Tag Archives: The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati

THE WIZ JR. Runs April 2-10

TCTC_The Wiz Jr logoTHE WIZ JR.
The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati
April 2-10
Taft Theater [Downtown]

Directed by Zhailon Levingston
Music directed by Jason Alexander Holmes
Choregraphed by Tislarm Bouie

Cast: Will Gibson as Scarecrow, Je’Shaun Jackson as Lion, Kyndra Jefferies as Addaperle, Dorion Katriel as Tin Man, Jazz McMullen as The Wiz/Munchkin #6, Spring Starr Pillow as Evillene/Munchkin #5, Tia Seay as Glinda/Winkie #6, Brandi Langford Sherrill as Dorothy, Kathy Wade as Aunt Em/Ozian #6
Ensemble: Brittany “Harmony” Hayes, *Diana Hutchinson, *Rosie Kipperman, Deondra Means, *Peyton Morgan, Ashley Morton, Kayla Sankofa & Thomas Les Smith
Vocal ensemble: Kevin Bell, LaShondra Hood, DeAndre Smith, Tangernika Wyatt & Aleah Vassell

Like an emerald, this precious Broadway gem infuses L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz with a dazzling mix of rock, gospel and soul music. THE WIZ JR. is a vibrant take on Dorothy’s adventures through the Land of Oz and a fun, family-friendly musical that is considered one of the most popular and creative theatrical adaptations of all time. Packed with iconic songs like “Ease On Down the Road” and “Brand New Day,” this musical includes exciting dance numbers which blend traditional movement from African culture with ballet, jazz, and modern dance! Ages 4 and up. Grades K-8.

  • Sat, April 2 at 2pm & 5pm
  • Sun, April 3 at 2pm
  • Fri, April 8 at 7pm
  • Sat, April 9 at 11am & 2pm
  • Sun, April 10 at 2pm

3/3/22 – Health and Safety Protocol

Official page | Facebook event |

 

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TCT Presents The World-Premiere Adaptation of THE WIZ JR. 

TCTC_The Wiz Jr logoAt the Taft Theatre this April   

Cincinnati – Audiences are invited to “Ease On Down The Road” to the Taft Theatre when The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati (TCT) presents the world-premiere adaptation of THE WIZ JR., April 2-11, 2022. This fresh 60-minute version rounds out the company’s 21-22 MainStage Season. Tickets are on sale now.

THE WIZ JR. features an all-BIPOC staging team. Director Zhailon Levingston comes to Cincinnati straight from directing Chicken & Biscuits on Broadway, as well as Hadestown, and Tina: The Tina Turner Musical. Choreographer Tislarm Bouie has appeared in numerous Broadway shows, commercials, movies, and live events like SNL and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Seth Howard, a recent graduate of the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, is the show’s Scenic Designer. Jason Alexander Holmes, renowned music educator, performer, and Artistic Director of the Cincinnati Boychoir, serves as the Music Director. Contributing spectacular costume designs to the show, Dr. Daryl Harris is a professor teaching diverse interdisciplinary theatre courses at the Northern Kentucky University School of the Arts (SOTA).

Like an emerald, this precious Broadway gem infuses L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz with a dazzling mix of rock, gospel, and soul music. THE WIZ JR. is a vibrant take on Dorothy’s adventures through the Land of Oz and a fun, family-friendly musical that is considered one of the most popular and creative theatrical adaptations of all time. Packed with iconic songs like “Ease On Down the Road” and “Brand New Day,” this musical includes exciting dance numbers which blend traditional movement from African culture with ballet, jazz, and modern dance! The Wiz originally opened on Broadway on January 5, 1974. A film adaptation starring Diana Ross premiered on October 24, 1978. In 2015, NBC presented The Wiz Live!, a live television adaptation of the stage musical starring Shanice Williams as Dorothy Gale.

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 & BiscuitsHadestown, 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.

Ideal for ages 4+.

