Tag Archives: The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati

August 30, 2018 · 8:57 am

TCT Presents The Frisch Marionette Company’s Production of THE WIZARD OF OZ

FMC_The Wizard of Oz logoThe Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati is proud to present The Frisch Marionette Company performing everyone’s favorite story of Dorothy’s trip over the rainbow, THE WIZARD OF OZ.

TCT’s Producing Artistic Director, Roderick Justice says, “Frisch Marionettes is one of the most mesmerizing live theatrical performances I have ever witnessed.  We are excited to share this experience with you and bring this story to life on our Showtime Stage on Red Bank.”

Kim Kern, TCT’s Managing Director and CEO says, “At TCT, we believe it is vital to collaborate with other arts organizations to provide a variety of age appropriate arts experiences to instill a love of the arts in our future generations of arts patrons.”

THE WIZARD OF OZ is an American fairytale and is an inspiring story about unlocking the potential that exists within each of us.  This production is one of The Frisch Marionettes’ proudest achievements.  Celebrate America’s rich musical heritage as you travel down the Yellow Brick Road with Dorothy to find out why a Lion, Tinman and Strawman are all singing the Blues.

Produced and directed by Kevin Frisch.

This show is ideal for children ages 4+.  Learn more about the art of puppetry when Kevin Frisch hosts a kid-friendly talkback after each performance.

Tickets are $15 each plus service fee and are available exclusively through ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000.

Discounts are not available for these performances.  Every person, regardless of age, needs a ticket. Children 0 to 12 months who do not need a seat and will sit on your lap will be required to have an Infant Lap Pass for each show in every seating location throughout the theater. Lap Passes are just $1.

Performances will be held:

  • Friday, September 14, 2018 at 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
  • Friday, September 14, 2018 at 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm — Special Homeschool performance
  • Saturday, September 15, 2018 at 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
  • Saturday, September 15, 2018 at 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
  • Sunday, September 16, 2018 at 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Performed on The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s Ralph and Patricia Corbett’s Showtime Stage, 4015 Red Bank Road, Cincinnati, OH  45227.

About Kevin Frisch and The Frisch Marionette Company:
In 1986, Kevin Frisch moved to New York City and joined The Puppetworks, Inc. of Brooklyn, New York. The next nine years were spent touring the New York Metropolitan area as well as performing in The Puppetworks’ permanent theatres in Brooklyn and Macy’s Herald Square. In 1995, Kevin established The Frisch Marionettes in Cincinnati as an exceptional entertainment and educational experience for children and adults alike, proclaiming the many virtues of this unusual art form.  Kevin Frisch has built puppets, masks and costumes for The Central Park Zoo, New York Aquarium and The Puppetworks Inc. of New York. His puppets have been seen in People Magazine, SHOWTIMES’ “Twisted Puppet Theater”, the PBS Documentary “The American Puppet,” and onstage with The Cincinnati Opera as well as in the New York store windows of ‘Saks 5th Ave.’, ‘Bloomingdale’s’ and ‘Hermes New York’ and in the family film “Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium” featuring Dustin Hoffman and Natalie Portman. Kevin and his puppets have appeared in television commercials for Joseph Toyota of Cincinnati. Most recently, his puppets have appeared in the hit television shows “2 Broke Girls” on CBS and “Warehouse 13” on the Syfy channel.  For the past five seasons, The Frisch Marionette Company has designed puppets for TCT’s MainStage productions at the Taft Theatre.

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August 22, 2018 · 2:54 pm

Contracted Teaching Artists in Musical Theatre/Dance, Vocal Music and Acting Sought by Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati

TCTC_new logoOrganizational Overview:
TCT’s mission is to educate, entertain and engage audiences of all ages through professional theatrical productions and arts education programming.  We fulfill our mission through three primary programs:

  • TCT MainStage at the Taft Theatre – We welcome over 102,000 children, teachers, and family members from across the Tri-State, to one of our four family-friendly and professional musical theater productions at the historic Taft.
  • TCT On Tour – We see over 83,000 children and their families at one of our touring performances or during an arts-integration workshop or residency.
  • TCT Academy – Over 1,200 children will be provided fine arts instruction, including the group that participates in the four-week intensive summer NKU STAR Intensive and three-week STAR Red Bank program where we offer professional musical theatre training to some of the region’s most talented youth.

