Tag Archives: The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati

January 22, 2020 · 11:56 am

TCTC Presents HARRIET TUBMAN: STRAIGHT UP OUTTA’ THE UNDERGROUND on the Showtime Stage

TCTC_Harriet Tubman 3

Brandi Langford-Sherrill as Harriet Tubman. Photo by Julia Fowler.

Her story hidden in secrecy no more, The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati (TCT) brings HARRIET TUBMAN: STRAIGHT UP OUTTA THE UNDERGROUND performed by TCT On Tour (TCT’s touring division) to the Ralph and Patricia Corbett Showtime Stage March 14-15, 2020.

​​​​Bring the past to the present and change the future with this one-woman interactive storytelling experience. Uncover the painful truth about America’s 200-year-old struggle with slavery when you play a part in this historic retelling. On this journey, audiences will follow Harriet Tubman, the most recognized conductor of the Underground Railroad. Nicknamed “Moses,” Harriet Tubman lived up to this name by gaining her own freedom, as well as traveling back and forth from North to South more than 19 times and freeing 300 slaves!

TCT Tour Manager and Resident Artist, Brandi Langford-Sherrill, will bring this story to life on stage.  The production will be directed by Deondra Kamau Means. The show was co-created by A. James Jones, Brandi Langford-Sherril, and Deondra Kamau Means. 

HARRIET TUBMAN: STRAIGHT UP OUTTA THE UNDERGROUND is most enjoyed by those in grades 3-8 as well as adults and will be presented on the Ralph and Patricia Corbett Showtime Stage, 4015 Red Bank Road, Cincinnati, OH  45227. Only 152 seats are available for each performance. A question-and-answer session follows every show.

Performances will be held:

  • Saturday, March 14 at 2 PM and 5 PM
  • Sunday, March 15 at 2 PM

Tickets to each production are $10 each (plus service fees) and are available exclusively through ticketmaster.com or by visiting TCT’s Red Bank Road Ticket Office, M-F, 9am-6pm. Mainstage subscribers pay just $7 per ticket – a savings of $3. Tickets available now.

TCT On Tour is bringing this production to schools and venues around the Tri-State and throughout the region.  If you’re interested in booking, please contact Violet Webster at 513-569-8080 x20 or by emailing violet.webster@tctcincinnati.com.

Thematic Connections include: American History, Ancestry, Arts Integration, Bullying, Civics/Politics, Compassion, Courage, Courage and Honor, Creative Thinking, Critical Thinking, Cross-Curricular, Diversity, Exploring Differences in Others, Exploring Differences Within, Fairness, Freedom, Government, Growth and Change, History, Humility, Imagination, Improvisation, Multi-Cultural, Music, Performance, Possibilities, Responsibility, Self-Esteem, Sharing, Social Studies, Strength of Character, Teamwork, Women’s History.

Don’t miss The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s Podcast, Audio Footlights. Hosted by Producing Artistic Director, Roderick Justice, this podcast is designed to look at the shows TCT produces, and to ignite, impact and inspire young listeners to have a lifelong love of theatre. This free TCT Podcast runs approximately eight minutes, and will be available on iTunes as well as Stitcher, SoundCloud, GooglePlay, TuneIn and Spotify soon!  Here’s a link to SoundCloud:  https://soundcloud.com/tctcincinnati.

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s TCT On Tour productions are made possible by PNC. TCT On Tour is supported by the generosity of the L&L Nippert Charitable Foundation. The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati is supported by the Ohio Arts Council and the generosity of the tens of thousands of contributors to the ArtsWave Community Campaign. This project supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts. To find out more about how National Endowment for the Arts grants impact individuals and communities, visit www.arts.gov. 

TCT On Tour Actor Bio:
BRANDI LANGFORD-SHERRILL — Brandi is a graduate of The School for Creative and Performing Arts. Currently, she is a TCT Resident Artist and Tour Manager of TCT on Tour. Brandi has been with TCT since 2010 when she appeared on the MainStage during the 10-11 and 12-13 seasons. In 2013, she began touring with TCT on Tour, performing various roles including Coretta Scott King, Harriet Tubman and Maya Angelou. In 2018, she appeared on the TCT MainStage as Lois Lane in TCT’s production of SUPERMAN™. Brandi resides in Cincinnati with her husband Michael and their three beautiful children Jordan, Tyson and Kennedi. 

-end-

Leave a comment

Filed under Events, Family-Friendly, Press Releases

Tagged as

January 7, 2020 · 11:19 am

JumpStart Theatre Application Now Available

Schools with Grades 5-8 can apply for services and materials valued at $12K

TCTC_JumpStart final performance 2019

From the 2019 JumpStart Theatre Showcase at the Taft Theatre.  Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

Applications are now available to participate in the middle school initiative, JumpStart Theatre, managed by The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati.

