Tag Archives: Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati

Meals 4 Monologues Auditions Announced by Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati

MEALS FOR MONOLOGUES:
Casting Society of American Member D. Lynn Meyers to Audition Actors to Encourage Support of Local Foodstore, Dec. 7 & 10-11

(Cincinnati, OH) Dim the lights, raise the curtain! Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati hosts its 15th 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 monetary 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 7 from 11 am – 6 pm, Thursday, December 10 from 9 am – 3 pm, and virtually via Zoom on Friday, December 11 from 10 am – 2 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_26

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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GINDEPENDENCE DAY at American Legacy Theatre Runs Nov. 7-8

GINDEPENDENCE DAY: A Developmental Staged Reading
American Legacy Theatre
Nov. 7-8 | Available on Demand Nov. 11-18
Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati [Over-the-Rhine]
Artsville [Madisonville]

Cast: Jovanni Candia as Bailey, Ariana Hodes as Remmy, Rory Sheridan as Doug & Roux Bedrosian as CJ

Three people in recovery. One wildly underprepared musical history of alcoholism in America. What could possibly go wrong?

  • Sat, Nov. 7 at 2pm [ETC]
  • Sun, Nov. 8 at 2pm [Artsville]

Official page |

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Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati Presents Family-Friendly Musical CINDERELLA, Dec. 9-30

(Cincinnati, OH) What do you get when you combine a nearsighted bookworm heroine, two fabulously self-absorbed stepsisters, a devilishly diva stepmother, and a self-empowering Well-Wisher? Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati’s beloved holiday musical Cinderella! Full of catchy songs, big laughs, and plenty of heart, this fresh spin on the classic tale returns December 9–30, 2026. With a book by Joseph McDonough, music by David Kisor, and a music by Fitz Patton, Cinderella invites audiences of all ages to experience the magic of a story where being smart is the ultimate beauty. Directed by D. Lynn Meyers. Premiere Sponsor is The Markley Family. Artist Sponsor is Home City Ice. Fairy Godmother Sponsor is PNC.

When the King pressures his romantically challenged son to choose a bride from hundreds of eager “applicants,” a hilarious cross-country search begins to reunite a missing sneaker—yes, a sneaker—with its rightful owner. Along the way, colorful characters, unexpected friendships, and a little holiday magic prove that the best happily-ever-afters come from staying true to yourself. Packed with humor, charm, and heart, Cinderella is the perfect holiday outing for the whole family.

“We’re telling this story in a really new way,” says ETC’s Producing Artistic Director D. Lynn Meyers. “Not only is everything new physically, with a brand-new set design, gorgeous colors, and fabulous costumes, but we’re bringing together some of Cincinnati’s most beloved performers alongside an exciting new generation of talent. We have Tony Award-nominee Pamela Myers returning as Brunhilda, a role originally written for her, and the glorious score by Tony Award-winning composer Fitz Patton. This show tells a story where goodness triumphs over selfishness, and intellect, kindness, and sincerity matter far more than style or fashion. In the middle of all the holiday bustle, it’s a chance to step away from twinkling lights, cinnamon cookies, and shopping lists, and simply celebrate joy.”

The cast includes Arden Allmon (Cinderella), Phil Fiorini (King Frederick), Sara Mackie (Priscilla), Carter Minor (Prince Frederick), Katelyn Joy Moore (Socrates the Spider), Pamela Myers (Brunhilda), Kenny Rayborn (Giselle), Tierra London Rush (Aristotle the Crow), Brooke Steele (Plato the Toad), Torie Wiggins (Clarissa), Kate Wilford (Gwendolyn), and Ava Ward (Female Swing).

Production team: Brian c. Mehring (Resident Scenic & Lighting Designer), Steve Goers (Music Director), Dee Anne Bryll (Choreographer), Cat Schmeal-Swope (Costume Designer), Jake Tillmann and Chloe Cohen (Co-Sound Designers), Missy J. White (Wig & Makeup Designer), Shannon Rae Lutz (Properties Curator & Design Assistant), Jack Murphy (Technical Director), Margot Whitney (Production Stage Manager), and Lexi Muller (Assistant Stage Manager). 

Performance Information
Performances are Wednesday-Saturday at 7:00 pm; Saturday and Sunday at 2:00 pm. Performances vary. A complete calendar of performances is available at www.ensemblecincinnati.org. 

Ticket Prices
A limited number of $22 tickets are available for each performance. Student and child tickets are offered at half the regular adult ticket price. 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.

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2026–2027 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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MRS. MANNERLY Review

By Katrina “Kat” Reynolds

Mrs. Mannerly presented by Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati through November 1st. I attended the Opening Night performance. 

Dale Hodges and Raymond McAnally in Mrs. Mannerly. Photo by Ryan Kurtz.

Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati opens its 2026-2027 6-show season with an audience favourite: the Regional comedy revival of Mrs. Mannerly by Jeffrey Hatcher. Set in Steubenville, Ohio circa 1967, this autobiographical tale follows nine-year-old Jeffrey as he enrolls in the rigorous etiquette class of the tough-as-nails Mrs. Mannerly.

Director (and Producing Artistic Director) D. Lynn Meyers leads the two-hander with her usual punch. Pacing is impeccable while use of the playing space is second to none. Scenic & Lighting Designer Brian c. Mehring is able to make even the simplest of sets appealing, using strategic furniture pieces and a screen backdrop to accommodate rapid-fire scene and timeline shifts.

When considering the remount of this beloved show, Ms. Meyers made sure to contact the actors who appeared in the 2014 premiere. Fortunately for us all, they both agreed to reprise their roles. Stage royalty Dale Hodges is exceptional as the doyen of decorum, Mrs. Mannerly herself. Ms. Hodges ensures the titular character’s every word and every move is deliberate, combining manners with an innate need for control. Her performance is delightful as always and I will admit I get personal pleasure from hearing such a consummate lady curse on stage – so this turn did not leave me disappointed.

In the role of Jeffrey/Others (and boy, are there Others!), Raymond McAnally is genius. His timing and delivery are superb and he gives each person he plays – including the child Jeffrey and the adult Jeffrey – appropriately distinctive characteristics. Mr. McAnally’s vocal timbre along with his physical choices are smart and expertly executed. Further, his chemistry with his co-star is something we should be able to bottle and sell to the masses.

While we might not all have attended etiquette classes, I can bet each of us will relate to something in this sweet little show. My mum was rather rigid when it came to manners – and while I am grateful for much of the things she instilled in me in that regard, there is also a downside which is discussed in the text: while the term is “use your manners”, manner should never be used as a weapon. Putting on airs to make you feel better about yourself while making another feel worse is not the answer. However, particularly in this world we navigate today, it is important to remember that kindness doesn’t cost a quarter and never goes out of style.

Click here for more information about the production.

 

 

 

 

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Celebration of Life for Liz Coley On Oct. 25th

Join us for a special evening honoring the life, artistry, and legacy of Liz Coley, a cherished playwright, educator, and member of the ETC family. Through readings of her work and reflections from friends, collaborators, and fellow artists, we will celebrate the creativity, compassion, and passion she brought to Cincinnati’s theater community.

This gathering is an opportunity to remember Liz’s lasting impact, share stories, and experience the powerful work she leaves behind. Together, we’ll honor a beloved artist whose voice, generosity, and spirit continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her.

  • Sun, Oct. 25 at 5pm

Admission is free, but registration is recommended.

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