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

Core Beliefs:

  • We believe in the power of theater 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 Overviews:
TCT is seeking contracted teaching artists in the areas of Musical Theatre/Dance, Vocal Music and Acting to teach classes during our fall and winter/spring seven and fifteen-week Academy sessions. 

Responsibilities:

  • Teaching multiple classes within your performance discipline at beginner, intermediate and advanced levels.
  • Following, and assisting with developing/revising, existing lesson plan curricula.
  • Conducting student assessments, following an established rubric, for distribution to parents at the end of a class session.
  • Use of class registration system (Active Network) to communicate with parents/students in your classes.
  • Ordering and maintaining supplies needed for your classes while keeping to an established budget. 

Ideal and Minimum Qualifications:
The ideal candidate holds a BFA in a performing arts field, and possesses the passion to educate, engage and build the next generation of performing artists. A High School Diploma or GED and 3-5 years of theatrical teaching experience is required at a minimum.

Must possess the ability to connect with young audiences and students to teach valuable lessons pertaining to the performing arts.  Must be available to work nights and weekends. 

DIRECTIONS TO APPLY:
Please send your: Cover Letter, Resume, and Letters of Reference to: submissions@tctcincinnati.com with the Subject Line:  ACADEMY TEACHING ARTIST APPLICANT

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August 22, 2018 · 11:11 am

The Sky’s the Limit with The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s 2018-2019 Season!

TCTC_2018-19 Season logoSingle tickets go on sale to the public TODAY!

Cincinnati – Single tickets to all productions in the 2018-2019 Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati MainStage season at the Taft Theatre are available starting TODAY, Wednesday, August 22.  Single ticket prices start at $10 plus fees. Tickets are available through ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000.

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s 94th MainStage season will take audiences “up, up and away” with a SUPER season opener for Tri-State students and families at the Taft Theatre.

TCT MainStage at the Taft season:

  • SUPERMAN™ (October 6-15, 2018)
  • SANTA CLAUS: THE MUSICAL (December 8-17, 2018)
  • DISNEY’S THE JUNGLE BOOK KIDS (February 16-25, 2019)
  • SLEEPING BEAUTY (April 27-May 6, 2019)

“We are 94 years young – and we still haven’t grown up!” said Producing Artistic Director, Roderick Justice.  “Our lineup has something for everyone, while enhancing our mission (To educate, entertain and engage audiences of all ages through professional theatrical productions and arts education programming). After two years in the making, we are thrilled to kick off our season with an exciting collaboration.”

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s creative team, theatrical licensing agent Tams-Witmark, and DC Comics have joined forces to adapt and premier a TYA (Theatre for Young Audiences) version of the 1966 musical It’s A Bird, It’s a Plane, It’s Superman (SUPERMAN™)

President of Tams-Witmark, Sargent Aborn, states, “The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati had this wonderful idea to create a TYA version of “It’s a Bird, It’s a Plane, It’s Superman“. Tams-Witmark and the authors of the show are excited to see the results.”

Along with SUPERMAN™, Season 94 brings to life a regional-premiere holiday musical (Santa Claus: The Musical); a new creative vision in store for Mowgli and his friends (Disney’s The Jungle Book KIDS); and another world-premiere musical with Ken Jones (Sleeping Beauty).

About the MainStage at the Taft Season:

SUPERMAN™
October 6-15, 2018

Book by David Newman and Robert Benton. Based upon the comic strip “Superman.” Music by Charles Strouse. Lyrics by Lee Adams. Broadway production produced by Harold Prince. In association with Ruth Mitchell. Directed for the Broadway stage by Harold Prince. Adapted for Tams-Witmark by The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati. Script Adaption: Eric Byrd, Associate Artistic Director. Musical Arrangements: Brian Hoffman, Music Director. Roderick Justice, Producing Artistic Director

SUPERMAN™ is the tale of Superman’s efforts to defeat a vengeful scientist, the new villain Dr. Abner Sedgwick, who seeks to destroy the world’s symbol of good. In this premiere adaptation of the 1966 musical, It’s a Bird, It’s a Plane, It’s Superman, this brand-new version is a comic book come-to-life. Geared to young audiences, this musical will be sure to soar up, up and away into the hearts of all children and the young at heart. 

