Tag Archives: Cincinnati Shakespeare Company

January 3, 2016 · 11:02 am

Upcoming Classes Offered By Cincinnati Shakespeare Company

CSC_logoGroundlings Junior, Shakespeare Acting (6th- 9th Graders)
Registration for the Spring 2016 Session is now open: http://goo.gl/forms/iSn6uhPcEP

This is an acting class for 6th-9th grade students who are interested in furthering their acting skills and understanding of Shakespeare. The emphasis of the program will be on learning basic acting skills, working together as an ensemble, and speaking Shakespeare’s text. Workshops on movement, voice, text analysis, character development, and Shakespearean performance will take place throughout the program. By working together through theatre games and scene work, actors in the program will experience the excitement of the artistic process.
This program is audition only for NEW members.
Instructor: Maggie Lou Rader
Cost $295/semester. Students are encouraged but not required to participate in both semesters. Make a payment online here.

Dates for the 2015-2016 School Year:
NEW Juniors classes will take place on Saturday Mornings, 10AM-12:30PM at the Clifton Cultural Arts Center:
Jan. 9, 16, 23, Feb. 6, 13, Mar. 5, 12, 19, (Also hold Mar. 26 as a possible make up date as needed due to weather)

Audition Techniques and Coaching for Adults- Spring 2016
Register Now: http://goo.gl/forms/ZhFeFGfYfX

Students will learn audition prep, cold reading, and resume constructing techniques in addition to having three audition pieces, of the student’s choosing, worked, coached, and ready to go into any audition room. This course is for adults only. All skill levels welcome!
Instructor: Maggie Lou Rader
Cost: $195
Time: 7:30-9pm
Dates (7 weeks): Jan. 12, 19, 26, Feb. 9, 16, Mar. 1, 8

Shakespeare Acting for Adults- As Your Like It Intensive- Spring 2016
Register Now: http://goo.gl/forms/ZhFeFGfYfX

Students will rigorously study, discuss, and examine Shakespeare’s play, As You Like It culminating in group performance during the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s PROJECT38 festival of projects this April. Students have the opportunity to work with members of the Cincinnati Shakespeare Resident Company. This course is for adults only. This class will move rather quickly so some work in Shakespeare is recommended, but not required.
Instructor: Maggie Lou Rader
Cost: $295
Time: 5:30-7:15pm
Dates (10 weeks): Jan. 12, 19, 26, Feb. 9, 16, Mar. 1, 8, 29, Apr. 4, 19 (performance)

Improv for Adults- Spring 2016
Register Now: http://goo.gl/forms/ZhFeFGfYfX

This class will be an introduction to improv and build on the fundamentals of the craft. Students will be introduced to the concepts of yes, and…, instant character generating, hyper listening, and scene building. No previous acting experience, or the notion of being funny, is required. The only thing required is a willingness to take a risk, accept failure, and have an absolute blast while doing it. Let’s play. This course is for adults only. All skill levels welcome!
Instructor: Dave Powell
Cost: $195
Time: 6-8pm
Dates (5 weeks): Jan. 10, 17, 24, 31, Feb. 14

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December 29, 2015 · 6:15 am

HENRY VI Part I Runs Jan. 22-Feb. 13

CSC_Henry VI promo

Darnelle Pierre Benjamin as Henry VI. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

HENRY VI Part I
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company
Jan. 22-Feb. 13
Downtown

Directed by Brian Isaac Phillips

Cast: Geoffrey Warren Barnes II as Charles the Dauphin; Darnell Pierre Benjamin as King Henry VI; Kyle Brumley as Lucy/Lawyer; Billy Chance as Suffolk/Salisbury; Conner Christiansen as John Talbot/Bastard of Orleans; Giles Davies as Duke of York; Tia Davis as Eleanor; Jeremy Dubin as Duke of Alencon; Douglas Fries as Duke of Anjou; Jim Hopkins as Exeter/Burgundy; Josh Katawick as Mortimer/Vernon/Hume; Justin McCombs as Ghost of Henry V/Somerset; Caitlin McWethy as Joan of Arc; Kelly Mengelkoch as Queen Margaret; Paul Riopelle as Duke of Gloucester; Tess Talbot as Ensemble; Mike Van Zant as Bishop of Winchester; Brent Vimtrup as Earl of Warwick/Lord Talbot & Petrea Whittier as Ensemble

