Tag Archives: The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati

August 1, 2022 · 10:56 am

Auditions Announced for 2022-2023 Season at The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati

TCTC_new logoTCT AUDITION CASTING NOTICE

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati (TCT) is holding auditions in August for their acclaimed MainStage productions and a Touring Production in their 2022-2023 season, which includes Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer JR., Princess & Frog, and Disney’s Moana JR., and a touring production of A Seussified Christmas Carol.

All roles are paid positions and are open to all ethnicities. Upon audition registration, you may indicate which shows you would like to be considered for this season.

Auditions are by appointment only.

Visit https://www.theaterforms.com/TCTCincinnati/2223mainstageauditions/auditionform/ to sign-up for an audition appointment.

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

Adults 18+ and professional young actors ages 9-17 may be considered for all productions for TCT’s MainStage. Our touring actors must be out of school (high school and/or college) and will need full-day availability between November 7-December 18, 2022.

Audition appointments may be made:

  • Sunday, August 14th, 2022 between 1:00 PM and 6:00PM
  • Monday, August 15th, 2022 between 5:30 PM and 8:30 PM
  • Tuesday, August 16th, 2022 between 5:30 PM and 8:30 PM
  • Wednesday, August 17th, 2022 between 5:30 PM and 8:30 PM

You may be asked to return and attend a “movement callback” on the day of your audition, which will take place from 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer JR. callbacks will take place on Friday, August 19th, from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM.

Princess & Frog callbacks will take place on Saturday, August 20th, from 11AM-3PM.

Disney’s Moana JR. callbacks will take place on Sunday, August 21st, from 4 PM-7 PM.

A Seussified Christmas Carol Tour, talent will be contacted and asked to either submit callback material electronically, or to come to an in-person reading, if needed.

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

For information concerning auditions, call Maddie Jones at 513-569-8080 ext. 12 or email maddie.jones@tctcincinnati.com.

Due to concentrated rehearsal periods, we ask that you do not have conflicts during rehearsals. To best facilitate all rehearsal times, all those auditioning will be asked to list all conflicts at the time of the audition. Conflicts will 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.

PREPARE

FOR TOUR:
Please prepare to recite a cutting of a Dr. Seuss book, ideally memorized. We may ask you to read the rhymes in different voices and as different types of characters.

FOR MAINSTAGE:
You will need to prepare an age-appropriate song (1-minute max) to best show your skill set and vocal range.

PIANO SHEET MUSIC is required to audition.  Your sheet music MUST have the piano part, not just the vocal line, and music should be in a 3-ring binder with the cut CLEARLY marked for the accompanist. You only need a song. You do NOT need to prepare a monologue.

You may be asked to show your dance ability later in the evening. Please bring attire with you to change into in case we ask you to return.

You must bring a RECENT 8×10 headshot and UPDATED performance resume.  Even if you upload to the audition website, a hardcopy of your headshot and resume is required.

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 audition you early.

PRODUCTION BREAKDOWN

ABOUT RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER JR.
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!

Directed by: Nate Bertone
Music Direction: Mark Femia
Choreography: Diane Lala

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

TIME COMMITMENT

  • Rehearsals: November 7- December 3, 2022 (Off November 23-26 for Thanksgiving)
  • Tech Rehearsals: December 7-9, 2022
  • Performances:  December 10-19, 2022

SEEKING THE FOLLOWING:

