Tag Archives: The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati

December 8, 2025 · 6:23 pm

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s ELF The Musical JR. at The Emery Theater

Buddy the Elf Seen in OTR! 

CINCINNATI – Reports of a joyful, sugar-loving elf spotted in Over-the-Rhine are officially confirmed: Buddy the Elf has arrived at The Emery Theater. The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati (TCT) continues its inaugural season in its newly restored home with Elf The Musical JR., a heartwarming and hilarious holiday celebration perfect for families. Tickets are on sale now at www.thechildrenstheatre.com.

As TCT’s second production in the beautifully reimagined Emery Theater, this festive favorite invites audiences to experience Buddy’s big-hearted journey in a setting that blends historic grandeur with state-of-the-art theatrical innovation. Families will step into a magical holiday world as Buddy discovers his true identity, transforms a cynical city, and reminds everyone that the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.

Kim Kern, President & CEO of The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati, said:

“The Emery Theater is more than a stage. It’s a symbol of Cincinnati’s cultural heartbeat. To continue this exciting new chapter with a story as joyful and spirited as Elf The Musical JR. feels incredibly special. We can’t wait to welcome families back to The Emery for our first holiday production in this extraordinary space.”

Directed and choreographed by former TCT Company Manager and Associate Artistic Director, Eric Byrd, who also currently teaches in the musical theatre department of the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music (CCM). Elf The Musical JR. brings nonstop laughs, uplifting music, and holiday sparkle to the stage.

Ideal for ages 4+. This production runs approximately 70 minutes without intermission.

Public Showtimes include:

  • Friday, December 5, 2025: 7 PM – OPENING NIGHT
  • Saturday, December 6, 2025: 2 PM and 5 PM
  • Sunday, December 7, 2025: 2 PM
  • Saturday, December 13, 2025: 11 AM and 2 PM
  • Sunday, December 14, 2025: 2 PM
  • Saturday, December 20, 2025: 2 PM and 5 PM
  • Sunday, December 21, 2025: 2 PM and 5 PM

ASL and Audio Described Performance:

  • Saturday, December 13, 2025: 2 PM 

Elf the Musical JR.: Book by Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin. Music by Matthew Sklar. Lyrics by Chad Beguelin. Based upon the New Line Cinema film written by David Berenbaum. Originally produced by Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures In Association with Unique Features. Presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.MTIShows.com 

Stage Direction and choreography by former TCT Company Manager and Associate Artistic Director, Eric Byrd. Music Direction Julie Spangler. Scenic Design Samantha Reno. Lighting Design Jessica Drayton. Original Costume Design Jeff Shearer. Video Design Lightborne Communications.

Elf The Musical JR. is made possible by Dress Run Sponsor TriHealth and Season Sponsor The Charles H. Dater Foundation. PNC Foundation provides additional funding for MainStage Ticket Subsidies. Additional Sponsors include The Sutphin Family Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts, and The Shubert Foundation INC.

This production is made possible in part by an investment of public funds from the Ohio Arts Council (OAC). The OAC is a state agency that funds and supports quality arts experiences to strengthen Ohio communities culturally, educationally, and economically.

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati is supported by the tens of thousands who generously give to the annual ArtsWave Campaign, the region’s primary source for arts funding.

Elf The Musical JR. will be performed in the newly reimagined Emery Theater, 1112 Walnut Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202. Tickets start at $12. Visit thechildrenstheatre.com or call the TCT Box Office at 513.569.8080 x10, Monday – Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM to purchase tickets.

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November 12, 2025 · 5:58 pm

ELF, The Musical Jr. Runs Dec. 5-21

12/13 11:32AM – 2pm Saturday performance cancelled. If you should wish to exchange your tickets to a future showing of Elf, please send an email to tickets@tctcincinnati.com with that information. There are great seats available on the 19th @ 7pm and the 21st @ 5pm. If we have not heard from you by Monday at 2PM we will issue you a full refund to the initial point of purchase. Please allow 7-10 business days for those funds to return. Thank you and take care!

ELF, The Musical Jr.
The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati
Dec. 5-21
The Emery [Over-the-Rhine]

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. Ages 4 and up.