Shakespeare’s Game of Thrones continues with this first installment of the Henry VI trilogy. King Henry V, one of England’s most beloved monarchs, brought unity and peace to his fractious country and victory over the rival nation of France. But when Henry’s untimely death leaves his infant son to inherit the crown, the country falls back into chaos as rival families of York and Lancaster seek to seize the throne for themselves. Featuring some of history’s most controversial characters, including Joan of Arc, this first installment in the epic War of the Roses trilogy sets the stage for the exciting conclusion soon to come.

  • In preview, Wed-Thu, Jan. 20-21 at 7:30pm. All seats $25.
  • Fri-Sat, Jan. 22-23 at 7:30pm
  • Thu-Sat, Jan. 28-30 at 7:30pm
  • Sun, Jan. 31 at 2pm
  • Thu-Sat, Feb. 4-6 at 7:30pm
  • Sun, Feb. 7 at 2pm
  • Thu-Sat, Feb. 11-13 at 7:30pm
  • Sun, Feb. 14 at 2pm

Official page |

 

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December 28, 2015 · 6:24 am

Cincinnati Shakespeare’s Games of Thrones Continues with HENRY VI: The War of the Roses, Part 1

Brian Isaac Phillips directs the next installment in CSC’s 5 year, 8 play history cycle

CSC_Henry VI promo

Darnelle Pierre Benjamin as Henry VI. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

CINCINNATI, Dec. 23, 2015— Cincinnati Shakespeare Company continues its season and multi-year history cycle with HENRY VI: The War of the Roses, Part 1 by William Shakespeare.  This production is directed by CSC Producing Artistic Director, Brian Isaac Phillips.  This production features Cincinnati Shakespeare’s Resident Ensemble members including Darnell Pierre Benjamin at King Henry VI.  The History Cycle sponsor is Osborn, Rohs, Williams & Donohoe, LLC.  The costume design sponsors are Vantiv and Dave Herche & Wendy Thursby.

Shakespeare’s game of thrones continues with this first installment of the Henry VI trilogy. King Henry V, one of England’s most beloved monarchs, brought unity and peace to his fractious country and victory over the rival nation of France. But when Henry’s untimely death leaves his infant son to inherit the crown, the country falls back into chaos as rival families of York and Lancaster seek to seize the throne for themselves. Featuring some of history’s most controversial characters, including Joan of Arc, this first installment in the epic War of the Roses trilogy sets the stage for the exciting conclusion soon to come.

Darnell Pierre Benjamin, a sixth season resident ensemble member of CSC, will be playing King Henry VI in this production.  “I hold a great deal of responsibility in my hands,” says Darnell, “I am a Black male from St. Martinville, LA; and, despite how much I’ve always fixated my interests on the classics, I never thought that I’d have the honor of representing one of Shakespeare’s history kings.”  Darnell has appeared on CSC’s stage many times to to critical acclaim including as Tom Robinson in “To Kill a Mockingbird”, Aaron in “Titus Andronicus”, and Valentine in “The Two Gentleman of Verona.” Darnell says he “hope(s) to open people’s minds and hearts to seeing the core of this story as it is: A young man coming into his own as he learns that there are forces, both good and bad, that can alter his perception of himself; but, if he holds fast onto who he is and who he is becoming, regardless of what the outcome will be, he will maintain leadership of his truest self.”

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is only the 2nd theater company in the United States to present Shakespeare’s 8 play history cycle in chronological order.  The 2013 production of “Richard II” began this multi-season history cycle at Cincinnati Shakespeare and was followed by 2014’s “Henry IV: Part 1 & 2” and 2015’s “Henry V” and now with 2016’s “Henry VI: The Wars of the Roses, Part 1”.  The cycle will conclude with “Henry VI: The Wars of the Roses, Part 2” and “Richard III”.