Showtimes for THE WIZ JR. include:

  • Saturday, April 2 at 2pm
  • Saturday, April 2 at 5pm
  • Sunday, April 3 at 2pm
  • Friday, April 8 at 7pm
  • Saturday, April 9 at 11am
  • Saturday, April 9 at 2pm
  • Sunday, April 10 at 2pm

All The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s Broadway-style MainStage productions, including THE WIZ JR.are performed in the historic Taft Theatre, at 5th and Sycamore Streets in Downtown Cincinnati. Tickets start at $10. Visit thechildrenstheatre.com for tickets.

School performances of THE WIZ JRwill be held April 5-8 and 11, 2022, during thedaytime hours.

The sensory-friendly performance of THE WIZ JR. on Wednesday, April 6 at 1 PM is intended for individuals on the autism spectrum, as well as children (and adults) with other special needs who may benefit. To create a sensory-friendly performance, the show is performed ina welcoming, supportive environment for those with sensory challenges. Slight adjustments to lighting and sound are made, and effects such as fog, strobes, and lights that extend into the audience areminimalized. A downloadable Social Narrative (in Word format) is made available on the TCT website one week before the performance. At thetheater, TCT provides an area staffed by specialists in the field where patrons can take a break from the performance if necessary, and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center has trained staff on hand.

For details about howto purchase tickets to TCT’s School orSensory-Friendly performances, visit https://thechildrenstheatre.com/shows/the-wiz-jr/.

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati asks audiences to join us in providing the safest space possible for patrons big and small, cast, crew, volunteers, and staff. The following protocol will be in place for THE WIZ JR.:

  1. Masks are required for ALL ticketholders age 2+, regardless of vaccination status.
  2. All patrons ages 12+ must provide proof of *full COVID-19 vaccination or proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test result administered within 72 hours of show start time. A negative rapid antigen test administered within 24 hours or proof of natural immunity via antibodies will also be accepted — that test would need to have occurred within six months from the date of the show you are attending. Self-reported negative test results that are not from a test provider, a laboratory, or a health care provider cannot be accepted. This rule applies to teachers and chaperones during our daytime school performances and at all public shows.

To enter the theater, please bring a photo ID and one of the following:

  • Original vaccine card or test result
  • Photograph or copy of vaccine card or test result
  • Photograph of vaccine card or test result stored on your electronic device
  • *Fully vaccinated means the performance you attend is at least 14 days after your final vaccine dose.
  • Please note: photo IDs are not required for children.
  • Guests who need a reasonable mask accommodation for medical reasons must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to entering the theater regardless of vaccination status. A negative rapid antigen test administered within 24 hours will also be accepted.
  1. If you are experiencing symptoms (i.e., fever, chills, cough), please stay home and do not attend the event. Instead, contact the Box Office at 513-569-8080 x10 to discuss your ticket options. Read about our refund policy here.
  2. Our public performance seating will not be socially distanced. Please contact the TCT Box Office with any questions at 513-569-8080 x10 or email us at tickets@tctcincinnati.com.
  3. School show capacities will be limited, and school groups will be separated from one another to the best of our ability during daytime school performances.
  4. No concessions will be sold during any performance.
  5. No food or drinks will be allowed in the theater.
  6. No merchandise will be sold during any performance.
  7. Autographs for subscribers and Crown Club members after public performances have been postponed indefinitely.
  8. Protect yourself and others. Thank you!

2022-23 Season Subscriptions

Regular subscriptions for our next 22-23 MainStage Season are on sale now and start at just $43. All subscriptions and single tickets remain refundable during the pandemic if you are unable to attend due to COVID-19. Find out more about subscribing at https://thechildrenstheatre.com/subscribe/.

THE WIZ JR. is made possible by the generosity of Production Sponsor: the PNC Foundation, Hotel Sponsor: The Summit Hotel, Dress Run Sponsor: TriHealth, The Change Fund Sponsor: The Wohlgemuth Herschede Foundation, and Season Sponsors: ArtsWave, Ohio Arts Council, 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.