  • Fri, Dec. 5 at 7pm
  • Sat, Dec. 6 at 2pm & 5pm
  • Sun, Dec. 7 at 2pm
  • Sat, Dec. 13 at 11am & 2pm CANCELLED
  • Sun, Dec. 14 at 2pm
  • Fri, Dec. 19 at 7pm
  • Sat, Dec. 20 at 2pm & 5pm
  • Sun, Dec. 21 at 2pm

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September 15, 2025 · 4:58 pm

THE WIZARD OF OZ: Youth Edition Runs Oct. 10-26

THE WIZARD OF OZ: Youth Edition
The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati
Oct. 10-26
Emery Theater [Over-the-Rhine]

Kicking off the season and the return to The Emery Theater, 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.

  • Fri, Oct. 10 at 7pm
  • Sat, Oct. 11 at 2pm & 5pm
  • Sun, Oct. 12 at 2pm
  • Sat, Oct. 18 at 11am & 2pm
  • Sun, Oct. 19 at 2pm
  • Sat, Oct. 25 at 2pm & 5pm
  • Sun, Oct. 26 at 2pm

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September 15, 2025 · 4:56 pm

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s THE WIZARD OF OZ: Youth Edition Opens The Emery Theater

Follow the Yellow Brick Road to Cincinnati’s New Crown Jewel

CINCINNATI – The curtain is finally rising on a new era. After decades of anticipation, The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati (TCT) is bringing audiences “home” to the historic Emery Theater—fully restored and reimagined as the most technologically advanced proscenium-style theater in the nation. To celebrate this landmark moment, TCT will launch its 2025–2026 MainStage Season with the one-hour “youth edition” of L. Frank Baum’s timeless classic, The Wizard of Oz. Tickets are on sale now at www.thechildrenstheatre.com.

This triumphant homecoming production will transport families over the rainbow as Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Lion follow the Yellow Brick Road in a dazzling theatrical event that blends tradition with innovation. Audiences will be the very first to experience the rebirth of The Emery—where 100 years of history meets the future of live theatre.

Kim Kern, President & CEO of The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati, said:

“The Emery Theater is more than a stage—it’s a symbol of Cincinnati’s cultural heartbeat. To open these doors again with The Wizard of Oz, a story about finding your way home, is both poetic and powerful. We are thrilled to welcome families back to this extraordinary theater and begin a new chapter of wonder, imagination, and community.”

Directed by TCT’s Artistic Director Roderick Justice and choreographed by TCT’s Associate Artistic Director, Maddie Jones, The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition promises a wickedly colorful adventure audiences will never forget.

Ideal for ages 4+. This production runs approximately one hour without intermission.

Public Showtimes include:

  • Friday, October 10, 2025: 7 PM – OPENING NIGHT
  • Saturday, October 11, 2025: 2 PM and 5 PM
  • Sunday, October 12, 2025: 2 PM
  • Saturday, October 18, 2025: 11 AM and 2 PM
  • Sunday, October 19, 2025: 2 PM
  • Saturday, October 25, 2025: 2 PM and 5 PM
  • Sunday, October 26, 2025: 2 PM

ASL and Audio Described Performance:

  • Saturday, October 11, 2025: 2 PM

Additionally, The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati presents additional performances of The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition for school students, including an exclusive homeschool performance. Tickets are $10 per student, with one free adult admission for every 15 students. Email pam.young@tctcincinnat.com for details. Free proficiency test-focused Study Guides are available online at https://thechildrenstheatre.com/study-guides/

The Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum. Music and Lyrics by Harold Arlen and E. Y. Harburg. Background Music by Herbert Stothart. Dance and Vocal Arrangements by Peter Howard. Orchestration by Larry Wilcox. Adapted by John Kane for the Royal Shakespeare Company. Based upon the Classic Motion Picture owned by Turner Entertainment Co. and distributed in all media by Warner Bros. Adaptation and support materials developed by iTheatrics under the supervision of Timothy Allen McDonald.