Performances of HENRY VI: The War of the Roses, Part 1 are scheduled from January 22- February 13, 2016 on Thursday, Friday & Saturday evenings at 7:30pm and Sundays at 2pm as well as on Saturday Feb. 13 at 2pm. There is no performance on Sunday Jan. 24.  Preview performances are on Wednesday Jan. 20 and Thursday Jan. 21 at 7:30pm and tickets are $25.

The theater is located at 719 Race Street, downtown Cincinnati, two blocks west of the Aronoff Center.  Single ticket prices range from $22-$35 on Thursdays and Sundays and from $26-$39 on Fridays and Saturdays.  Previews are $25.  If available, $14 student rush tickets may be purchased 30 minutes before a show with a valid student ID.  This production is a part of this season’s subscription package. Visa, Discover, MasterCard, and American Express are accepted.  Ticketing fees may apply.  Discounts are available for students, seniors and groups as well as AAA members.  To purchase tickets or for more information, call the CSC Box Office at 513.381.BARD (2273) ext. 1, or go online at www.cincyshakes.com.

 

About Cincinnati Shakespeare Company:
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is a professional theatre company dedicated to bringing Shakespeare and the classics to life for audiences of all ages.  Located in the heart of downtown Cincinnati, CSC produces a dozen mainstage productions each season.  The repertoire is made up of the works of William Shakespeare, literary adaptations and contemporary classics. CSC performs on a Small Professional Theatre contract with Actors’ Equity Association. Cincinnati Shakespeare is a member of the Theater Communications Group and the Shakespeare Theater Association.  Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s Education and Outreach Programs reached nearly 34,000 young people and underserved community members last season by taking Shakespeare into schools, parks, community centers and by hosting educational matinees of mainstage productions at its home on Race Street.  In 2014, CSC was proud to become one of the first five theaters in the United States to “Complete the Canon” by producing all 38 plays by William Shakespeare. CSC is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization and all donations are tax deductible.  Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is proud to be Cincinnati’s stage for the classics!

About the 2015-2016 Season:
This season is generously sponsored by The Otto M. Budig Family Foundation.  Cincinnati Shakespeare Company receives operating support from The Ohio Arts Council, the Shubert Foundation and is supported, in part, by the generosity of thousands of individuals and businesses that give annually to ArtsWave.  The season design sponsor is Mark & Sue Ann Painter.  The Ohio Arts Council helped fund this program/organization with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. Production dates and information on the season are available online at www.cincyshakes.com.

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December 4, 2015 · 6:39 am

Auditions Announced for 2016-2017 Season at Cincinnati Shakespeare Company

CSC_logoThe Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is excited to announce its auditions for the 2016-2017 season. The auditions will be held at our theatre, located at 719 Race St in downtown Cincinnati on the following dates:

  • Saturday January 23rd                       12:00pm – 5:00pm
  • Sunday January 24th                         12:00pm – 5:00pm
  • Tuesday January 25th                          2:00pm – 7:00pm

AVAILABLE POSITIONS:

Touring Company- This is the entry level position to the ensemble. It’s a group of 6 actors that tour to schools, colleges, community centers, etc., within a two-hour radius of the city (these tours are almost never overnight). They perform a variety of programming, including 3 full length Shakespeare plays. They are also called on to go into schools and lead workshops on particular plays or performance techniques. In addition, they play a variety of supporting roles in our larger mainstage productions. It is a ten month contract running from July to May. The weekly salary is $200 and housing is provided. Must be Non-Equity.

Guest Artist- This is an artist brought in for a specific production or sometimes multiple productions. Contract and pay scale varies dependent on union status, size of role, etc. May be Equity or Non-Equity.

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS:

Please prepare two contrasting classical pieces, at least one of them Shakespeare. The combined pieces should not exceed 3 minutes; and if you have any additional classical pieces in your repertoire, it couldn’t hurt to dust them off, as you may be given an opportunity to perform them. Those auditioning for a Touring Company position may also have a very brief interview with the Education Director.