All Cincinnati tri-state area middle schools and schools with grades 5-8 may apply to participate in JumpStart Theatre. Applications can be completed and submitted online beginning January 6, through February 15, 2020. Selected schools will be announced in the spring and will begin implementing the program in their school in the fall of 2020.

Participant schools are chosen through the online application which is now available at: https://thechildrenstheatre.com/2019/12/jumpstart-theatre-program/

Training & Ongoing Mentoring:
Each selected school will receive services and materials valued at $12,000 in the form of training, mentoring, and production support for a show for their community. Students will be involved in every aspect of the production, and TCT will also host an annual JumpStart Theatre showcase, bringing all the participants together to share their work.

Three teachers from each participating school are taught the techniques and skills to develop and manage a musical theatre program (everything from casting, to rehearsal schedules, to staging/choreography and technical requirements, to cultivating parent/community engagement, to achieving economic sustainability) through a series of three, full-day professional development “boot camps” each year of the three-year program, plus an ongoing mentoring/coaching relationship with an experienced theatre teaching artist.

Timeline:

  • January 6 through February 15, 2020 (11:59 PM) – Applications accepted
  • February – March 2020 – Interviews for schools who have applied and Site Visits for Finalists
  • April 2020 – Selected schools notified & orientation for selected schools
  • May 2020 – Planning for 2020-2021 school year (submit show selections, boot camp dates determined, contracts signed)
  • Fall 2020 – Program begins at selected sites

About JumpStart Theatre:
JumpStart Theatre is a collaboration among the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA), and New York City-based companies, Music Theatre International (MTI) and iTheatrics. The program trains educators to develop sustainable arts programs at underserved middle schools that do not currently offer theatre in the curriculum or after school.

“Studies have shown that theatre education helps our young people become better students and citizens. The experience of being in a musical teaches life skills like accountability, respect, teamwork, discipline, risk-taking, and creativity,” said Julie Theobald Executive Director of EdTA.

Kim Kern, Managing Director and CEO of The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati said, “JumpStart Theatre is a natural extension of The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s goal to fill the gap left by the reduction of arts education in schools, and to provide equitable access to the arts for all children.  This program gives schools the tools they need to build a sustainable musical theatre program, while providing students with exposure to the arts and building life skills such as increased self-esteem and social skills.”

-end-

Leave a comment

Filed under Press Releases

Tagged as

December 16, 2019 · 11:53 am

Disney’s DESCENDANTS The Musical Kicks Off The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s 101st Season

TCTC_The Descendants logoThe Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati is announcing the opening title of their 101st season, and it’s only fitting for Cruella De Vil to show up for the celebration – along with three other famous Disney super-villains in DISNEY’S DESCENDANTS!  Disney Channel’s smash hit movie musical comes to life on stage October 10-19, 2020 at the Taft Theatre.  The nation’s oldest children’s theatre is thrilled to present the pop culture phenomenon that mashes up of your favorite classic characters in a fun, fresh and feisty new Disney adventure.

About the Show:  It is present-day, and in the kingdom of Auradon, all of Disney’s beloved heroes and royalty are living happily ever after, safe from the terrifying villains and troublesome sidekicks they have banished to the magic-free Isle of the Lost. That is until Ben, the benevolent teenage son of Belle and King Adam (The Beast), offers a chance of redemption for the troublemaking offspring of the evilest villains. Mal, Evie, Jay and Carlos – the children of Maleficent, the Evil Queen, Cruella De Vil, and Jafar – are welcomed to Auradon Prep to attend school with the children of their parents’ sworn enemies. Now entering a completely foreign world and way of life, the four Villain Kids have a difficult choice to make: should they follow in their parents’ wicked footsteps or learn to be good?

The show will be directed by TCT’s Producing Artistic Director, Roderick Justice, who said, “We are elated to produce this brand-new Disney musical about breaking the stereotype mold and being the best person possible, even if it means going against what everyone thinks of you.  This musical will be enjoyed by audiences of all ages and a wonderful beginning to our 101st season!”

Show Credits: Book by Nick Blaemire; Songs by Johan Alkenas, Adam Anders, Aristeidis Archontis, Antonina Armato, Howard Ashman, Par Astrom, Stephen Mark Conley, Doug Davis, Charity Daw, Andrew C. Dodd, Josh Edmondson, Pipo Fernandez, Nikki Hassman, Samuel Hollander, Ben Hosteler, Hannah Jones, Jack Kugell, Craig Lashley, Andrew Lippa, Jeannie Lurie, Alan Menken, Grant Phillip Michaels, Anthony Mirabella, Shayna Mordue, Chen Neeman, Susan Paroff, Shelly M. Peiken, Joacim Persson, James K. Petrie, Timothy James Price, Adam Schlesinger, Adam Schmalholz, Tyler Shamy, Jodie Shihadeh, Nikki Ann Sorrentino, Thomas Armato Sturges, Ali Dee Theodore, Matthew Wong, David Zippel.