  • [SAM] A snowman. A warm, middle-aged man with a relaxed demeanor. A powerful storyteller who never gets in the way of the story he’s telling. A knowing sense of humor; an appealing, warm singing voice.
    Gender: Male
    Portrays Age: 40 to 60
  • [SANTA CLAUS] Larger-than-life personality; cheerful but distracted. Agelessly youthful but should read middle-aged. Should not be cast as heavyset. Strong singing voice.
    Gender: Male
    Portrays Age: 40 to 60
  • [MRS. CLAUS] Feisty, matter of fact, inherently warm. A strong belter.
    Gender: Female
    Portrays Age: 30 to 50
  • [DONNER] Rudolph’s father (can be double-cast as Boss Elf). Physically agile; tougher on the outside than he is on the inside.
    Portrays Gender: Male
  • [MRS. DONNER] Rudolph’s mother. Maternal, soft-spoken, quietly strong. Warm mezzo
    Portrays Gender: Female
  • [RUDOLPH] A young buck. Youthful; physically agile; winning performer; vulnerable but strong; a solid singer. Portrays Age: 16-28
  • [COACH COMET] Reindeer Games Coach; Clarice’s father (can be double-cast as Yukon). Physically agile; featured member of Santa’s team; leads the reindeer games with coach-like quality.
    Gender: Male
    Portrays Age: 20-40
  • [HERMEY] An Elf. Charmingly apologetic, but with inner strength. Strong comic sensibility; must move well and have a strong character voice.
  • [BOSS ELF] (Can be double cast as Donner) Humorless manager of the Elves’ workshop, innate comic sensibility. Also plays Blitzen in the finale sequence.
  • [FIREBALL] A young buck. Featured member of the chorus; young, sparky, boyish – will also understudy Rudolph.
    Gender: Male
  • [CLARICE] A young doe. Youthful; physically agile. Strong, willful, loving, flirtatious, must have a lilting pure soprano voice.
    Gender: Female
  • [YUKON CORNELIUS] A prospector. Tall, large man who should read mid-40s; instantly likable character; slightly absent-minded; physically agile and strong comedic ability.
    Portrays Age: 30 to 50
  • [KING MOONRACER] King of the Island of Misfit Toys. King Moonracer is conceived as a large stage puppet; his personality must come through his voice, which projects a strong, decisive personality; stern but warm.
    Gender: Male
  • [BUMBLE THE ABOMINABLE SNOWMAN] The Bumble is actually a series of three-dimensional puppet/set pieces, with a distinctive growl and series of sound FX.
  • [ELVES CHORUS] 6-10 children. The Misfit Toys, Santa’s reindeer, and the Elves chorus should be double-cast as needed.
    Portrays Ages: 13-18
  • [MISFIT TOYS] Within the Elves Chorus.
    • Charlie
      A jack-in-the-box, one of The Misfit Toys (puppets with performer-puppeteers who voice these toys). The Misfit Toys, Santa’s reindeer, and the Elves chorus should be double-cast as needed.
    • Doll
      A girl doll, one of The Misfit Toys (puppets with performer-puppeteers who voice these toys). The Misfit Toys, Satna’s reindeer, and the Elves chorus should be double-cast as needed.
    • Spotted Elephant
      An elephant with spots, one of The Misfit Toys (puppets with performer-puppeteers who voice these toys). The Misfit Toys, Satna’s reindeer, and the Elves chorus should be double-cast as needed.
    • Train
      A train engine with square wheels, one of The Misfit Toys (puppets with performer-puppeteers who voice these toys). The Misfit Toys, Satna’s reindeer, and the Elves chorus should be double-cast as needed.
    • Bird
      A bird that swims, one of The Misfit Toys (puppets with performer-puppeteers who voice these toys). The Misfit Toys, Satna’s reindeer, and the Elves chorus should be double-cast as needed.
    • Cowboy
      A cowboy who rides an ostrich, one of The Misfit Toys (puppets with performer-puppeteers who voice these toys). The Misfit Toys, Satna’s reindeer, and the Elves chorus should be double-cast as needed.
    • Plane
      An airplane that doesn’t fly, one of The Misfit Toys (puppets with performer-puppeteers who voice these toys). The Misfit Toys, Satna’s reindeer, and the Elves chorus should be double-cast as needed.

ABOUT PRINCESS & FROG
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 at 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!