MATERIALS TO SUBMIT:

Once you’ve scheduled an audition (see below), please submit a current Headshot/Resume, as well as a cover letter. Please specify in the cover letter whether you are interested primarily in a Touring Company or Guest Artist position. For those interested in a Touring Company position, the cover letter should also include the following:

  • Why you are interested in CSC
  • Your interest in/experience with education
  • 3 references with contact information

We are endeavoring to go entirely electronic this year, so please upload all materials to Jotform via the following link:AUDITION MATERIAL SUBMISSION

We ask that all materials be submitted by Monday, January 11th.  If there are any issues, or you need to submit your materials via snail mail, contact Artistic Associate Jeremy Dubin at jeremy.dubin@cincyshakes.com

TO SCHEDULE AN AUDITION:

You can sign-up for an audition slot via the following link: SCHEDULE AN AUDITION

We ask that, if at all possible, you schedule your audition by Monday, January 11th. If you sign-up for a slot, but later find you will be unable to attend, please remove your name from the list. If there are any issues or questions, please contact Jeremy Dubin at jeremy.dubin@cincyshakes.com

AN EXCITING BONUS!

Since you are being kind enough to share your work with us, we’d like to do the same and offer you a complimentary ticket to see HENRY VI, which will be running during the time of the auditions. Once you’ve scheduled your audition, simply contact the box office (513-381-BARD). Mention your name and that you’re an auditioner, and we’ll be happy to set you up with a ticket to see the show.

FAQs

  • I’m interested in becoming a part of the Resident Ensemble. What’s the process?

    Members of the Resident Ensemble usually either graduate up from the Touring Company, or are Guest Artists that we have worked with a number of times. This gives both parties a chance to get to know each other before committing to a more long-term arrangement- in other words, go on few dates before getting hitched.

  • Are EMC points available?

    Yes.

  • I can’t make it to any of the allotted audition dates. Can I still audition?

    If you absolutely can’t make it on any of the days listed, let us know and we can try to arrange an audition at a different time. It’s best to try to audition before the dates listed, as the casting process will begin very shortly after those dates. If you are from out-of-town, and are going to be in the area prior to the official auditions, we’re happy to try to set up an audition while you’re here to save you some travel costs.

 

  • Should I bring physical copies of my Headshot/Resume to the audition?

    While we are trying to go all digital, we occasionally experience some glitches (hard to believe, I know), so it couldn’t hurt to bring along a couple of physical copies.

 

  • Do you accept video auditions?

    We’re happy to take a look at video submissions, though we will almost always want to see an actor in person before casting them.

IF YOU HAVE ANY OTHER QUESTIONS PLEASE E-MAIL THEM TO: jeremy.dubin@cincyshakes.com

Thanks so much, and we’ll hope to see you in January!

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November 25, 2015 · 6:53 am

10th Anniversary Production of Cincinnati Shakespeare’s Popular Holiday Blockbuster EVERY CHRISTMAS STORY EVERY TOLD (AND THEN SOME!) Opens in December

The popular Cincinnati holiday tradition, EVERY CHRISTMAS STORY EVERY TOLD (AND THEN SOME!), appears on CSC’s stage for a limited run of 13 performances December 16-27, 2015!

CSC_Every Christmas Story Ever Told Promo1

Justin McCombs, Sara Clark & Billy Chance.

CINCINNATI, Nov. 24, 2015 – For the 10th straight year, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is thrilled to offer a full season of holiday cheer in just 90 minutes with EVERY CHRISTMAS STORY EVERY TOLD (AND THEN SOME!) by Michael Carleton, James Fitzgerald, and John K. Alvarez.  This hilarious production is a non-stop holiday romp through everyone’s favorite Christmas stories performed by just four actors in ninety minutes.  Justin McCombs and Sara Clark, both now 10 year veterans of the company, return to poke fun at the holiday season, joined by Billy Chace, a ninth year company member.  Miranda McGee, sixth year company member, returns as a special guest.  CSC Artistic Associate, Jeremy Dubin, returns to the director’s chair.  This production is one of the most popular events in Cincinnati Shakespeare Company history breaking attendance and sales records every year.  All tickets are $30, making this show an affordable holiday treat.  Audiences are encouraged to get their tickets soon as some date are already sold out!

