Tag Archives: Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati

February 29, 2024 · 9:05 pm

Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati Hosts Sixth Annual PLAY/WRITE: The Jackie Demaline Regional Collegiate Playwriting Competition

SUBMISSION DEADLINE OF APRIL 30, 2024

ETC_logo(Cincinnati, OH) Tristate-area playwrights, it’s your time to shine! Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati hosts the sixth annual PLAY/write: The Jackie Demaline Regional Collegiate Playwriting Competition, held in memory of writer, critic, and arts advocate, Jackie Demaline. Students currently enrolled full- or part-time at a university or college in the Cincinnati tristate region are encouraged to submit their plays to the competition. Dependent upon submissions, up to three winners will be chosen. Each winner will receive $2,500 from the Jackie Demaline Fund and a professionally staged reading of their script.

Demaline’s love of the arts started at a young age. Throughout her life, she continued to be a passionate believer in the arts as an entertainment writer and editor for multiple newspapers and publications. After moving to Cincinnati in 1994, she covered theatre and the arts for The Cincinnati Enquirer for 20 years and worked as an important catalyst for change and growth during a time when new theatres and companies were popping up all over Cincinnati, helping to secure their place in the community.

After a four-year battle with cancer, Demaline passed away on June 17, 2018. As her final gift to the community, she arranged for her estate to fund the PLAY/write competition. Through this, her legacy lives on—providing new voice development, kick-starting arts careers, and caring for the community through thoughtful programming.

Submission guidelines:

WHO:

  • Students currently enrolled at a university or college in the Cincinnati tristate region

WHAT:

  • Original, unpublished full-length plays (minimum of 50 pages) written in English. Translations, musicals, adaptations, and children’s plays not accepted
  • Plays must be typed and page-numbered
  • Subject matter is open; however, the play should address some of the characteristics Jackie considered when critiquing theatre:
    • Does it tell me something I didn’t know about myself or the world in which I live?
    • Does it hold up a mirror at an angle I’ve never tried so that the things I know now suddenly possess new meaning?
    • Does it move me? Excite me? Provoke me?
    • Does it make me laugh or cry? Make me uncomfortable? Make me think?

WHEN:

  • Submission deadline: 11:59 pm EST, April 30, 2024.

HOW:

  • Submit your script electronically at ensemblecincinnati.org/playwriting-competition
  • If you have questions about the competition or submission process, please email Jared D. Doren, Programming & Events Manager, at jdoren@ensemblecincinnati.org

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2022-2023 Season Presenting Sponsor is the LKC Foundation.

Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati is supported, in part, by the generosity of community contributions to the ArtsWave Campaign.

The Ohio Arts Council helps fund Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati also receives funding from the Shubert Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati is a professional theatre dedicated to producing world and regional premieres of works that often explore compelling social issues. We fulfill our mission through our stage productions and educational outreach programs that enlighten, enliven, enrich, and inspire our audiences.

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February 25, 2024 · 7:00 pm

HOW I LEARNED WHAT I LEARNED Review

By Katrina “Kat” Reynolds

How I Learned What I Learned presented by Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati through March 10th. I attended the opening Thursday performance. 

ETC_How I Learned What I Learned

“ranney” as Actor. Photo by Ryan Kurtz

So many theatres are keeping the light of Black History Month burning strongly and I am here for it. How I Learned What I Learned, an autobiographical piece written and originally performed by the legendary playwright himself, August Wilson, is Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati’s contribution to this long-ignored time of storytelling, mourning, and celebration.

Co-conceived by Todd Kreidler and directed by local legend Torie Wiggins, How I Learned…is not what one would expect from a one-man autobiographical piece. The lead role is played impeccably by a familiar face to Cincinnati as of late, the one and only “ranney”. With a beautiful canvas on which to “paint” his story by Scenic & Lighting Designer Brian c. Mehring; projections designed by Becca Schall (who always has an exceptional piece of art on display in the ETC lobby!); and the all-too-important punctuations of sound and music by Sound Designer Matt Callahan, “ranney” navigates the space naturally and conversationally. While the audience obviously does more listening than speaking, we still feel included in the 1 hour 45 mins narrative. And it is a ride, my friends.