Directed and Choreographed by: Maddie Jones
Music Directed by: Jason Alexander Holmes

Book and Lyrics by: Debra Clinton
Music by: Jason Marks
Adaptation by: Roderick Justice

  • Rehearsals: January 14- February 11, 2023
  • Tech Rehearsals: February 12- 17, 2023
  • Performances: February 18-27, 2023

SEEKING THE FOLLOWING:

  • [PRINCESS ACRIMONIA] A spoiled, bratty, and selfish (but beautiful!) princess. Doesn’t feel comfortable with the duties of being a princess and takes her frustration out on everyone. Learns the value of friendship from Croaker, and ultimately decides to discover who she truly is outside the kingdom walls. Must be simultaneously likable and annoyingly detestable. Strong singer, belts to D.
    Gender: Female
    Age: Portrays ages 16-18
  • [CROAKER] A prince that was turned into a frog. Kind, charismatic, charming, and a little sassy. Big heart, and full of personality. Teaches Acrimonia the value of friendship, love, and patience. Lyric baritone, to G.
    Gender: Male
    Age: Portrays ages 18-25
  • [QUEEN HELENE] Mother of Acrimonia, and second wife to King Arnold. A ruler with a dark secret. Think Norma Desmond without all the crazy. Must be a fine comedic actor, with a flair for a flared nostril and a raised eyebrow, and totally able to let her hair down and sing and dance as the disco diva she is. A highly interpretive role that can be done many ways. Mezzo, to D.
    Gender: Female
    Age: Portrays ages 40s-60s
  • [KING ARNOLD] King and ruler of the Kingdom of Astorya, married to Queen Helene, and stepfather to Acrimonia. Misses his long-lost son terribly, and rules with a kind heart. Always flustered and thrown by Acrimonia’s behavior. Has a little bit of a “song & dance man” in his spirit. Good singer/baritone, up to F.
    Gender: Male
    Age: Portrays ages 40s-60s
  • [ROYAL PAGE] The hapless (and ever-loyal) royal page in the Kingdom of Astorya. Thinks he’s a comedian and plays his trumpet…badly. Always running around, trying to answer doors, and meet the needs of the King and Queen. A role with much physical comedy. Should be a good mover and singer. Tenor, up to Ab.
    Age: Portrays ages 20s-40s
  • [FRANK, FRITZ, FRED] Croaker’s frog posse (“Frosse”) friends. Also double as cook/servants, and dark spirits. Should be good dancers and singers. Baritone/Tenor up to Ab.
    Age: Portrays teens-20s.
  • [LADY ISABELLA, LADY ADELLA, LADY CARMELLA] Acrimonia’s ladies-in-waiting. Also double as Disco Divas during “Ugly Tonight.” Must be a good mover and strong belter. Soprano up to F.
    Age: Portrays ages 20s-30s.
    [ENSEMBLE] Looking for a strong group of dancer/singers for the ensemble track. Must be proficient in tap dance and be good singers.
    Any age or gender.

ABOUT DISNEY’S MOANA JR.
This thrilling and heartwarming coming-of-age story follows the strong-willed Moana as she sets sail across the Pacific to save her village and discover the truth about her heritage. Moana and the legendary demigod Maui embark on an epic journey of self-discovery and camaraderie as both learn to harness the power that lies within. With empowering messages of bravery and selflessness, Moana JR. is sure to bring out the hero within each of us.

The majority of this production will be performed with puppets in blacklight. Puppetry experience will be instrumental.