SANTA CLAUS: THE MUSICAL
December 8-17, 2018

Book by Noah Putterman. Music & Lyrics by David Christensen & Luke Holloway.

After 1,000 years of faithful service, Santa Claus has decided to retire. But not all the elves in Santa’s Workshop are too thrilled about his chosen replacement. With the help of his tech-savvy daughter, Beatrice, website designer Nick is in for the adventure of his life as he prepares to take over the reins to Santa’s sleigh…before the next Christmas! Jam-packed with a sleigh-full of fun, energetic and original Christmas music, Santa Claus: The Musical will be sure to put you and your entire family in the holiday spirit! 

DISNEY’S THE JUNGLE BOOK KIDS
February 16-25, 2019

Music and Lyrics by Richard M. Sherman, Robert B. Sherman and Terry Gilkyson.  Book Adapted and Additional Lyrics by Marcy Heisler.  Music Adapted and Arranged by Bryan Louiselle.  Based on the Screenplay by Larry Clemmons.  Based on the Novel, “The Jungle Book” by Rudyard Kipling.

The jungle is jumpin’ with a jazzy beat in Disney’s The Jungle Book KIDS. Specially adapted from the classic Disney animated film, this musical features a host of colorful characters and your favorite songs from the animated movie.  Based on the works of Rudyard Kipling, the “Man-Cub” Mowgli, bounds through the jungle and learns what it means to be human.  You won’t want to miss this culturally-infused and spectacular Disney classic!

SLEEPING BEAUTY
April 27-May 6, 2019

Story and book by Ken Jones, music by Jamey Strawn and lyrics by Christine Jones.

A clever take on the classic fairy tale, this new rock musical comedy is packed with humor, heart and a powerful message!

The impulsive but courageous Princess Aurora (who prefers to be called Rory) defies the age-old tradition of attending ‘Princess School’, and sets out on her own to discover all the Kingdom has to offer. But along the way, she encounters her evil Fairy Godmother, the magnificent Magnilda, who placed a curse on Aurora when she was a child, causing her to fall into a deep sleep. This sleeping beauty will awaken only with a kiss from her true love. Once she is fully awake and ready to rock, the feisty Princess Rory begins a whirlwind quest to defeat Magnilda and restore order to the Kingdom.

The creators of Sleeping Beauty previously wrote TCT’s 2016 production of Snow White and the Dancing Dwarfs, and TCT’s 2013 holiday production of The Day Before Christmas as well as other successful shows including:  Burgertown, CHURCH GIRLS Umatilla USA, and A. LINCOLN: A Pioneer Tale.

Important to note:  The Children’s Theatre’s four Broadway-style MainStage productions will continue to be performed in the historic Taft Theatre in downtown Cincinnati.

Subscriptions for all four productions are still available and range from $43 to $103.  For information, to download an order form, or to order online visit www.thechildrenstheatre.com.

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati is supported by the generosity of almost 40,000 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.

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August 1, 2018 · 3:57 pm

Auditions Announced for Disney’s THE JUNGLE BOOK KIDS and SLEEPING BEAUTY at The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati

TCTC_new logoThe Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati (TCT) is holding auditions in August for the last two MainStage productions of the 18-19 season!

All roles are paid positions. All roles 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.

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

Visit www.thechildrenstheatre.com to sign-up for an audition appointment.

Children ages 9-17 and adults 18+ may make an audition appointment.

Appointments can be made for:

  • Monday, August 20, 2018 between 5:30 PM and 8:30 PM
  • Tuesday, August 21, 2018 between 5:30 PM and 8:30 PM
  • Wednesday, August 22, 2018 between 5:30 PM and 8:30 PM
  • August 23, 2018 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.

JUNGLE BOOK callbacks will take place on Saturday, August 25, 10:30AM – 1:30PM

SLEEPING BEAUTY callbacks will take place on Sunday, August 26, 6:30PM – 9:30PM

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

For information concerning auditions call Eric Byrd at 513-569-8080 ext. 21 or email eric.byrd@tctcincinnati.com. Visit www.thechildrenstheatre.com to sign-up for an audition appointment.

