORY
Recommended for adult and teenage audiences. This one-woman show about America’s favorite sex therapist appropriately contains discussion of healthy sex and sexuality, while also covering other mature topics. Much like Dr. Ruth, these topics are addressed with a cheerful and disarming tone.

EVENTS

MEET THE ARTISTS Stay after select performances for a behind-the-scenes discussion with the cast and crew:

  • April 17 at 2 p.m.
  • April 24 at 2 p.m.
  • April 27 at 7:30 p.m.
  • May 5 at 7:30 p.m.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Face masks covering the nose and mouth must be worn at all times in all areas of the Playhouse. Visit the Health & Safety page for details.

SPONSORS

Production Sponsor is the Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati. Artist Sponsor is the Carol B. Heldman Sexuality Fund. Additional support provided by the Greater Cincinnati Foundation. Season Sponsor is Heidelberg Distributing Company. Season Sponsor of New Work is the Rosenthal Family Foundation.

The Playhouse is supported by the generosity of more than 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.

ACCESS

The Playhouse is fully accessible. Audio enhancement receivers, large print programs, and complete wheelchair access are available.

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