Stage Directed and Choreographed by: Roderick Justice
Puppetry Directed by: Kevin Frisch
Music Direction: Mark Femia
Cultural Consultant: Siaa Alama

Music and Lyrics by: Opetaia Foa’I, Mark Mancina, Lin-Manuel Miranda
Script Adaptation by: Susan Soon He Stanton
Score Adaptation and Arrangements & Orchestrations by: Ian Weinberger
Based on the 2016 Disney film Moana

TIME COMMITMENT

  • Rehearsals: March 11- April 8, 2023
  • Tech Rehearsals: April 12-14, 2023
  • Performances:  April 15-24, 2023

SEEKING THE FOLLOWING:

  • [MOANA UNDERSTUDY] Singer/Actor/Mover/Live Actress on Stage. The vibrant, tenacious, and optimistic daughter of Motunui’s chief. She struggles to reconcile her father’s plans for her to take over as the village chief with her own desires to voyage beyond the reef. Ultimately, Moana proves a compassionate and capable leader. Cast an actor who can portray great maturity, possesses incredible energy, a fun sense of humor, and can confidently deliver songs like “How Far I’ll Go.”
    Gender: Female Identifying
    Age: Portrays 16-20 years old
    Ethnicity: Southeast Asian/ Pacific Islander
  • [MAUI] Puppet/Mascot/Mover.  A demigod and master wayfinder with charisma to spare and a reputation of being a trickster. Despite his hard exterior, Maui becomes a wonderful friend and mentor to Moana throughout their journey. Cast an actor with great comic timing who can portray this shapeshifter’s larger-than-life personality through big gestures and high energy, making moments like “You’re Welcome” true showstoppers.
    Gender: Any
    Age: Any
    Ethnicity: Any
  • [PUPPETEER ENSEMBLE] Non-speaking/ Non-Singing Puppeteers. Seeking a strong group of 12 puppeteers/movers.
    Gender: Any
    Age: Any
    Ethnicity: Any
  • [VOCAL ENSEMBLE] Singers and Voice Actors. Seeking a strong and diverse group of singers and voiceover artists to voice a plethora of characters in the production. May not need to be present at all performances. Much of the vocals will be primarily pre-recorded.
    Gender: Any
    Age: Any
    Ethnicity: Any

ABOUT A SESSSIFIED CHRISTMAS CAROL
Dickens’ most beloved story, in wacky rhyming word, Our classic Christmas show this year is better seen and heard! From Ghosts of Past and Present, to Timmy Loo Hoo, This festive holiday tale is a gift from us to you!

Directed by: Christopher Stewart
Written By: Peter Bloedel
Touring Manager/Company Management: Brandi Sherill

TIME COMMITMENT

  • Rehearsals: November 7- 23, 2022
  • Touring Performances: November 28 – December 18, 2022

SEEKING THE FOLLOWING:

  • [MALE IDENTIFYING ACTOR] Portrays The Scrooge, The Ghost of A Christmas Present
  • [MALE IDENTIFYING ACTOR] Portrays Jake Marley, Bed-Headed Fred, Young Scrooge
  • [FEMALE IDENTIFYING ACTOR] Portrays Solicitor #1, The Ghost of Christmas Past, Mrs. Cratchit
  • [FEMALE IDENTIFYING ACTOR] Portrays Solicitor #2, Belle, Timmy Loo Hoo, Sven, A Boy

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, races, ethnicities, gender, gender identities, religions, abilities, and ages to apply as we continue our commitment to diversity and build an inclusive environment at TCT.

Sign up for an audition time here: https://www.theaterforms.com/TCTCincinnati/2223mainstageauditions/auditionform/

More information here: https://thechildrenstheatre.com/jobs-auditions/

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July 20, 2022 · 9:21 am

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati and Macy’s Celebrate Partnership on ABIYOYO Production

TCTC_new logoCincinnati – The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati (TCT) partnered with Macy’s for last season’s touring production of ABIYOYO. As a result of this partnership, over 100 patrons viewed the production digitally on Broadway on Demand and 1,160 students at eight venues viewed it live on tour.

ABIYOYO was available to stream online via Broadway on Demand from January 21 – June 30, 2022. ABIYOYO is based on a South African folk tale about a giant who eats everything in sight—cows, goats, and even children! This one-man story telling experience encourages participants to face the monsters in their own life with honesty, courage, and strength of spirit. Brought to the West by Pete Seger as a bedtime story for his own children, the original South African folktale takes on the attributes of the storyteller themselves, implying that each storyteller adds something different to the tale. ABIYOYO is brought to life through traditional South African dance, music, and cultural nuances that address fears that speak to us all.