Stage Direction by TCT’s Artistic Director, Roderick Justice. Choreographer Maddie Jones. Music Direction Jason Alexander Holmes. Scenic Design Tyler Gabbard. Lighting Design Benjamin Gantose. Costume Design Noelle Wedig-Johnston. Video Design Lightborne Communications.

The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition is made possible by Dress Run Sponsor TriHealth, and Season Sponsor The Charles H. Dater Foundation. PNC Foundation provides additional funding for MainStage Ticket Subsidies. Additional Sponsors include The Sutphin Family Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts, and The Shubert Foundation INC.

This production is made possible in part by an investment of public funds from the Ohio Arts Council (OAC). The OAC is a state agency that funds and supports quality arts experiences to strengthen Ohio communities culturally, educationally, and economically.

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati is supported by the tens of thousands who generously give to the annual ArtsWave Campaign, the region’s primary source for arts funding.

The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition will be performed in the newly reimagined Emery Theater, 1112 Walnut Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202. Tickets start at $12. Visit thechildrenstheatre.com or call the TCT Box Office at 513.569.8080 x10, Monday – Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM to purchase tickets.

CAST:

*LUCY ARGUETA ………………… Ensemble
CHRISTIAN ARIAS ………………. Ensemble
KATIE BAUER……………………… Ensemble
*LEVI BAUM ………………………. Ensemble
AMY BAUMANN……. Aunt Em/Ensemble
MAIYA CALDWELL ……………… Ensemble
ANTHONY J. CONTRERAS …..Scarecrow
KATE CRISP………………………… Ensemble
FINN DANIELEY …………………. Ensemble
EDRICO EVANS-PRITCHETT … Ensemble
DOUGLAS FRIES………. Professor Marvel/ Wizard of Oz
BOB HERZOG …………………………….. Lion
EMILY HILBRECHT………………. Ensemble
*CLAIRE HUNKLER……………… Ensemble
BLAKE KENNEDY……………….. Ensemble
JONATHAN SMITHE KENNEDY ………… Ensemble
BETHANY XAN KERR……….. Miss Gulch/ Wicked Witch
JOHN H. LLEWELLYN………….. Ensemble
ANIMAESH MANGLIK…………….Tin Man
*ELLIOT MARTIN…………………….. Dorothy
HAYLEY MARTIN …………………….. Glinda
AUSTIN MILLS ……………………. Ensemble
GABRIEL KANAI NAKATA …… Ensemble
*PARKER PATTON ………………. Ensemble
RODGER PILLE ………………. Uncle Henry/ Oz Guard Doorman/Winkie
*MIKAYLA RAE…………………… Ensemble
*DECLAN SATTERWHITE …….. Ensemble
COLTON SLADE………………….. Ensemble
KARI KEELER STEWART ……… Ensemble
*LISA TAKAHASHI ………………. Ensemble
TRE TAYLOR……………………….. Ensemble
NYLA THOMAS…………………… Ensemble
*KEVIN TIGHE ……………………. Ensemble
*MORGAN TIGHE……………….. Ensemble
*KEYA VADIVELU……………….. Ensemble

*Denotes TCT’s Young Artists Company

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September 15, 2025 · 4:51 pm

FRONT OF HOUSE ASSOCIATES (PART-TIME) Sought by The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati

Organizational Overview:

TCT’s mission is to educate, entertain and engage audiences of all ages through professional theatrical productions and arts education programming. We fulfill our mission through three primary programs:

  • TCT MainStage at the Taft Theatre
  • TCT On Tour
  • TCT Academy

Vision: To awaken a lifelong love of theatre in children and the young at heart.

Core Beliefs:

  • We believe in the power of theatre to enrich lives and create deeper understandings of people, cultures, and perspectives.
  • We believe that our audiences deserve high-quality experiences that are rich with wonder, honesty, compassion, joy, and wisdom.
  • We believe that the arts and education are not mutually exclusive.
  • We believe that the art we create must respect our community.
  • We believe in the power of integrated arts education to enrich our lives and our communities.

Position Overview:
The Front of House Associate (FOH) will assist the organization in fulfilling its mission of educating, entertaining, and engaging audiences of all ages through professional theatrical productions and arts education programming.

