Tag Archives: The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati

May 18, 2026 · 5:12 pm

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. 

-END-

 

Leave a comment

Filed under Events, Family-Friendly, Press Releases

Tagged as

May 14, 2026 · 9:57 am

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.

Leave a comment

Filed under Casting Call

Tagged as

April 17, 2026 · 10:05 am

Dragons Descend on Downtown Cincinnati

DreamWorks’ HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON The Musical JR. Opens Friday night 

HICCUP

CINCINNATI – Vikings, dragons, and epic adventure are taking over the stage at the Emery Theater. The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati (TCT) opens DreamWorks’ How to Train Your Dragon The Musical JR. tomorrow, Friday, April 17, bringing the beloved DreamWorks story to life in a visually spectacular one-hour theatrical experience designed especially for families. Tickets start at $12 and are on sale now at thechildrenstheatre.com.

Using the Emery Theater’s immersive technology, the production transforms the historic venue into the mythical Isle of Berk, where young Viking Hiccup forms an unlikely friendship with a dragon named Toothless, sparking a story about courage, compassion, and discovering strength in unexpected places.

Designed to take full advantage of the Emery Theater’s cutting-edge technology, the production features immersive projection, dynamic staging, and theatrical magic that transport audiences straight into the world of Berk—making it one of TCT’s most ambitious and cinematic productions to date.

Kim Kern, President and CEO of The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati, said: “DreamWorks’ How to Train Your Dragon The Musical JR. is exactly the kind of breathtaking, imaginative storytelling the Emery Theater was built for. It’s big, bold, and visually stunning, but at its heart, it’s a story about connection, courage, and seeing the world differently. Watching Hiccup and Toothless form that bond is something that stays with you. And to bring a story like this to life on this stage, with all the technology we now have at our fingertips, is exactly why we dreamed so big for the Emery. This is the kind of experience families will talk about long after they leave.”

Public Showtimes include:

  • Friday, April 17, 2026: 7 PM – OPENING NIGHT
  • Saturday, April 18, 2026: 2 PM and 5 PM
  • Sunday, April 19, 2026: 2 PM
  • Saturday, April 25, 2026: 11 AM and 2 PM (ASL and Audio Described Performance)
  • Sunday, April 26, 2026: 2 PM
  • Saturday, May 2, 2026: 2 PM and 5 PM
  • Sunday, May 3, 2026: 2 PM

Good to know: This production uses theatrical fog, haze, loud sound effects, and lifelike dragons. Flashing lights, but no strobe effects, are used. This production runs approximately 60 minutes without intermission. Ideal for ages 4+.

From DreamWorks Theatricals. Book By Kate Thomas. Music By Veronica Mansour. Lyrics By Kate Thomas & Veronica Mansour. Concept and Stage Direction by TCT Artistic Director, Roderick Justice. Choreography by TCT Education Director, Angelo Cerniglia. Music Direction, Jamey Strawn. Scenic Design, Nate Bertone. Lighting Design, Yelena Babinskaya. Costume Design, John Coulter. Video/Projection Design, Lightborne. Sound Design, Dani Lobello. Puppet Design/Creation, Kevin Frisch.

Presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.MTIShows.com Any video and/or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.

DreamWorks’ How to Train Your Dragon The Musical JR. is made possible by Dress Run Sponsor TriHealth and Season Sponsors The Charles H. Dater Foundation and The H.B., E.W. and F.R. Luther 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 generosity of tens of thousands of contributors to the annual ArtsWave Campaign, the region’s primary source for arts funding.

DreamWorks’ How to Train Your Dragon The Musical JR. will be performed in the beautifully renovated and reimagined Emery Theater, 1112 Walnut Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202. Tickets start at $12. Visit thechildrenstheatre.com anytime or call the TCT Box Office at 513.569.8080 x10, Monday – Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM to purchase tickets. 

CAST: 

  • ISABEL ACEVEDO: Ensemble
  • CHRISTIAN ARIAS: Toothless Puppeteer
  • PHOENIX BILLS: Darby
  • LILLY BUCK: Astrid
  • CAMMI CALDWELL: Zippleback
  • MAIYA CALDWELL: Ensemble
  • BRAEDEN CRISS: Zippleback
  • EDRICO EVANS-PRITCHETT: Snotlout
  • AVERY FOX: Ruffnut
  • JOSH GALLOWAY: Fishlegs
  • ADRIAN GRAFF: Gronckle
  • GRIFFIN HATFIELD: Ensemble
  • ROLAND HENSLEY: Ensemble
  • ARIANA HOOBERMAN-PIÑERIO: Deadly Nadder
  • DEZ FLYNN HUTCHENS: Ensemble
  • JONATHAN SMITHE KENNEDY: Tuffnut
  • EVAN KOONS: Stoick
  • ETHAN KUCHTA: Burnthair/Wild Dragon
  • AARON MARSHALL: Toothless
  • ELLIOT MARTIN: Ensemble
  • AUSTIN MILLS : Ensemble
  • MEGAN MURRAY : Ensemble
  • GABRIEL KANAI NAKATA: Monstrous Nightmare
  • MIKAYLA RAE: Phlegma
  • CODY ROBERTS: Gobber
  • NICHOLAS LYONS ROHR: Gudrun
  • ADONIAH ROSS: Ensemble
  • LILA RUSCHE: Frida/Wild Dragon
  • ABE SANDERS: Ensemble
  • COLTON SLADE: Hiccup
  • PAYTON TROUT: Ack
  • DONALD WASHINGTON: Hoarck
  • MICHELLE WELLS: Gertrud/The Red Death
  • SAMARA WILKEY: Ensemble
  • MARY VOSSEBERG: Nore/Wild Dragon 

