Tag Archives: The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati

TCT Welcomes Bramble Elementary to JumpStart Theatre and Celebrates 2026 Showcase Schools

Covedale Elementary – 2026 JumpStart Program

Bramble Elementary Selected for Fully Funded JumpStart Theatre Program

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati also celebrates local schools that participated in the 2026 JumpStart Theatre Showcase

CINCINNATI – The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati (TCT) is proud to announce that Bramble Elementary has been selected as the newest local school to participate in the JumpStart Theatre program beginning with the 2026–2027 school year.

The Educational Theatre Foundation (ETF), in collaboration with New York City-based companies iTheatrics and Music Theatre International, created JumpStart Theatre, a three-year scalable program designed to build sustainable musical theatre programs in underserved schools that previously had none.

Bramble Elementary was selected following an application and review process that included site visits and interviews with school administrators and the educators who will lead the program.

“We are thrilled to welcome Bramble Elementary to the JumpStart Theatre family,” said Kim Kern, President and CEO of The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati. “This program gives educators the training, tools and ongoing support they need to create meaningful and self-sustaining theatre experiences for their students. We look forward to partnering with Bramble Elementary and watching their program grow over the next three years.”

Through JumpStart Theatre, Bramble Elementary will receive services and materials valued at $12,000, including professional training, mentoring and production support. Students will have opportunities to participate in many aspects of creating and presenting a musical theatre production, both onstage and behind the scenes.

Teams of three or more educators from each participating school take part in professional development boot camps throughout the year. Led by experienced teaching artists, the workshops provide training in areas of musical theatre production and are designed to empower school teams to develop programs they can continue independently.

Local Students Take the Stage at the JumpStart Theatre Showcase

TCT also recently celebrated the accomplishments of its participating JumpStart Theatre schools during the annual JumpStart Theatre Showcase, held April 14, 2026, at TCT’s Red Bank facility.

Students from Batavia Middle School, Covedale Elementary, Spencer Center for Gifted and Exceptional Students, Mt. Washington School and Shroder High School came together to perform, celebrate one another’s work and share what they had learned throughout the school year.

“The Showcase is always an inspiring reminder of what can happen when students are given the opportunity to express themselves through theatre,” said Angelo Cerniglia, TCT Education Director. “The confidence, creativity and teamwork they demonstrate are extraordinary. We are incredibly proud of the students and educators from each participating school.”

The annual Showcase brings JumpStart Theatre schools together in a supportive environment where students can perform for their peers and celebrate the progress of theatre programs throughout the region.

For more information about the JumpStart Theatre program or to make a gift, visit thechildrenstheatre.com/jumpstart-theatre-program/.

About The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati
At 107 years old, The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati is the nation’s oldest professional theatre for young audiences and the only professional theatre in the region devoted entirely to children. In 2025, TCT reopened the restored historic Emery Theater, now the most technologically advanced theater in the country and home to its MainStage productions. Through TCT MainStage, TCT on Tour, and TCT Academy, TCT educates, entertains, and inspires more than 100,000 children and families each year, awakening a lifelong love of theatre in the young and the young at heart. For more information, visit thechildrenstheatre.com.

About the Educational Theatre Foundation
The Educational Theatre Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Educational Theatre Association, whose shared vision is to build a global community of creative problem solvers, effective collaborators and empathetic individuals through theatre. ETF advances the field of educational theatre by broadening representation and increasing access for all. Learn more at foundation.schooltheatre.org. 

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Auditions Announced for PETER PAN JR. and 101 DALMATIONS the Musical at The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati

Seeking Adults & Professional Youth Actors for TCT’s 26/27 MainStage Season at the Emery Theater
PETER PAN JR. & 101 DALMATIANS THE MUSICAL

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati (TCT) is holding auditions in August for the third and fourth MainStage productions in their 2026-2027 season at the EMERY THEATER.

All roles are paid positions.

TCT, the nation’s oldest professional theatre for young audiences, is passionate about creating an inclusive workplace and is committed to a dynamic casting process. All roles are open to everyone regardless of ethnicity, background, ability, or gender identity.