This part-time position will help to create an overall excellent experience for patrons of The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati. As the Patron Experience team is often the first impression of the organization for the TCT community, it is essential that each person provides a welcoming and professional environment. An ideal candidate will approach each situation with enthusiasm, competence, and genuine care for our patrons.

The Front of House (FOH) Associate will primarily work in the Box Office and assist patrons with ticket purchases, questions, and routine office tasks. Depending on the shift, the FOH Associate may assist with greeting or seating patrons, staffing will call, serve as usher, and/or participate in event set-up or tear-down.

The schedule of the FOH Associate is highly variable based on their availability. This position is part-time, and available shifts often include evening and weekend hours across weekdays and weekends. The FOH Associate can expect to receive up to 20 hours per week for weeks scheduled, which depends on a combination of their availability, the staff schedule, and performance schedule and are not guaranteed. There will be weeks with no hours available.

To consistently achieve excellence, it is possible that the FOH Associate will be asked to assist departments beyond their area of focus or expertise. This effort is requested under exceptional circumstances.

Responsibilities:

The responsibilities of this position will include, but are not limited to:

  • Staff the box office during daytime and evening public performances, and special events as scheduled.
  • Assisting patrons with purchasing tickets to MainStage performances at The Emery Theater and/or TCT Red Bank Showtime Stage
  • Being present, friendly, and approachable when needed for performances at The Emery Theater and/or TCT Red Bank Showtime Stage
  • Exchanging tickets for patrons within our ticketing system, Spektrix Answering incoming patron phone calls 1 hour prior to showtimes as well as during the duration of the performance
  • Printing out will-call tickets and helping to allocate them to the correct patron upon their arrival
  • Assisting with ticket scanning when needed and directing patrons in the proper direction should they need assistance with a ticketing issue
  • Serve as an usher as needed, welcoming TCT patrons into the theater and efficiently pointing them in the correct direction toward their seats
  • Help with set-up and take-down of box office and theater lobby
  • Facilitating the post-show autograph line for theatregoers
  • Other duties and responsibilities related to the function of the ticket office as assigned

Additional staffing opportunities for hours exist at TCT’s Red Bank Road location during TCT Academy productions.

This person will report directly to the TCT Patron Experience Manager or TCT Patron Experience Specialist at The Emery Theater.

Part-Time Schedule: Schedule likely to include Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays, evening hours as needed. This role requires flexibility as each week’s schedule may differ based on box office needs. Currently, hours will include:

  • Saturday, October 18th 9:30am – 3:30pm
  • Sunday, October 19th 12:30pm -3:30pm
  • Saturday, October 25th 12:30pm -6:30pm
  • Sunday, October 26th 12:30pm – 3:30pm
  • Friday, November 14th 5:30pm-9:30pm
  • Saturday, November 15th 12:30pm-9:30pm

Additional dates for MainStage performances and AcademyLive! performances include those in December 2025, as well as February, March, April, and May 2026:

Ideal and Minimum Qualifications:

  • Excellent communication and customer service skills
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Demonstrated ability to be a team player
  • Experience with Microsoft Office
  • Spektrix ticketing system experience a plus.

Compensation:

  • This position is part-time with an hourly wage of $14-$16 per hour, depending upon previous experience, received through bi-weekly payroll. In addition to their earnings, employees are eligible for complimentary and discounted tickets to all TCT productions.

TO APPLY:

Qualified candidates should submit whatever they feel best reflects their qualifications. This can come in the form of a cover letter/resume, writing samples, portfolios, and demo reels. (files should be less than 3MB in total, links are welcome).

Please submit your materials along with references by Friday, September 26, 2025, to TCT’s Patron Experience Manager at grant.zentmeyer@tctcincinnati.com Subject Line: TCT PART-TIME PATRON EXPERIENCE SPECIALIST. No phone calls please.

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati believes the stories on our stages and the work we do behind the scenes must reflect the community we serve. We believe inclusive work cultures spark wide-ranging, exploratory conversations and learning. Therefore, we strongly welcome and encourage people from all backgrounds, identities, abilities, and ages to apply as we continue to build an inclusive environment at TCT.

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