CAST (In Alphabetical Order) 

  • Kevin Bell – Vocal Ensemble
  • Will Gibson – Scarecrow
  • Brittany “Harmony” Hayes – Ensemble
  • LaShondra Hood – Vocal Ensemble
  • *Diana Hutchinson – Ensemble
  • Je’Shaun Jackson – Lion
  • Kyndra Jefferies – Addaperle
  • Dorion Katriel – Tin Man
  • *Rosie Kipperman – Ensemble
  • Jazz McMullen – The Wiz/Munchkin #6
  • Deondra Means – Ensemble
  • *Peyton Morgan – Ensemble
  • Ashley Morton – Ensemble
  • Spring Starr Pillow – Evillene/Munchkin #5
  • Kayla Sankofa – Ensemble
  • Tia Seay – Glinda/Winkie #6
  • Brandi Langford Sherrill – Dorothy
  • Thomas Les Smith – Ensemble
  • DeAndre Smith – Vocal Ensemble
  • Kathy Wade – Aunt Em/Ozian #6
  • Tangernika Wyatt – Vocal Ensemble
  • Aleah Vassell – Vocal Ensemble

*Denotes Youth Ensemble

Understudies: For Dorothy – Diana Hutchinson; for Tin Man and Scarecrow – Thomas Les Smith; for Evillene – Brittany Hayes; for Uncle Henry, Lord High Underling, and Gatekeeper – Kevin Bell; for Glinda and Aunt Em – Tangernika Wyatt; for Addapearle – LaShondra Hood; for Lion and The Wiz – R. DeAnde Smith  

-end-

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Cast Announced for THE WIZ JR at The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati

TCTC_new logoThe cast includes:

  • Kevin Bell
  • Will Gibson
  • Brittany “Harmony” Hayes
  • Lashondra Hood
  • Diana Hutchinson
  • Je’Shaun Jackson
  • Kyndra Jefferies
  • Dorion Katrel
  • Rosie Kipperman
  • Deondra Means
  • Jazz McMullen
  • Peyton Morgan
  • Ashley Morton
  • Spring Star Pillow
  • Kayla Sankofa
  • Tia Seay
  • Brandi Langford Sherrill
  • Thomas Smith
  • R Deandre Smith
  • Aleah Vassel
  • Kathy Wade
  • Tangernika Wyatt

Directed by Zhailon Levingston & choreographed by Tislarm Bouie

Performances run April 2-11 at the Taft Theatre.

For more information visit https://thechildrenstheatre.com/shows/the-wiz-jr/

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Full-Time Scenic Painter Sought by The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati

TCTC_new logoSCENIC PAINTER (FULL-TIME)

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

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

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

Core Beliefs:

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

Position Overview:
The Scenic Painter can read and interpret paint elevations, and is knowledgeable in art techniques as they relate to scenic art. The Scenic Painter is able to work independently to complete tasks assigned to them safely and quickly without constant and direct oversight.  The Scenic Painter is also able to work collaboratively with other members of the company.  The Scenic Painter is willing and eager to assist other departments to help fulfill the goals of the company. The Scenic Painter of The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati (TCT) reports directly to the Scenic Charge Artist to assist the organization in fulfilling its mission.

Responsibilities: Duties include but are not limited to:

  • Work with the Scenic Charge Artist to understand the vision and needs of the production
  • Work with the Scenic Charge Artist to create techniques and samples
  • Track supplies while keeping the shop well organized and clean
  • Paint all TCT productions along with the Scenic Charge Artist and over hire as needed
  • Assist as needed with Load-in and Load-out of all sets
  • Creating a “touch-up” kit and touching up the scenery as necessary on location
  • Assist with any needs for STAR Programs, TCT on Tour, WorkShops, Academy & lobby displays when applicable 

Ideal and Minimum Qualifications:

  • BA or equivalent in theatre, or 4 years scenic painting experience
  • Knowledge of scenic painting techniques, including color mixing, faux finishes, spattering, cartooning, texturing, aging, and distressing
  • Able to lift up to 40lbs, safely climb stairs and ladders, and use aerial work platforms
  • Knowledge and experience with scenic sprayers including P50, Hudson, Preval, and Pneumatic
  • Able to read and interpret paint elevations
  • Self-motivated and able to work independently and safely
  • Excellent time management and organizational skills
  • Realistic problem-solving attitude
  • Valid driver’s license

Compensation & Benefits:

  • Wage Range: $15-18/hr. A typical work week is 35 hours.
  • 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 based on years of service.
  • Generous paid holiday schedule.