Music Adaptation by Madeline Smith. Vocal and Incidental Arrangements by Madeline Smith. Additional Lyrics by Nick Blaemire. Orchestrations by Matthew Tishler. Music Produced by Matthew Tishler.

The other three productions in TCT’s 2020-21 season will be announced during TCT’s production of ANNIE JR. opening on February 29, 2020, however subscription renewals, as well as new season subscriptions and memberships can be purchased today: https://thechildrenstheatre.com/subscribe/

Show Dates for 2020-2021 at the Taft Theatre:

  • DISNEY’S DESCENDANTS:  October 10-19, 2020
  • Show 2 TBA:  December 5-December 14, 2020
  • Show 3 TBA:  February 13-Feb. 22, 2021
  • Show 4 TBA:  April 17-April 26, 2021

For the first time TCT is offering two membership types:

  • Traditional Subscriptions — Guaranteed seats, same seats, same time for every show. Ticket exchanges. Free parking – BEST DEAL!
  • NEW Flex Pass Membership Package(s) of 6 vouchers to be redeemed at any performance.

Please note: Becoming a Traditional 4-Show Subscriber is the only way to guarantee seats to DISNEY’S DESCENDANTS.

Showtimes Are Changing in 20-21
To better accommodate our little patrons, we have adjusted our showtimes. TCT will now host 11 AM shows on both Saturdays! The 5 PM showtimes will be discontinued and Friday 7:30 PM show will be moving up to 7 PM.  (This does not affect showtimes for the rest of the 2019-2020 season.)

Season 2020-2021 Showtimes will be:

First Weekend:

  • Saturday at 11 AM
  • Saturday at 2 PM
  • Sunday at 2 PM

Second Weekend:

  • Friday at 7 PM
  • Saturday at 11 AM
  • Saturday at 2 PM
  • Sunday at 2 PM

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

-end-

Leave a comment

Filed under Family-Friendly, Press Releases

Tagged as

December 13, 2019 · 10:49 am

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati Presents ANNIE JR.

TCTC_Diana Hutchinson as Annie 2 smaller

Diana Hutchinson as Annie. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

A beloved musical about a plucky orphan, determined to find a family

CINCINNATI:  The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati is pleased to present ANNIE JR. at the Taft Theatre February 29-March 9, 2020.

Based on the popular comic strip “Little Orphan Annie,” and featuring classic songs like “Tomorrow,” and “NYC,” ANNIE JR. is a heartwarming story for the entire family.

Leapin’ Lizards! America’s most charming orphan is back and spunkier than ever! With equal measures of pluck and positivity, Annie charms everyone’s hearts, despite a next-to-nothing start in the “hoovervilles” of 1930s New York. She is determined to find her parents, who abandoned her eleven years ago on the doorstep of an orphanage run by the callous Miss Hannigan. With the help the other girls in the orphanage, Annie sings and dances her way through an unforgettable Big Apple adventure, finding a new family along the way.

Book by Thomas Meehan, music by Charles Strouse, lyrics by Martin Charnin, presented on Broadway by Mike Nichols, originally produced by Irwin Meyer, Stephen R. Friedman, Lewis Allen, Alvin Nederlander Associates, Inc., The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Icarus Productions. Based on “Little Orphan Annie”® by permission of The Tribune Content Agency, LLC.  The show will be directed and choreographed by Eric Byrd, Associate Artistic Director of The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati.

Showtimes for ANNIE JR. include:

  • Saturday, February 29 at 2 PM* (this performance is signed for the hearing impaired)
  • Sunday, March 1 at 2 PM and 5 PM
  • Friday, March 6 at 7:30 PM
  • Saturday, March 7 at 2 PM and 5 PM
  • Sunday, March 8 at 11 AM (Sensory-Friendly performance) and 2 PM

All of The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s Broadway-style MainStage productions, including ANNIE JR., are performed in the historic Taft Theatre, 5th and Sycamore Streets in Downtown Cincinnati. Tickets start at $10 and are available through www.ticketmaster.com.

School performances of ANNIE JR. will be held March 3-6 and March 9, 2020 during the daytime hours.  For details about how to purchase tickets to TCT’s school performances, visit www.thechildrenstheatre.com.

A special sensory-friendly performance will take place on March 8.

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s production of ANNIE JR. is made possible by the generosity of Production Sponsors: Martha S. Lindner on behalf of Back2Back Ministries, and Chemed; Season Sponsors H.B., E. W. and F. R. Luther Foundation and the Charles H. Dater Foundation; and 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.  Media sponsors are LOCAL 12 and Q102.  Sea of Smiles Pediatric Dentistry is TCT’s Ticket Envelope Season Sponsor.  First Watch: The Daytime Café is TCT’s Crown Club Sponsor. 