I will loosely quote the local actor with whom I spoke before the show began: rather than being in the form of lecture, the script is written almost in terms of a series of vignettes which ultimately allow Mr. Wilson to explain how he credits his own success, both personally and professionally. Despite being a one-man show, we are introduced to a shower of characters – including a cameo by acclaimed jazz musician, John William Coltrane. Much like the playwright, “ranney” is a master storyteller and is an excellent choice to take us on the many paths August Wilson travelled in his time on this earth.

Torie Wiggins’ direction is clear and with purpose, two of my favourite things about an artist. She knew exactly how to keep the piece visually stimulating while maintaining a steady and provocative pace. Slower moments have their reasons and do not derail the journey on which we are taken. Repeating myself from an earlier praise said to Ms. Wiggins herself, it is a masterpiece.

As much as I could go on forever about every wonderful part of this production, I implore you to experience it for yourself. You start with a wonderful script about an intriguing and brilliant person and add cast and crew who only enhance this foundation – and you end up with a time at theatre that should not be missed. Wilson’s words wash over you with such ease, so to have these words shared with you in a way that feels very personal by an actor the caliber of “ranney” is a delight and a privilege. I was honoured to have been a guest on this adventure.

Click here for more information on the production.

Support live theatre and listen to black stories not just in February, but year-round.

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January 29, 2024 · 5:39 pm

You Know His Iconic Work. Now Know Him. ETC Presents Regional Premiere Drama August Wilson’s HOW I LEARNED WHAT I LEARNED, Feb. 17-March 10

ETC_How I Learned What I Learned(Cincinnati, OH) Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati (ETC) kicks off the new year with the regional premiere drama August Wilson’s How I Learned What I Learned, co-conceived by Todd Kreidler. Following his rise from a young poet to the literary giant we honor today, this timeless and heartfelt memoir charts one man’s journey of self-discovery and what it means to be a Black artist in America. Playing February 17 – March 10, 2024. Directed by Torie Wiggins. Sponsored by The Grant & Ross Family in honor of Fred & Sondra Ross.

From Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright August Wilson comes a one-man show that chronicles his life as a Black artist in Pittsburgh’s Hill District. From stories about his first jobs to his first loves and his experiences with racism, Wilson recounts his life from his roots to the completion of The American Century Cycle. How I Learned What I Learned gives an inside look into one of the most celebrated playwriting voices of the twentieth century. Actor “ranney” delivers a nonstop, spellbinding performance of the literary giant we honor today.

“August Wilson is such a heroic figure and brought to light human emotions with such a poignant and powerful vision,” explains ETC Producing Artistic Director D. Lynn Meyers. “I can’t imagine a more extraordinary moment than to sit in an audience and listen about his own life in his own words. How I Learned What I Learned gives us a deeper appreciation for the life of a playwright and the inspiration that sculpts their voice, and it reminds us that who you are is indelibly shaped by where you are. I just find it too shatteringly interesting of a story for us not to present it.”

About the Cast & Director
“ranney” (Actor) was last seen at Ensemble Theatre as Brucie in Sweat. He has five decades in the performing arts as a multi-disciplinarian. His acting credits include The Piano Lesson, A Public Fit Theatre Company; Fences, Hymn, and Art, Shakespeare & Company; Amen Corner, Hamlet, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, and Fences, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company; Two Trains Running and Radio Golf, American Stage Company; Seven Guitars and Water by the Spoonful, Nevada Conservatory Theatre; The Piano Lesson, Center Theatre Co.; and The Bomb-itty of Errors, American Stage, Chicago Shakespeare, The Helix, and The Ambassadors Theatre. As a comedian, he has headlined internationally and shared billing with Martin Lawrence, Chris Rock, and Paul Mooney. He has nine one-man show credits, which include And the Horse You Rode in On, Projects Arts Centre; Whatever, People’s Improv Theater; Incendiary, The Straz Center; and Cufflinks and Jolly Ranchers for Dummies, Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