How 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.
  • Email: submissions@tctcincinnati.com
  • Subject Line: SC Submission 2022
  • Application deadline: Midnight: February 11, 2022
  • Start Date: February/March 2022

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

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Full-Time Production Manager Sought by The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati

TCTC_new logoPRODUCTION MANAGER (Full-Time)

Position Overview:

The Production Manager is part of the leadership team at TCT and assists the organization in fulfilling its mission of educating, entertaining and engaging audiences of all ages through professional theatrical productions and arts education programming.  The Production Manager coordinates all technical and production contracting elements of TCT productions, with the Artistic Director. The Production Manager directly supports and upholds the production integrity of Artistic Director’s vision for the organization and supports the Managing Director/CEO’s fiscal responsibility to the organization.

The Production Manager of The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati reports daily to the Artistic Director and reports financials to the Managing Director/CEO. The Production Manager supervises and schedules Union Crews, Contracted Designers, and a growing fulltime team which currently consists of The Technical Director, The Property Master, Resident Stage Manager, and the Resident Costume Designer.

Responsibilities: The Production Manager’s duties include but are not limited to:

TCT | MainStage 

  • Working closely with the Finance Director, the Managing Director/CEO, and the Artistic Director to form the Season budget
  • Assist the TD, Scenic Charge, Properties Master and Costume Shop Manager in creating build schedules
  • Manage and help to create production and design budget goals
  •  Coordinate Taft and Union schedules, contract negotiations, and hiring
  • Manage contracts and assess need for hiring of additional technical contractors (for example: painters, scenic and costume designers, carpenters, stitchers, wig masters, hair and make-up artists, sound and lighting designers, musicians, crew, stage combat instructors, puppet engineers, master electricians)
  • Schedule budget forecast meetings with Artistic Director and Managing Director/CEO
  • Attendance at some performances and technical rehearsals
  • Responding to reports after performances and rehearsals as needed

Education and Outreach

  • Organize and execute technical needs and over-hire contracts for the final performances of TCT Academy classes, TCT on Tour performances, summer programming, and any presenting performances from outside tours.
  • Manage build schedule for TCT On Tour 

Technical Theatre Coordination

  • Manage production and tech schedule for all divisions
  • Coordinate transportation needs and the return of rented or borrowed items
  • Coordinate TCT company calendar with Operations/Development and manage internal production calendar
  • Coordinate contracting and scheduling talent with the Associate Artistic Director for any events, photoshoots, appearances, etc.
  • Manage union schedules and union hiring
  • Assess the current inventories and future technical needs with the TD
  • Schedule all production meetings for all productions across TCT divisions
  • Develop and enforce practices that ensure safe, effective, efficient production facilities
  • Make recommendations regarding capital purchases of technical equipment
  • Supervise production and tech schedule for all divisions.

Ideal and Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Technical Theater or related field, or equivalent work experience
  • Experience in managing production budgets
  • Broad understanding of all aspects of technical theatre
  • Union and independent contract negotiations
  • Experience tracking build schedules for technical departments
  • Exceptional relationship building, interpersonal and communication skills
  • Collaboration with a tight-knit, mission-oriented, and dedicated staff
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Office
  • Ability to work with people from a wide variety of backgrounds
  • Maintain a flexible but balanced work schedule, while prepping their reports to effectively do their duties, which often occur during irregular and extended working hours.
  • Ability to analyze and evaluate the need for technical support for various events or performances
  • Familiarity with industry standard theatrical software.
  • Prior experience supervising and building a team in a time sensitive environment
  • Excellent problem solving and communication skills, both written and oral are imperative
  • Valid Driver’s License
  • Ability to step in and perform basic duties of their employees in a pinch

Salary and Benefits:

  • Annual Salary Range: $50,000-$70,000
  • Health, vision and dental benefits available, partially subsidized by employer contributions, after a waiting period
  • 403(b) retirement plan participation available with eligibility for an employer match after one year of credited service
  • Very generous PTO based on years of service
  • Generous paid holiday schedule

How to Apply:

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

  • Email: submissions@tctcincinnati.com
  • Subject Line: PM Submission 2022
  • Application deadline: Midnight:  January 31, 2022
  • Start Date: February/March 2022

Link to listing on TCTC’s website |

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