CAST

  • Katie Arber…Miss Hannigan
  • David Armando…Bundles/Bert Healy
  • Cammi Caldwell…Annette, u/s Star-To-Be
  • Sara Cox…Mrs. Greer, u/s Grace
  • Celia Joy D’Ascenzo…Molly
  • Marlo D’Ascenzo…Kate, u/s Annie
  • Isabela De Paz…Susie
  • Lauren Everett…Grace
  • Trinity G. Gibson…Duffy
  • Justin Glaser…Oliver Warbucks
  • Courtney Hammonds…Pepper
  • Tommi Harsch…Lily
  • Alyssa Hart…Tessie
  • Ndaya Hoskins…Ensemble, u/s Annette, Cecille
  • Diana Hutchinson…Annie
  • Kyndra Dyanne Jefferies…Apple Seller, Mrs. Pugh, u/s Miss Hannigan
  • Julia J. Kirkham…July
  • Ethan Kuchta…Ensemble, u/s Howe
  • Katelyn Moore …Ensemble, u/s Mrs. Pugh, Mrs. Greer
  • Sara Moore…Ensemble, Servant & Orphan Swing
  • Claire Northcut…Star-To-Be
  • Dain Alan Paige…Drake, u/s Warbucks
  • Nasir Peterson…Ensemble, u/s Bundles
  • Jeremiah Plessinger…Rooster
  • Sammy Schechter…Ensemble, u/s Rooster
  • Mark Ross Schutzman…Ensemble, u/s Ward
  • Kate Stark…Cecille, u/s Lily
  • Jake Stibbe…Ensemble, u/s Drake
  • Nyla Jolie Thomas…Zeldy
  • CJ Zimmer…Ensemble, u/s Dog Catcher

1 Comment

Filed under Cast list, Press Releases

Tagged as

December 10, 2019 · 1:08 pm

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati Holding Auditions for STAR Programs

TCTC_new logoChildren ages 9-18 (going into their Senior year of High School) can now register to audition for the renowned STAR Intensive NKU and STAR Camp Red Bank programs with The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati. Auditions will be held at The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s facility, 4015 Red Bank Road, Cincinnati, OH 45227 on:

  • Sunday, January 26 from 1 PM to 6:00 PM
  • Sunday, February 2 from 1 PM to 6:00 PM

Appointments are mandatory. You MUST set up an audition in advance. Audition time slots are on a first-come, first-served basis. You may only register for ONE audition slot.  If you need to cancel or make changes, please follow the link in your registration email.  Multiple slots for a single actor will be cancelled.  To register for an audition please visit: https://thechildrenstheatre.com/jobs-auditions/

What to Prepare:

  • A memorized, age-appropriate monologue (1 minute MAX). It should showcase your acting skills.
  • A memorized 16-bar song selection that best shows your vocal range. Remember to bring your PIANO SHEET MUSIC for your song in a 3 ring binder with music CLEARLY marked. An accompanist will be provided. The sheet music MUST have the piano part, not just the vocal line.
  • You may be asked to show us your dance ability, so come prepared. Wear appropriate shoes and clothing you can move in. No flip flops.
  • Upon online registration, you MUST upload a RECENT picture; please ALSO bring your 8×10 headshot and theatrical resume with you to your audition we WILL request a paper copy.
  • Please plan to arrive at least 20 minutes ahead of your appointment for check-in. If we are ahead of schedule, you may audition early. 

ABOUT STAR INTENSIVE NKU:
Our STAR Intensive NKU program 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 theatre business to help them become well-rounded performers in all areas of Musical Theatre.  The 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 Play festival!  STAR Intensive NKU participants will have the opportunity to be considered for additional high-level training in our Academy through our invitation-only classes.

When:  July 6 – August 2, 2020, weekdays 10 AM to 4 PM at Northern Kentucky University

Tuition: $660

Security deposit of $160 due upon acceptance into the program.  Payment plans and scholarships are available. 

ABOUT STAR CAMP RED BANK:
STAR Camp Red Bank is our program for gifted and talented students who are advanced in some areas of musical theatre and who have progressed beyond the basic levels of training.  For three weeks in July, a select number of students will work with leading professionals in the theatre business to help them improve and become well-rounded performers in all areas of Musical Theatre.  STAR Red Bank culminates in a Musical Theatre showcase featuring some of the most popular songs and scenes from the Broadway repertoire!

When:  July 6-24, 2020, weekdays 9 AM to 4 PM at The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s facility, 4015 Red Bank Road, Cincinnati, OH  45227

Tuition: $525

Security deposit of $125 due upon acceptance into the program.  Payment plans and scholarships are available.

-end-

Leave a comment

Filed under Auditions, Family-Friendly

Tagged as