ETC Artistic Associate Torie Wiggins (Director) has been a storyteller all her life. She has co-adapted and performed a one woman show, Your Negro Tour Guide, at various venues across the country, with a grand finale at Ensemble Theatre as part of a double bill with I Shall Not be Moved by Isaiah Reaves. She has performed with many local theaters including Know Theatre of Cincinnati, Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati, The Human Race Theatre Company, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, and Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. She has also worked with WAM Theatre in The Berkshires and The Resident Acting Company in New York City. Her directing credits include We Are Proud to Present. . . and Good Kids at Miami University Department of Theatre, Dreamgirls and Proof at The Carnegie Theater, I Shall Not Be Moved at Ensemble Theatre, and Blues for an Alabama Sky at Falcon Theatre. After being commissioned for smaller projects, her first play, See Me, was selected to be a part of ETC’s justice-themed 10 Minute Connections. Her play Who All Over There? received its world premiere as part of Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati’s 2022-2023 mainstage season.

Production team: Brian c. Mehring (Resident Scenic & Lighting Designer), Daryl L. Harris (Costume Designer), Matt Callahan (Sound Designer), Becca Schall (Projection Designer), Shannon Rae Lutz (Properties Curator & Design Assistant), Jacob Dowell (Technical Director), and Chris Lipstreu (Associate Production Manager). Production Stage Manager is Lexi Muller. Assistant Stage Manager is ErinMarie Suscheck.

Performance Information
Performances Tuesday-Saturday at 7:30 pm; Saturday & Sunday at 2:00 pm. Performances vary. A complete calendar of performances is available at http://www.ensemblecincinnati.org.

Ticket Prices
Tickets for adults start at $35 with ETC’s 30 for $35 discount; student tickets are $28; and children are $24. Half-Price Rush Tickets: All remaining tickets for the current day’s performance(s) are available two hours prior to each show time for half-price (discount only applies to adult tickets) when purchasing by phone or in person. 30 for $35: For every mainstage performance, thirty tickets will be available for $35 each with the promo code 30F35. These are first come, first serve, and the promo code will not apply the discount if all tickets have already been claimed. $15 Student Rush Tickets: Students may purchase up to two $15 student rush tickets two hours prior to show time with valid student I.D. Available in person only.

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2023-2024 Season Presenting Sponsor is the LKC Foundation.

Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati is supported, in part, by the generosity of community contributions to the ArtsWave Campaign.

The Ohio Arts Council helps fund Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati also receives funding from the Shubert Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati is a professional theatre dedicated to producing world and regional premieres of works that often explore compelling social issues. We fulfill our mission through our stage productions and educational outreach programs that enlighten, enliven, enrich, and inspire our audiences.

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December 5, 2023 · 12:34 pm

FIONA: The Musical Review

By Katrina “Kat” Reynolds

FIONA: The Musical presented by Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati through Dec. 29th. I attended the Opening Night performance. 

ETC_Fiona1

Elexis Selmon as Yellow Oxpecker, Erin McCamley as Fiona & Darnell Pierre Benjamin as Giraffe. Photo by Ryan Kurtz.

As the daughter of an Irish woman, I grew up very familiar with the Gaelic name Fiona. A lot more people became familiar with that name when a wee film named Shrek was released in 2001. And still even more became familiar with it when an even more wee hippopotamus was born several weeks too early in the grand old town of Cincinnati, OH only to eventually become a world-wide sensation.

This December, Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati is bringing us the family-friendly, world premiere production of Fiona: The Musical with book by Cincinnati playwright Zina Camblin and music & lyrics by ETC’s very own composer, David Kisor. Coupled with the talent of the Camblin-Kisor partnership and input from Cincinnati Zoo’s staff, Fiona tells us the story of the little hippo who could and reminds us that underdogs should never be dismissed.

To say this production is star-studded is almost an understatement – Director D. Lynn Meyers doesn’t mess around. The production boasts a powerhouse cast and crew of both veteran and novice players alike. (I will never be able to mention everyone’s names, but please know: you are all BRILL!) Set design by Brian c. Mehring is creative and colourful, two great qualities when a show takes place in a zoo. Costume Designer Maria Fernanda Ortiz Lopez deserves a standing “o” for her very smart and innovative costumes. Ms. Ortiz Lopez masterfully combines clothing which fits a human body while allowing the actors to convince us even further they are part of the animal kingdom without hinderance from accessories and the like. Brava to Maria – let’s see more of her work in this area!