Not only was this production a diversity-focused new work, but it was also brought to life with the help of diverse TCT staff and outside artists:

  • Diverse Playwrights & Composers – TCT’s Resident Playwright & Workshop Artist, Deondra Kamau Means has adapted many new works for both the Touring and MainStage divisions. A staple in the Cincinnati theatre community, Deondra is a Black actor and playwright. ABIYOYO has been one of several diverse works that he has produced over the last several months.
  • Diverse Designers & Artists – Cedric Michael Cox is a Black Cincinnati-based artist who created the scenic design for the production.
  • Diverse Directors & Choreographers – Derek Snow, Director of ABIYOYO, is a Black actor, director, and playwright who was recently one of five recipients of The Breath Project’s New Play Commission Initiative grants.

Macy’s graciously funded ABIYOYO as the digital production sponsor. Funding supported production, filming, and editing expenses related to producing and streaming the production online via Broadway on Demand.

Macy’s support of this production comes to TCT through a gift to The Change Fund, an initiative at TCT aimed at creating an inclusive culture and innovation through the addition of previously excluded voices. Through The Change Fund, TCT and Macy’s demonstrate their commitment to creating a brighter future with bold representation for all.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access are a priority at TCT. Our goal is that the quality and inclusivity of TCT productions will continue to inspire all youth, with increasing numbers from historically marginalized populations, to love theatre and/or pursue careers both on- and off-stage in the theatre, particularly through a practice of diverse representation in all areas of its operation.

To learn more about how you or your organization can support future touring productions, please contact Annie Bloemer, TCT’s Development Manager, Grants & Corporate Partnerships, at annie.bloemer@tctcincinnati.com or call 513-569-8080 x32.

View TCT’s current season of MainStage and TCT on Tour productions here: https://thechildrenstheatre.com/current-season/. 

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June 14, 2022 · 11:06 am

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati Presents New Touring Shows for 22-23 Season

TCTC_new logoCincinnati – The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati (TCT) is thrilled to present four brand-new TCT On Tour productions and one returning crowd-favorite to audiences around the region.

New tours for this season are SHIRLEY CHISHOLM: THE CHISHOLM TRAIL, a seussified christmas carol, THE NIKOLA TESLA STORY, and CINDERELLA WORE COWBOY BOOTS. Shirley Chisholm’s inspiring story as the first black woman elected to U.S. Congress and the first black woman Democratic Presidential candidate comes to life with Brandi La’Sherrill. Four talented actors take the rhymes of Dr. Seuss and infuse them with the beloved story of A Christmas Carol – what could go wrong!? Learn more about Nikola Tesla’s inventions that changed the science world forever in THE NIKOLA TESLA STORY. Enjoy a western take on Cinderella’s story in the one-woman show, CINDERELLA WORE COWBOY BOOTS.

Young and old audiences alike will enjoy the larger-than-life fairy tale of jacqueline and the beanstalk, which is back by popular demand.

TCT’s 45-to-60-minute touring shows provide great programming for schools, libraries, senior centers, community centers, arts centers, churches, or anywhere! Each production features a 10-minute Q&A opportunity for audiences after the show. Book now on our website: https://thechildrenstheatre.com/tct-on-tour-form/

TCT’s 22-23 Touring Productions:

  • JACQUELINE AND THE BEANSTALK: June 11 – June 30, 2022; September 6 – November 4, 2022; February 1 – June 30, 2023
  • SHIRLEY CHISHOLM: THE CHISHOLM TRAIL: September 6 – November 4, 2022; February 1 – July 31, 2023
  • A SEUSSIFIED CHRISTMAS CAROL: November 28 – December 18, 2022
  • THE NIKOLA TESLA STORY: February 1 – April 30, 2023
  • CINDERELLA WORE COWBOY BOOTS: February 1 – April 30, 2023

