Tag Archives: The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati

World-Premiere Musical PRINCESS & FROG Opens at the Taft Theatre in February

TCT_Princess and FrogDeveloped by The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati

 Cincinnati – The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s 22-23 MainStage Season continues with PRINCESS & FROG at the Taft Theatre February 18 – 27, 2023. Tickets are on sale now at https://thechildrenstheatre.com/shows/princess-frog/.

“TCT is thrilled to adapt this fresh family musical based on the classic Frog Prince fairy tale,” says Artistic Director, Roderick Justice. “It may be winter outside, but it will be spring in the Taft Theatre. Audiences can expect to dive into the land of Astorya and go on an adventure with Princess Acrimonia and Prince Croaker, complete with tap dancing on lily pads! The first few rows might even wind up in the splash zone!”

Justice continues, “We are also excited for the MainStage directorial debut of Associate Artistic Director Maddie Burgoon Jones, who has been involved with TCT, both onstage and off, since she was nine years old.”

When a beautiful, but spoiled, princess throws her new golden ball down the palace garden well, she encounters an enchanted prince-turned frog, whose only hope of breaking his curse and turning back into a human is to be invited for dinner. Oh… and to be kissed on the nose by a princess. But this frog prince isn’t the only one under an enchanted curse. With the help of his amphibi-friends, the two form an unlikely bond by teaching each other the importance of self-discovery, friendship, and standing up to bad influence. This fresh new musical adaptation will have you croaking the showtunes all the way home!

For TCT’s 22-23 MainStage shows at the Taft Theatre, currently there are not any restrictions for entry. Masks are welcome, but not required. Safety is always our highest priority, and we hope you’ll treat each other with kindness and respect throughout your theatrical journey with us.

Book and Lyrics by Debra Clinton. Music by Jason Marks. Based on The Frog Prince by the Brothers Grimm and adapted from the musical Croaker, this world-premiere adaptation by Roderick Justice was commissioned and produced by The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati.

Stage Direction and Choreography by Maddie Burgoon Jones. Concept Director and Artistic Director, Roderick Justice. Music Direction by Jason Alexander Holmes. Scenic Design by Seth Howard. Dani Lobello, Director of Production. Production Stage Manager, Jadi Davis. Melanie Watnick, Costume Designer. Lighting Design by Ben Gantose.

Ideal for ages 4+. This production runs 60 minutes without an intermission.

Showtimes for PRINCESS & FROG include:

  • Saturday, February 18 at 2 PM
  • Saturday, February 18 at 5 PM
  • Sunday, February 19 at 2 PM
  • Friday, February 24 at 7 PM
  • Saturday, February 25 at 11 AM
  • Saturday, February 25 at 2 PM
  • Sunday, February 26 at 2 PM
    ASL interpretation will be offered on the first Saturday at 2 PM performance.

PRINCESS & FROG is made possible by Production Sponsors Chemed, The Summit Hotel, and The Sutphin Family Foundation; as well as Season Sponsor The Charles H. Dater Foundation. The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati is supported by the tens of thousands of people who give generously to the annual ArtsWave Campaign, the region’s primary source for arts funding. The Ohio Arts Council helped fund this program with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence, and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans.

All The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s Broadway-style MainStage productions, including PRINCESS & FROG, are performed in the historic Taft Theatre, 5th and Sycamore Streets in Downtown Cincinnati. Tickets start at $10. 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 (In Alphabetical Order)

  • Christian Arias – Croaker
  • Ranease Brown – Princess Acrimonia
  • Arianna Catalano – Lady Adella, Disco Diva
  • Brinley Culver* – Ensemble
  • Issiah Current* – Ensemble
  • Kristen Das – Ensemble
  • Ryleigh Doss* – Ensemble
  • Josh Galloway – Royal Page
  • Griffin Hatfield* – Ensemble
  • Henry Howland – Fritz
  • Noah Jeffreys – Ensemble
  • Ethan Kuchta – Ensemble
  • Elli Maddock* – Ensemble
  • Ashley Morton – Lady Isabella, Disco Diva
  • Gabriel Kanai Nakata – Fred
  • Greg Nelson – King Arnold
  • Spring Starr Pillow – Queen Helena
  • Chelsea Russell – Ensemble
  • Kate Stark – Ensemble
  • Madeline Stern – Lady Carmella, Disco Diva
  • Kavan Vadivelu* – Frank
  • Keya Vadivelu* – Ensemble

Understudies
For King Arnold: Henry Howland; for Croaker: Ethan Kuchta; for Princess Acrimonia: Chelsea Russell; for Royal Page: Kate Stark

*Denotes TCT’s Young Artists Company

-end-

Leave a comment

Filed under Press Releases

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati Holding Auditions for 2023 STAR Intensive

TCTC_new logoCincinnati – Children ages 9-18 (entering their senior year of high school) can now register to audition for the renowned STAR Intensive with The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati. Auditions will be held in-person on Sunday, January 29, 2023.