With such an illustrious cast, it is difficult to choose a few to mention by name. However, Sara Mackie as Bibi is everything you can imagine you’d want to see in the role of Fiona’s mother. Few others could give us the pure spirit of a hippo while also breaking our heart in some of the more challenging moments of Fiona’s journey. Fortunately, Ms. Mackie was the perfect choice and we are so lucky to have her! From her expressive facial and physical gestures to her commanding vocals to her all-around affability, Ms. Mackie is a freaking treasure and everyone should take note.

Serving as both a performing artist and Choreographer on this project is another absolute treasure: Darnell Pierre Benjamin. Mr. Benjamin’s showing in Fiona may final solidify the answer: no, there is nothing he can not do. Exuberant to just the right degree and as refined as he is powerful, he will have you cheering (and booing) him all in great fun.

Finally, in the titular role we have new to the ETC stage (but not new to stages in general) Erin McCamley. With an impressive resume under her belt and the ability to transform herself into just about any character, Ms. McCamley was the ideal choice to play Fiona. From her first sounds as the premature baby hippo, you will be hooked. (I’ll admit it: I audibly squeed.) She is endearing and you will find yourself wanting to be one of Fiona’s biggest cheerleaders.

All in all, this truly is an experience for all ages. While the show clocks in at just under 2 hours including an intermission, the songs are short and sweet and perfect for any attention level and the story will keep you cheering for the “good guys” to prevail. And yes: there is a happy ending, something we can all use every now and again.

Click here for more information on the production.

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November 13, 2023 · 2:11 pm

MEALS 4 MONOLOGUES On Dec. 4-5 & 7

ETC_logoCasting Society of America Member D. Lynn Meyers to Audition Actors to Encourage Support of Local Foodstore, December 4-5 & 7

(Cincinnati, OH) Dim the lights, raise the curtain! Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati hosts its 12th annual Meals 4 Monologues auditions. Actors from throughout the nation are invited to a general audition call to perform for D. Lynn Meyers, a member of the Casting Society of America (CSA), and are encouraged to make a donation to Cincinnati’s Freestore Foodbank.

The event, in an effort to support local food banks while auditioning local talent, will be held in-person on Monday, December 4 and Tuesday, December 5 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm and virtually via Zoom on Thursday, December 7 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. This is an open casting call to all Equity union and non-union actors for future theatre, film, TV, and/or commercial projects cast by D. Lynn Meyers, CSA. This call is for all interested without regard to previous experience and with a strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion.

Sign-ups are now available and are and on a first-come, first-serve basis. Audition time slots are 3 minutes each and must be scheduled ONLINE at www.ensemblecincinnati.org/about/auditions.

To audition:

  • Upload a current HEADSHOT and RÉSUMÉ (DO NOT email them) during sign-up
  • Prepare a short monologue and song (must be performed a cappella), or two prepared monologues
  • Make a suggested donation to the Cincinnati Freestore Foodbank: https://bit.ly/M4M_23

The Freestore Foodbank is the largest emergency food and services provider to children and families in Greater Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky, and Southeast Indiana, distributing 33 million meals annually to low-income individuals and families. The Freestore Foodbank supports 511 community partner agencies serving 20 counties in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. This includes food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, community centers, program sites, senior centers, and daycare facilities. The Freestore Foodbank is a member of Feeding America.

The Casting Society of America (CSA) is the premier organization of theatrical Casting Directors in film, television, and theatre. Although it is not a union, the CSA is a united professional society that consistently sets the level of professionalism in casting upon which the entertainment industry relies. CSA’s more than 490 members are represented not only in the United States, but also in Europe, Canada, Australia, and South Africa. “I am very proud to be a member of the Casting Society of America,” says CSA member D. Lynn Meyers. “The idea of Meals 4 Monologues came from a desire to always see new talent and to aid the community. I am delighted at the opportunity to see new faces and to spread outreach beyond the Greater Cincinnati area through this event.”

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Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati is supported, in part, by the generosity of community contributions to the ArtsWave Campaign.

The Ohio Arts Council helps fund Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati also receives funding from the Shubert Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati is a professional theatre dedicated to producing world and regional premieres of works that often explore compelling social issues. We fulfill our mission through our stage productions and educational outreach programs that enlighten, enliven, enrich, and inspire our audiences.

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