-END-

Leave a comment

Filed under Press Releases

Tagged as

April 9, 2026 · 5:19 pm

Auditions Announced for MARY POPPINS JR and HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS at The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati

TCT AUDITION CASTING NOTICE!
Seeking Adults & Professional Youth Actors for

TCT’s 26/27 MainStage Season

MARY POPPINS JR Runs Oct. 9-25, 2026
Dr. Seuss’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS The Musical Runs Dec. 4-20, 2026

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati (TCT) is holding auditions in May for the first two 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 https://www.theaterforms.com/TCTCincinnati/marygrinchmas/auditionform/

Appointment dates:

  • Monday, May 11, 2026- 5:30-8:30 PM
  • Tuesday, May 12, 2026- 5:30-8:30 PM
  • Wednesday, May 13, 2026- 5:30-8:30 PM
  • Thursday, May 14, 2026- 5:30-8:30 PM

CALLBACKS:

  • Mary Poppins JR. will take place SATURDAY, May 16, 2026, 9:00 AM- 1:00 PM.
  • HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS JR. will take place SUNDAY, May 17, 2025, 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, May 10th, 2026.

From there, if we need to see more, we will send you callback information by Wednesday, May 13th, 2026. If you are unable to attend callbacks, you will need to submit callback materials by Sunday, May 17th, 2026.

TO SIGN UP: Visit www.theaterforms.com/TCTCincinnati/marygrinchmas/auditionform/ for an audition appointment.

PREPARATION CHECKLIST

Please prepare the piano sheet music to 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 hardcopy 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.

For a complete breakdown and roles and performance dates, please visit the TCT website.

Leave a comment

Filed under Auditions, Family-Friendly

Tagged as

March 30, 2026 · 5:36 pm

A World of Dragons Comes to Life at The Emery This April

DreamWorks’ HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON The Musical JR.

CINCINNATI – The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati (TCT) completes its inaugural MainStage season in the newly restored and reimagined Emery Theater with DreamWorks’ How to Train Your Dragon The Musical JR., opening Friday, April 17, 2026. Tickets start at $12 and are on sale now at thechildrenstheatre.com.

Based on the beloved DreamWorks film, the one-hour (JR.) version of How to Train Your Dragon, The Musical  brings the epic adventure of Hiccup, a young Viking, and a dragon named Toothless to life in a thrilling stage production filled with soaring music, heartwarming friendship, dynamic storytelling, and of course… dragons!. Determined to prove himself, Hiccup discovers that strength is not about fearing and fighting dragons, it is about understanding them. What unfolds is a powerful story about courage, compassion, identity, and the relationships that change everything.

This visually stunning production is designed to take full advantage of the Emery Theater’s cutting-edge technology, transforming the stage into a world where dragons rule the skies. With immersive projection, dynamic staging, and theatrical magic at every turn, audiences will be transported to the Isle of Berk in one of TCT’s most ambitious and cinematic productions to date.

Kim Kern, President and CEO of The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati, said: “DreamWorks’ How to Train Your Dragon The Musical JR. is exactly the kind of breathtaking, imaginative storytelling the Emery Theater was built for. It’s big, bold, and visually stunning, but at its heart, it’s a story about connection, courage, and seeing the world differently. Watching Hiccup and Toothless form that bond is something that stays with you. And to bring a story like this to life on this stage, in a way that feels larger than life, with all the technology we now have at our fingertips, is exactly why we dreamed so big for the Emery. This is the kind of experience families will talk about long after they leave.”

Public Showtimes include:

  • Friday, April 17, 2026: 7 PM – OPENING NIGHT
  • Saturday, April 18, 2026: 2 PM and 5 PM
  • Sunday, April 19, 2026: 2 PM
  • Saturday, April 25, 2026: 11 AM and 2 PM (ASL and Audio Described Performance)
  • Sunday, April 26, 2026: 2 PM
  • Saturday, May 2, 2026: 2 PM and 5 PM
  • Sunday, May 3, 2026: 2 PM

Good to know: This production uses theatrical fog, haze, loud sound effects, and lifelike dragons. Flashing lights, but no strobe effects, are used. This production runs approximately 60 minutes without intermission. Ideal for ages 4+.

From DreamWorks Theatricals. Book By Kate Thomas. Music By Veronica Mansour. Lyrics By Kate Thomas & Veronica Mansour. Concept and Stage Direction by TCT Artistic Director, Roderick Justice. Choreography by TCT Education Director, Angelo Cerniglia. Music Direction, Jamey Strawn. Scenic Design, Nate Bertone. Lighting Design, Yelena Babinskaya. Costume Design, John Coulter. Video/Projection Design, Lightborne. Sound Design, Dani Lobello. Puppet Design/Creation, Kevin Frisch.

Presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.MTIShows.com Any video and/or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.

DreamWorks’ How to Train Your Dragon The Musical JR. is made possible by Dress Run Sponsor TriHealth and Season Sponsors The Charles H. Dater Foundation and The H.B., E.W. and F.R. Luther 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 generosity of tens of thousands of contributors to the annual ArtsWave Campaign, the region’s primary source for arts funding.

DreamWorks’ How to Train Your Dragon The Musical JR. will be performed in the beautifully renovated and reimagined Emery Theater, 1112 Walnut Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202. Tickets start at $12. Visit thechildrenstheatre.com anytime or call the TCT Box Office at 513.569.8080 x10, Monday – Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM to purchase tickets. 

-end-

Leave a comment

Filed under Press Releases

Tagged as