Upon audition registration, you may indicate which shows for which you would like to be considered. Auditions are by appointment only.

You only need ONE audition appointment, even if you are interested in both productions.

Adult performers and young performers ages 9-18 who would like to be considered for TCT’s Young Artist Company, may make an audition appointment by visiting:

Appointment dates:

  • Monday, August 17, 2026- 5:30-8:30 PM
  • Tuesday, August 18, 2026- 5:30-8:30 PM
  • Wednesday, August 19, 2026- 5:30-8:30 PM
  • Thursday, August 20, 2026- 5:30-8:30 PM

CALLBACKS:

  • 101 DALMATIANS THE MUSICAL callbacks will take place SATURDAY, August 22, 2026, 9:00 AM- 1:00 PM.
  • PETER PAN JR. callbacks will take place SUNDAY, August 23, 2026, 9:00 AM- 1:00 PM.

Auditions and Callbacks are held at TCT’s headquarters located at: 4015 Red Bank Road, Cincinnati OH 45227.

SUBMISSIONS:

If you are absolutely unable to attend auditions in person, fill out an audition form and select “waiting list” as your time slot.

Please email Maddie Jones at Maddie.Jones@tctcincinnati.com stating you will be submitting virtually and include a video submission of your song no later than Sunday, August 14, 2026.

From there, if we need to see more, we will send you callback information by Wednesday, August 19, 2026. If you are unable to attend callbacks, you will need to submit callback materials by Sunday, August 23, 2026.

SIGN UP TO AUDITION HERE

PREPARATION CHECKLIST

Please prepare the piano sheet music for a memorized song that shows your acting and vocal range. (1-minute max). The song must be age-appropriate. Remember to have your PIANO SHEET MUSIC ACCOMPANIMENT, as we will not be auditioning for a cappella skills. An accompanist will be provided. Your sheet music MUST have the piano part, not just the vocal line, and music should be in a 3-ring binder with any cuts CLEARLY marked for the accompanist.

You only need a song. You do NOT need to prepare a monologue.

  • Bring a RECENT 8×10 headshot and up to date performance resume. Even if you upload to the audition website, a hard copy of your headshot and resume is needed.
  • Plan to arrive at least 10-15 minutes ahead of your appointment to check/correct previously submitted paperwork. If we are ahead of schedule, we may bring you in to audition early.
  • Come with your scheduling conflicts. Due to concentrated rehearsal periods, we ask that conflicts during rehearsals are at a minimum. In an effort to best facilitate all rehearsal times, you will be asked to list all conflicts at the time of the audition. Conflicts may result in a stipend adjustment. Please take note of when rehearsals begin, the day and evening tech and performance schedule, and bring your calendar with you to the audition.

PETER PAN JR
Directed & choreographed by Paula Rakestraw
Performances run Feb. 19-March 7

101 DALMATIONS the Musical 
Directed by Roderick Justice
Choreographed by Angelo Cerniglia
Performances run April 16-May 4

For additional information including rehearsal dates and roles available, please visit www.thechildrenstheatre.com/jobs-auditions.

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ARTRAGEOUS at the Emery This June 26-28

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati Presents ARTRAGEOUS
An Interactive Summer Spectacular for the Whole Family
 
CINCINNATI: Looking for a family outing that’s anything but ordinary this summer? The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati (TCT) invites audiences of all ages to experience ARTRAGEOUS. This 5-star, internationally touring sensation transforms the stage into an immersive experience and vibrant celebration of music, art, and creativity.
 
Coming to the reimagined Emery Theater for a limited engagement June 26–28, 2026, ARTRAGEOUS is one of the most exciting family events in Cincinnati this summer. With only three performances and limited seating available, families are encouraged to reserve their seats early.
 
Performances include:
  • Friday, June 26 at 7:00 PM
  • Saturday, June 27 at 2:00 PM
  • Sunday, June 28 at 2:00 PM
This one-of-a-kind performance experience feels like a rock concert meets a live painting event. Featuring a troupe of world-class artists, musicians, singers, and performers, Artrageous combines live music, action painting, choreography, and audience participation into a fast-paced multimedia spectacle that turns the artistic process into live entertainment.
 