JACQUELINE AND THE BEANSTALK
June 11 – June 30, 2022; September 6 – November 4, 2022; February 1 – June 30, 2023
Ideal for Grades PreK-4

About the Show: Girls are so often stereotyped, but Jacqueline will climb to great lengths to prove them all wrong! Once upon a time, Jacqueline had a brother named Jack. The entire village thought Jack was so smart, strong and witty, but when the family ran out of money it was Jacqueline who used her brain to get them out of trouble. Follow Jackie up the beanstalk as she shatters stigma to discover it wasn’t because she was less capable, but because she was made to believe so. Now, she has the chance to prove her worth. Whether you are young or old, this fun and interactive one-woman show is important for everyone to see. Not because it’s unique, but because it’s not. It is the story of many girls.

SHIRLEY CHISHOLM: THE CHISHOLM TRAIL
Touring September 6 – November 4, 2022; February 1 – July 31, 2023
Ideal for Grades 4-8

About the Show: Shirley Chisholm: The Chisholm Trail is inspired by the life and legacy of Shirley Chisholm. “Brandi La’Sherrill, the storyteller” challenges audiences to confront the pre-judgments made each time we step into a room full of strangers, much less step behind a podium as the first black woman elected to the United States Congress and the first black woman Democratic Presidential candidate.  As audiences learn of Shirley Chisholm’s impact as a woman who dared to be a catalyst for change, they also learn how snap judgments prevented her from having a seat at the table. But… “If they don’t give you a seat to the table, bring a folding chair.”- Shirley Chisholm.

A SEUSSIFIED CHRISTMAS CAROL:
Touring November 28 – December 18, 2022
Ideal for Grades PreK-4

About the Show: Dickens’ most beloved story, in wacky rhyming word, Our classic Christmas show this year is better seen and heard! From Ghosts of Past and Present, to Timmy Loo Hoo, This festive holiday tale is a gift from us to you! “A Seussified Christmas Carol” is not affiliated, endorsed, or sponsored by Dr. Seuss Enterprises.

THE NIKOLA TESLA STORY
Touring February 1 – April 30, 2023
Ideal for Grades 3-12

About the Show: Travel back in time to the late 1800s and enter the dazzling mind of Nikola Tesla, a brilliant young engineer. Relying on his math and science skills, a photographic memory, and a mysterious blinding light containing flashes of inspiration, Tesla makes a discovery that could change the world of science—and the legacy of his mentor, Thomas Edison—forever! Learn the true story of this often-ignored inventor, whose work as a “mad scientist” eventually led to the Tesla coil, X-ray, RADAR, wireless energy, and artificial lighting.

CINDERELLA WORE COWBOY BOOTS
Ideal for Grades K-5
Touring February 1 – April 30, 2023

About the Show: “Hear, Ye! Hear, Yeee-Haw!” The King is throwin’ a royal ball! In this one-woman show, our storyteller will round-up audiences as they get pulled into this hilarious, interactive and kneeslappin’ adaption of Cinderella. That’s right, pardner! Members of your audience become part of the action! Saddle up as Cinderella Wore Cowboy Boots lassos the power of childhood imagination to tell this rags-to-riches story in a way you will never forget.

Booking Information
Selected with state and national educational standards in mind, these TCT On Tour productions explore historical events, celebrate cultural heritage, and set the stage for learning.

Book now on our website: https://thechildrenstheatre.com/tct-on-tour-form/

TCT On Tour is made possible by TCT on Tour Sponsor Time Timer, as well as Season Sponsor The Patricia A. Corbett Trust. Additional funding for TCT on Tour is provided by PNC Foundation and The Sutphin Family Foundation. The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati is supported by ArtsWave and the generosity of tens of thousands of contributors to the ArtsWave Community Campaign. The Ohio Arts Council helps fund this program with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence, and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. 