What starts as an annual performance of “A Christmas Carol” quickly descends into a playful skewering of everyone’s favorite “Beloved Holiday Classics.”  Using just three actors and a little help from the audience, EVERY CHRISTMAS STORY EVERY TOLD (AND THEN SOME!) crams an entire season’s worth of stories, carols, and television specials into ninety minutes of non-stop laughs. EVERY CHRISTMAS STORY EVERY TOLD (AND THEN SOME!) premiered in 2005 at Orlando Shakespeare Company under the direction of Artistic Director Jim Helsinger.

Audiences and critics have made the show a sold-out success for the last seven Decembers.  Rick Pender of CityBeat wrote of the show, “If you’ve laughed yourself silly watching any of the scripts developed by the Reduced Shakespeare Company – you’ll find yourself in similar territory.  Michael Carleton, James Fitzgerald, and John K. Alvarez clearly went to the same school… This production will certainly appeal to audiences looking for relaxing, adult holiday amusement.”   Director Jeremy Dubin remarks, “This cast has so much fun together that the show has become a very personal holiday tradition for all of us. Returning audiences will enjoy a fresh round of new fruitcake jokes, and new audiences will be amazed at Sara Clark’s frighteningly accurate Jimmy Stewart impression.”

This show will be appreciated by adults and older teens, but is not recommended for anyone young enough to still believe in Santa. The Canon Club Bar will be open before, during, and after the production featuring a full bar, Moerlein’s Shakes“beere”, custom cocktails and signature jell-o shots!  All drinks can be taken into the theater.

Performances of EVERY CHRISTMAS STORY EVERY TOLD (AND THEN SOME!) are scheduled for a limited run of 13 performances from Dec. 16-27, 2015.  Performances on Dec. 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, and 26 are at 7:30pm.  Performances on Dec. 19, 20, 26, and 27 are at 2:00pm.  All performances are held at CSC’s Theatre, 719 Race St.  No passes, subscriptions, group rates, or discounts apply.  All tickets are $30.  Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover are accepted.  To purchase tickets or for more information, call the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company Box Office at 513.381.BARD (2273), or visit us online at www.cincyshakes.com.

Performance Schedule:

  • Wed, Dec 16th, 2015 at 7:30 pm
  • Thu, Dec 17th, 2015 at 7:30 pm
  • Fri, Dec 18th, 2015 at 7:30 pm
  • Sat, Dec 19th, 2015 at 2:00 pm
  • Sat, Dec 19th, 2015 at 7:30 pm
  • Sun, Dec 20th, 2015 at 2:00 pm
  • Sun, Dec 20th, 2015 at 7:30 pm
  • Mon, Dec 21st, 2015 at 7:30 pm
  • Tue, Dec 22nd, 2015 at 7:30 pm
  • Wed, Dec 23rd, 2015 at 7:30 pm
  • Sat, Dec 26th, 2015 at 2:00 pm
  • Sat, Dec 26th, 2015 at 7:30 pm
  • Sun, Dec 27th, 2015 at 2:00 pm

About Cincinnati Shakespeare Company:
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is a professional theatre company dedicated to bringing Shakespeare and the classics to life for audiences of all ages.  Located in the heart of downtown Cincinnati, CSC produces a dozen mainstage productions each season.  The repertoire is made up of the works of William Shakespeare, literary adaptations and contemporary classics. CSC performs on a Small Professional Theatre contract with Actors’ Equity Association. Cincinnati Shakespeare is a member of the Theater Communications Group and the Shakespeare Theater Association.  Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s Education and Outreach Programs reached nearly 34,000 young people and underserved community members last season by taking Shakespeare into schools, parks, community centers and by hosting educational matinees of mainstage productions at its home on Race Street.  In 2014, CSC was proud to become one of the first five theaters in the United States to “Complete the Canon” by producing all 38 plays by William Shakespeare. CSC is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization and all donations are tax deductible.  Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is proud to be Cincinnati’s stage for the classics!

About the 2015-2016 Season:
This season is generously sponsored by The Otto M. Budig Family Foundation.  Cincinnati Shakespeare Company receives operating support from The Ohio Arts Council, the Shubert Foundation and is supported, in part, by the generosity of thousands of individuals and businesses that give annually to ArtsWave.  The season design sponsor is Mark & Sue Ann Painter.  The Ohio Arts Council helped fund this program/organization with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. Production dates and information on the season are available online at www.cincyshakes.com.

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