Critics have compared the show’s innovation and energy to Blue Man Group, while fans around the world continue to rave. Harrison Ford called the troupe, “You are amazing!” CBS declared, “Go see this show!” And the NBA All-Stars described the experience as “So spectacular! So immediate! So brilliantly creative!”
 
“Summer is the perfect time for families to try something new and create memories together,” said Kim Kern, President & CEO of The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati. “ARTRAGEOUS is pure joy. It’s colorful, interactive, and full of surprises. You’ll laugh, dance, sing along, and leave inspired to embrace your own creativity. It’s exactly the kind of experience families will remember long after summer ends.”
 
The fun doesn’t stop on the stage. Audience members may find themselves joining the troupe under the spotlight, discovering surprises throughout the performance, along with an opportunity to win a painting valued at $25,000 just by being there. Guests are encouraged to come dressed in their favorite DIY ARTRAGEOUS-inspired costumes to participate in the Costume Contest, and the first 100 attendees at each performance will receive a complimentary Adventure Kit.
 
Whether you’re a budding artist, music lover, or simply looking for a fresh way to spend time together this summer, ARTRAGEOUS offers an unforgettable experience that celebrates imagination, self-expression, and the joy of creating something together.
 
Tickets are on sale now and start at just $30. The show is comprised of two acts of 45 minutes each, with a 15-minute intermission, and a 15-minute live gallery onstage after the show. Due to the show’s limited engagement and limited seating availability, advance purchase is strongly recommended.
 
To purchase tickets, visit THECHILDRENSTHEATRE.COM or call The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati Box Office at 513-569-8080 x10.
 
About The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati
Celebrating 106 years this season, The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati is the nation’s oldest professional theatre for young audiences and the only professional theatre in the region devoted entirely to children. Through Broadway-quality MainStage productions at the Emery Theater, TCT On Tour performances throughout the region, and TCT Academy education programs, TCT educates, entertains, and inspires audiences of all ages while awakening a lifelong love of theatre in the young and the young at heart.
 
The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati is proud to call the historic Emery Theater home. Following an extensive restoration, the Emery has emerged as the most technologically advanced proscenium-style theater in the country, blending cutting-edge theatrical technology with the timeless grandeur of one of Cincinnati’s most iconic performance venues.
 
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International Family Entertainment Takes Over The Emery Theater This June

Two visually spectacular limited-engagement experiences coming to downtown Cincinnati 

CINCINNATI – This June, The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati (TCT) invites families to experience two internationally celebrated live entertainment events unlike anything typically seen in Cincinnati. For two special weekends only, the historic Emery Theater will transform into a high-energy summer destination for immersive family entertainment with Doodle POP! and Artrageous.

Perfect for kids ages 3–12 and their families, these visually dynamic productions blend music, art, comedy, movement, and audience interaction into unforgettable live experiences designed to spark imagination and creativity.

First, Doodle POP! arrives at The Emery Theater June 4–7. This whimsical visual theater experience from South Korea combines live performance, stunning projection effects, imaginative storytelling, and larger-than-life creativity in a nonverbal adventure audiences of all ages can enjoy together. An international hit praised for its inventive visual style and playful energy, Doodle POP! invites audiences into a colorful world where drawings come to life in surprising and magical ways.

Then, June 26–28, Artrageous comes to The Emery Theater with a one-of-a-kind performance experience that feels like a rock concert meets live painting event. Featuring a troupe of world-class artists, musicians, singers, and performers, Artrageous combines live music, speed painting, choreography, and audience participation into a fast-paced multimedia spectacle.

Known for performances around the world, Artrageous has earned praise for its electrifying blend of creativity, music, and visual art that turns the artistic process into live entertainment.

“These are the kinds of experiences families don’t get to see every day,” said Kim Kern, President & CEO of The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati. “We wanted to bring something truly unique to Cincinnati this summer — visually spectacular events that create excitement, spark creativity, and give families memorable shared experiences inside one of the most extraordinary theaters in the country.”

Both productions will be presented at the newly restored Emery Theater, now the most technologically advanced proscenium-style theaters in the United States and the permanent home of The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati.