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May 23, 2022 · 3:38 pm

Call for Applicants: Macy’s Internship for Diverse Arts Administrators & Production Artists at TCT

TCTC_new logoBackground

The mission of The Children’s of Cincinnati (TCT) is to educate, entertain and engage audiences of all ages through professional theatrical productions and arts education programming. Now entering its 103rd season, TCT is the oldest professional theatre for young audiences in the country and is recognized as one of the top children’s theatres in the nation. TCT brings art to life through three divisions: TCT MainStage at the Taft Theatre, TCT on Tour/WorkShops, and TCT Academy.

Arts organizations have the power to heal, uplift, and create lasting cultural change. Our goal is that the quality and inclusivity of TCT productions will continue to inspire all youth, with increasing numbers from historically marginalized populations, to love theatre and/or pursue careers both on- and off-stage, particularly through a practice of diverse representation in all areas of our operations.

The Change Fund at The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati was launched in October 2020 with the goal of creating an inclusive culture and innovation through the addition of previously excluded voices. The Change Fund provides exclusive funding for projects dedicated to eight pillar areas of diversity, equity, inclusion, and access. TCT has currently identified these pillars as:

  1. Diverse Arts Administrators
  2. Diverse Educators, Guest Speakers, Ambassadors, & Cultural Consultants
  3. Development of diversity-focused new works and adaptations
  4. Diverse Playwrights & Composers
  5. Diverse Directors & Choreographers
  6. Diverse Designers & Artists
  7. Diverse Production Crew
  8. Diversity-Focused Community Engagement Initiatives

The Change Fund seeks to offer opportunities for diverse individuals throughout the country including those of various races, ethnicities, religions, genders, abilities, socio-economic status, and more.

In the 2022-23 season, a generous donation from Macy’s will provide exclusive funding for The Change Fund in support of advancing a more equitable future for present and future theatre artists and administrators. In alignment with Macy’s Mission Every One, TCT will provide learning and leadership opportunities for underrepresented youth through the Change Fund Internship for Diverse Arts Administrators or Diverse Production Artists.

Macy’s has previously supported The Change Fund by funding the filming of the TCT on Tour production of ABIYOYO, a diversity-focused new work that was brought to life in the 2021-22 season.

How It Works

The Change Fund at TCT will provide professional and educational opportunities for diverse people interested in pursuing a career in the arts through internships for arts administrators and/or theatre production artists. Internships will amplify the voices of individuals who have been historically underrepresented. The Change Fund will be an educational resource dedicated to projects that specifically and intentionally propel the perspectives of people who are of varying race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender, and more, for many years to come.

Interested participants may apply for internships related to their professional goals in non-profit arts management and/or theatre production. Applicants may be aspiring non-profit marketing directors, CEOs, producers, development leaders, venue managers, scenic designers, technical directors, lighting designers, and beyond. Interns will lead various programming efforts, share in mentorship by TCT leaders, partake in professional development, engage in networking opportunities with other arts and business leaders in the community, and will be provided with valuable educational opportunities pertaining to their field of choice. Interns will also offer fresh expertise and perspective to TCT’s operations and programming departments.

Interns will work with TCT for a total of two months during the 2022-23 season. Interns will be provided of stipend of $500 per week as well as a housing or travel allowance if from outside of the Greater Cincinnati region.

Eligibility

Applicants must be:

  • Undergraduate or Graduate students, or recent Graduates, who identify with a diverse population
  • Interested in pursuing a career in Arts Administration and/or Theatre Production
  • Available for a minimum of 20 but up to 35 hours per week for a maximum of twelve weeks during the Fall or Spring.

How to Apply 

Interested applicants should submit their resume/cover letter via submissions@tctcincinnati.com.  In addition, please submit an essay not to exceed 500 words, or a video not to exceed five minutes, indicating how an internship at TCT is of interest to you and how it will impact you personally, and how you hope to impact TCT in the context of arts administration and/or theatre production. 