Appointments are mandatory. You MUST set up an audition in advance. New to STAR this year – auditions will happen in larger groups and will include a dance audition. If you need to cancel or make changes, please follow the link in your registration email. To register for an audition, please visit: https://thechildrenstheatre.com/jobs-auditions/. If you are unable to attend one of the slots listed, please email Maddie Jones, STAR Intensive Director, at Maddie.Jones@tctcincinnati.com for further instructions.

What to Prepare:

  • A memorized 16-32- bar song selection that best shows your vocal range. You MUST have music accompaniment with the piano part included.
  • Prepare to have a dance audition. Please wear appropriate movement attire and shoes. Please come stretched and ready to move.
  • Upon online registration, you MUST upload a RECENT picture and CURRENT resumé. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your audition, please email Maddie Jones, STAR Intensive Director at Jones@tctcincinnati.com.

ABOUT THE STAR INTENSIVE:
The STAR Intensive is a four-week training program for students, ages 9-18. Students are accepted by audition only and will work with leading professionals in the musical theatre business to help them become well-rounded performers in all areas of musical theatre. The STAR Intensive culminates in a Musical Theatre Showcase featuring some of the most popular songs from the Broadway repertoire as well as a fully produced One-Act Festival. STAR Intensive participants will have the opportunity to be considered for additional high-level training in our Academy through our invitation-only classes and show experiences.

When: July 5 – July 28, 2023, weekdays 10 AM to 4 PM with performances July 29 and July 30. Location will be announced later.

Tuition: $675
Security deposit of $175 due upon acceptance into the program. Payment plans and scholarships are available.

-end-

Leave a comment

Filed under Auditions

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati Brings Holiday Cheer to the Queen City with RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER JR.

TCTC_Rudolph Jr logoOpens at the Taft Theatre in December

Cincinnati – The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s 22-23 MainStage Season continues with RUDOLPH tHE RED-NOSED REINDEER™ JR. at the Taft Theatre December 10-19, 2022. Tickets are on sale now at https://thechildrenstheatre.com/shows/rudolph-the-red-nosed-reindeer-jr/.

The holiday classic soars off the screen in this 60-minute musical adaptation of the beloved television special. Filled with holiday hits like “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “A Holly Jolly Christmas,” RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER™ JR.  features all your favorite characters including Santa and Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius and, of course, Rudolph. It’s an adventure that teaches us that what makes you different can be what makes you special.

Because of his shiny nose, Rudolph doesn’t feel like he belongs in Christmastown and sets off to find a place that accepts him. Along his journey, he encounters fellow misfits, only to realize that home is where he has belonged the whole time. When a storm threatens to keep Santa’s sleigh from taking flight, it’s up to Rudolph to save Christmas!

For TCT’s 22-23 MainStage shows at the Taft Theatre, currently there are not any restrictions for entry. Masks are welcome, but not required. Safety is always our highest priority, and we hope you’ll treat each other with kindness and respect throughout your theatrical journey with us.

Music and Lyrics by Johnny Marks. Script Adaptation by Robert Penola. Arrangements by Timothy Splain. Orchestrations by William C. White. Based on the animated television special “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”

adapted from the story by Robert L. May and the song by Johnny Marks. Developed by Character Arts Creations, LLC.

Stage Direction and Scenic Design by Nate Bertone. Choreographed by Diane Lala. Mark Femia, Music Director. Jeff Shearer, TCT Resident Costume Designer. Matthew Benjamin, Lighting Designer. Dani Lobello, Director of Production.

Ideal for ages 4+. This production runs 60 minutes without an intermission.

Showtimes for RUDOLPH tHE RED-NOSED REINDEER™ JR. include:

  • Saturday, December 10 at 2 PM
  • Saturday, December 10 at 5 PM
  • Sunday, December 11 at 2 PM
  • Friday, December 16 at 7 PM
  • Saturday, December 17 at 11 AM
  • Saturday, December 17 at 2 PM
  • Sunday, December 18 at 2 PM

ASL interpretation will be offered on the first Saturday at 2 PM performance.

RUDOLPH tHE RED-NOSED REINDEER™ JR. is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com

RUDOLPH tHE RED-NOSED REINDEER™ JR. is made possible by Production Sponsor The Summit Hotel, and Season Sponsor The Charles H. Dater Foundation. Additional funding for MainStage Ticket Subsidies is provided by PNC Foundation. The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati is supported by the tens of thousands of people who give generously to the annual ArtsWave Campaign, the region’s primary source for arts funding. The Ohio Arts Council helped fund this program with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence, and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. Additional support comes from ARP funds from the City of Cincinnati through ArtsWave.