Doodle POP! runs June 4–7 for eight performances only. Artrageous runs June 26–28 for four performances only. Tickets are on sale now at thechildrenstheatre.com.

DOODLE POP!

June 4–7, 2026
The Emery Theater
Tickets starting at $25

Performance Schedule:

  • Thursday, June 4 at 11:00 AM
  • Thursday, June 4 at 2:00 PM
  • Friday, June 5 at 4:00 PM
  • Friday, June 5 at 7:00 PM
  • Saturday, June 6 at 2:00 PM
  • Saturday, June 6 at 5:00 PM
  • Sunday, June 7 at 2:00 PM
  • Sunday, June 7 at 5:00 PM

ARTRAGEOUS

June 26–28, 2026
The Emery Theater
Tickets starting at $30

Performance Schedule:

  • Friday, June 26 at 6:00 PM
  • Saturday, June 27 at 2:00 PM
  • Saturday, June 27 at 7:00 PM
  • Sunday, June 28 at 2:00 PM

For tickets and information about both productions, visit www.thechildrenstheatre.com.

ABOUT THE CHILDREN’S THEATRE OF CINCINNATI
Celebrating 106 years this season, The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati is the nation’s oldest professional theatre for young audiences and the only professional theatre in the region devoted entirely to children. Through Broadway-quality MainStage productions at the Emery Theater, TCT on Tour performances throughout the region, and TCT Academy education programs, TCT educates, entertains, and inspires audiences of all ages while awakening a lifelong love of theatre in the young and the young at heart. 

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Human Resources Manager Sought by The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati

TCT Human Resources Manager

 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 Emery Theater
  • 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 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:
Working in direct support of the President & CEO and partnering with trusted leaders of TCT including the Chief Financial Officer, the HR Manager provides comprehensive human resources administration and support across various functions within the organization, ensuring policies, programs and benefits support team members in fulfilling TCT’s mission, while serving as an active advocate in the community, fostering and developing strategic relationships with volunteer groups and community organizations/partners.

Responsibilities:
The HR Manager shall be responsible for:

  • Serves as the primary point of contact for employee questions related to HR policies, benefits, compensation and employment practices
  • Ensures timely and through payroll processing including all year end reporting and associated filings
  • Administers all employee benefits programs in conjunction with benefit brokerage including enrollment, education, changes and terminations
  • Serves as administrator for 403b program
  • Assesses, coordinates and executes employee engagement activities and events including serving as Staff Lead for employee ArtsWave Campaign
  • Administers comprehensive tasks and record keeping associated with all stages of the employee life cycle including onboarding, offboarding, leaves of absence, position changes
  • Provides guidance to employees and managers on all employee relations matters escalating situations as needed and documenting thoroughly
  • Partners with managers to support all performance management processes, ensure job descriptions are updated and compliant, and employee performance records are maintained appropriately
  • Coordinates all recruitment activities including postings, screenings, interviewing and hiring
  • Ensures all policies and procedures remain compliant with all Federal, state and local laws
  • Conducts and tracks employee surveys, metrics and reports to support work force planning and ensure programs support employee engagement
  • Partners with managers and CEO to drive programs and policies that promote a positive, inclusive culture and support retention and drive engagement
  • Maintains confidentiality and discretion in all matters

Ideal and Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Business, Communications, Management or related study
  • At least 3 years’ experience administering benefits programs including retirement plans and processing payroll through standard payroll software
  • At least 2 years’ experience supporting HR performance management efforts including documenting performance improvement plans, reviewing and revising policies and coordinating performance reviews
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal and relationship building skills
  • SHRM-CP or PHR a plus 

Compensation & Benefits:

  • Flexible schedule opportunities
  • Salary range: $50,000-$65,000
  • Health, vision and dental benefits available, partially subsidized by employer contributions, after a waiting period
  • 403(b) retirement plan participation available, after a waiting period, with eligibility for an employer match after one year of credited service
  • Generous PTO accrual based on years of service
  • Generous paid holiday schedule

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 to TCT President & CEO, Kim Kern at kim.kern@tctcincinnati.com by Friday, May 22, 2026. Subject Line: TCT HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER. 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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