Applications must be received by June 30, 2022.  

Questions? Contact Development Manager Annie Bloemer annie.bloemer@tctcincinnati.com (513) 569-8080 ext. 32.

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May 3, 2022 · 9:40 am

World-Premiere of THE WIZ JR. Takes the Queen City By Storm

TCTC_The Wiz Jr1

Tia Seay as Glinda & Brandi La’Sherrill as Dorothy. Mikki Schaffner Photography.

Cincinnati – The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati (TCT) celebrated the end of the 21-22 Season with a world-premiere production of THE WIZ JR. The brand-new adaptation ran from April 2-11, 2022 for a total of 17 performances (public and school) at the Taft Theatre in Downtown Cincinnati. Over 15,000 people attended across the 17 performances, breaking attendance goals. 7,179 students attended the show for school performances, and 7,453 patrons attended the public performances. Thanks to American Rescue Plan funds from the City of Cincinnati, administered by ArtsWave, 797 people attended a Free Preview Performance of THE WIZ JR.

Not only was the show a spectacle on stage, but behind the scenes as well. TCT brought on a talented cast and staging team that is 100% BIPOC. Director Zhailon Levingston (the youngest Black Broadway director in history), Choreographer Tislarm Bouie, Music Director Jason Alexander Holmes, Costume Designer Daryl Harris, and Scenic Designer Seth Howard helped bring this beloved story to life.

Enthusiastic social media comments and positive survey responses flooded in after each performance. The show welcomed patrons of all ages from across the Tri-State and saw significantly increased audience diversity. TCT believes this diverse audience will lead to increased awareness of TCT performances and programs in the future, along with building a lifelong love of theatre in young audiences.

Director Zhailon Levingston said, “I hope for the kids that may not want to be active participants in storytelling – professionally or recreationally – that they understand that the institution of theatre is a place that can be for them. It’s a door that is open for them.” “Representation matters. I think it’s very important for people to see themselves on stage. Or to look in the program and see that there is a Black set designer. And I hope that the kids that see the show take that with them for the rest of their lives,” said Choreographer Tislarm Bouie.

THE WIZ JR. is made possible by the generosity of Production Sponsors PNC Foundation and Procter & Gamble, Hotel Sponsor The Summit Hotel, Dress Run Sponsor TriHealth, and The Change Fund Sponsor The Wohlgemuth Herschede Foundation. Special thanks to Season Sponsors The Patricia A. Corbett Trust, The Charles H. Dater Foundation, H.B., E. W. and F.R. Luther Charitable Foundation, Fifth Third Bank and Narley L. Haley, Co-Trustees. The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati is supported by ArtsWave and the generosity of tens of thousands of contributors to the ArtsWave Community Campaign. The Ohio Arts Council helped fund this program with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence, and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. Free preview nights of this production are made possible by American Rescue Plan funds from the City of Cincinnati, administered through ArtsWave. The Children’s Theatre is supported in part by an American Rescue Plan Act grant from the National Endowment for the Arts to support general operating expenses in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

THE WIZ JR. Adapted from “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” By L. Frank Baum. Book by William F. Brown. Additional Material by Tina Tippit. Music and Lyrics by Charlie Smalls. Copyright 1975, 1979, 2006, 2010. This 60-Minute Version of THE WIZ JR. was developed by The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati, Deondra Kamau Means, Resident Artist. Directed by Zhailon Levingston, straight from Broadway’s Chicken & Biscuits, Hadestown, and Tina: The Tina Turner Musical. Choreographed by Tislarm Bouie. Music Directed by Jason Alexander Holmes. Costume Designed by Dr. Daryl Harris, Scenic Design by Seth Howard. Lighting Design by Benjamin Gantose. Sound Design by Donald Moore. Stage Managed by Jadi Davis. 

-end-

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