All The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s Broadway-style MainStage productions, including RUDOLPH tHE RED-NOSED REINDEER™ JR., are performed in the historic Taft Theatre, 5th and Sycamore Streets in Downtown Cincinnati. Tickets start at $10. 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 (In Alphabetical Order)

  • BENJAMIN ABES-FELDMAN … Aviator Elf / Ensemble / Cowboy
  • CHRISTIAN ARIAS … Reindeer / Ensemble / Chicago Reporter / Bird-Fish
  • DAVID RADTKE … Santa Claus
  • CHRIS LOGAN CARTER … Sam
  • MACKENZIE COOK … Elf 4 / Spotted Elephant
  • BRINLEY CULVER … Elf 1
  • ISSIAH CURRENT … Boss Elf
  • CELIA D’ASCENZO … Elf 5 / Dolly
  • MARLO D’ASCENZO … Clarice
  • STELLA D’ASCENZO … Elf 2
  • DORION FEARS … Donner
  • DOUGLAS FRIES … King Moonracer / Bumble / Ensemble
  • TOMMI HARSCH … Mrs. Donner / Charlie in the Box / Ensemble
  • GRIFFIN HATFIELD … Fireball / Ensemble
  • HENRY HOWLAND … Coach Comet
  • KASEY JOHANSEN … Puppeteer / Ensemble / Reindeer
  • ETHAN KUCHTA … Yukon Cornelius / Ensemble
  • JT LANGLAS … Ensemble / Clarice’s Father
  • ELLI MADDOCK … Elf 3 / Toy Cover
  • EDRICO PRITCHETT … Ensemble / Reindeer / Daily News Reporter / Plane
  • CAROLINE RAKESTRAW … Ensemble / Reindeer / Train
  • BRANDI LA’SHERRILL … Mrs. Claus
  • ALEX TALBOT … Hermey
  • KAI VADIVELU … Young Rudolph
  • KAVAN VADIVELU … Rudolph
  • KEYA VADIVELU … Puppeteer / Ensemble / Reindeer

-end-

Leave a comment

Filed under Press Releases

Scenic Carpenter Sought at The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati

TCTC_new logoThe ideal scenic carpenter is a skilled carpenter with knowledge of industry standard theatrical woodworking techniques. The scenic carpenter can read and interpret construction drawings and decide, with help from the Scene Shop Manager, how to safely utilize the correct tools and techniques to complete the task.  The scenic carpenter is knowledgeable with basic stationary and portable power tools, as well as basic hand tools.

The scenic carpenter is self-motivated, able to work independently to complete tasks assigned to them safely and quickly without constant and direct oversight.  The scenic carpenter can work nights and weekends as needed to ensure the project is completed on time.

The scenic carpenter can work with other members of the company and other members of the community. The scenic carpenter is willing and eager to assist other departments to help fulfill the goals of the company.

Responsibilities:

  • Work in the Scene Shop fabricating scenery for each production under the direction of the Technical Director.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in the safe operation of power tools, scenic carpentry and theatrical rigging.
  • Prep & load/unload trucks as needed.
  • Maintain an organized and clean work environment
  • Report to the Scene Shop Manager with any questions or issues throughout the build
  • Assist other departments when necessary
  • Provide company with support for special events or projects as needed

Ideal Knowledge/Skills: 

  • BA or equivalent in Theatre, or two years’ experience in scenic construction, or equivalent construction experience
  • Must be comfortable working at heights and able to lift/carry 50lbs
  • Proficiency with power tools, including, but not limited to: table saw, miter saw, jig saw, pneumatic staplers, hand routers, powered sanders
  • Knowledge/experience in MIG welding, scenic painting, tool maintenance and theatrical rigging a plus
  • Experience with automation, theatrical lighting and/or sound systems a plus
  • Able to read and interpret construction draftings
  • Self-motivated, positive, and passionate individual who loves the mission of TCT and can work with a team or independently with a safety-first mentality.
  • Excellent time management skills
  • Valid driver’s license

Compensation/Benefits/Employment Details

  • Annual Salary Range: $35,000-40,000
  • Ideal Start date: November 7, 2022
  • Housing is not provided.
  • 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.
  • Flexible schedule opportunities.

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati believes the stories on our stages and the work we do behind the scenes must reflect the diverse communities 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 our commitment to diversity and build an inclusive environment at TCT.

TO APPLY: 

Qualified candidates should submit whatever they feel best reflects their qualifications. This can come in the form of a video, cover letter/resume, portfolio, and/or demo reels. (Files should be less than 3MB in total, links are welcome). No phone calls, please.

Please submit materials and any references by October 27, 2022 to submissions@tctcincinnati.com. Subject Line: Scenic Carpenter 2022

Leave a comment

Filed under Casting Call

RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER JR Runs Dec. 10-18

TCTC_Rudolph Jr logoRUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER JR
The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati
Dec. 10-18
Taft Theatre [Downtown]

Because of his shiny nose, Rudolph doesn’t feel like he belongs in Christmastown and sets off to find a place that accepts him. Along his journey, he encounters fellow misfits, only to realize that home is where he has belonged the whole time. When a storm threatens to keep Santa’s sleigh from taking flight, it’s up to Rudolph to save Christmas! Ages 4 and up.

  • Sat, Dec. 10 at 2pm & 5pm
  • Sun, Dec. 11 at 2pm
  • Fri, Dec. 16 at 7pm
  • Sat, Dec. 17 at 11am & 2pm
  • Sun, Dec. 18 at 2pm

Official page | Facebook event |

Leave a comment

Filed under Family-Friendly, On Stage