PREPARE

Please prepare one memorized song that best shows your vocal range. (1 minute max).  The song must be an age appropriate.  Remember to have your PIANO SHEET MUSIC, as we will NOT be auditioning your a cappella skills. An accompanist will be provided. Your sheet music MUST have the piano part, not just the vocal line, and music should be in a 3-ring binder with 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.

Due to concentrated rehearsal periods, we ask that you do not have conflicts during rehearsals. In an effort 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.

ABOUT THE PRODUCTIONS

DISNEY’S THE JUNGLE BOOK KIDS is based on the classic Disney musical film with standard vocal requirements.

SLEEPING BEAUTY is a world-premiere rock musical.

DISNEY’S THE JUNGLE BOOK KIDS

Directed by: Roderick Justice

Choreographed by: Paula Rakestraw and Anupa Mirle

Rehearsals: January 12 – February 9, 2019

Tech Rehearsals: February 13 – 15, 2019

Performances:  February 16 – 25, 2019

SEEKING THE FOLLOWING:

MOWGLI: Young Male, Portrays 9-10 years old. A joyful and curious natured boy raised by wolves. Must be able to carry the show and captivate the audience. Loveable but must be a bit feisty. Actor, Singer, Dancer

BAGHERRA: Adult Male or Female. A wise panther who is physically agile and uninhibited. The actor should also be able to lift the actor who plays Mowgli. Bagheera is like an older brother or sister to Mowgli. Actor, Singer, Dancer.

BALOO: Adult Male or Female. Baloo the bear is exuberant with a great natural talent for comic timing, as the comedic relief in the story. Must be able to  lift the actor who plays Mowgli. Actor, Singer, Dancer.

KAA: Adult Male or Female. Kaa, the snake is a threat to Mowgli’s journey out of the jungle. Puppetry skills are a plussss. Alto/Tenor

SHERE KAHN: Adult Male. Shere Khan, the tiger, is King of the Jungle. He is the villain the audience loves to hate. Actor, Singer, Dancer. A Strong Rich Bari-Bass sound.

COLONEL HATHI: Adult Male. Colonel Hathi, the elephant, is in charge of the elephant brigade. but is also a little forgetful. He is good at giving commands but doesn’t really understand what’s going on around him. Actor/Singer

BABY ELEPHANT: Young Child 9-10 years old (Mowgli Understudy). Cute Character voice. Actor, Singer, Dancer.

KING LOUIE: Adult Male. King Louie is King of the Monkeys. A cool, hip, and swingin’ kinda guy! Singer Dancer and Actor with strong comedic timing.  Baritone.

SHANTI: Young Female Portrays 9-11 years old (Baby Elephant Understudy) Shanti is the girl who takes Mowgli to the village at the end of the story. She is hiding in the jungle the entire time. She should exude sweetness and kindness, but have a natural ability to command the audience’s attention as she tells much of the story. Flight experience a plus. Must not be afraid of heights.

ENSEMBLE: Adults and Teens Snake Puppeteers, Monkeys, Vultures, Elephants, Jungle Chorus. Strong Dancers and Singers. Tumblers and Percussionists are also encouraged to audition.  Indian Dance experience a plus. 

SLEEPING BEAUTY

Directed by: Ken Jones

Music Direction: Jamey Strawn

Written By: Ken Jones, Jamey Strawn, and Christine Jones

Choreographed by: Eric Byrd

Rehearsals: March 23 – April 19, 2019

Tech Rehearsals: April 24 – 26, 2019

Performances:  April 27 – May 6, 2019

SEEKING THE FOLLOWING:

NARRATOR/ BISHOP: Adult male. The actor should be adept at physical comedy.

KING CHARLES:  Adult male. King Charles is a kind and warm ruler of the Kingdom. He has a fascination with “modern” technology. Actor, singer (Baritone)

QUEEN GENEVIEVE: Adult female. The Queen cares for everyone. She is especially protective of the Princesses. Actor, Singer (Mezzo)

BRINHILDA: Adult or Teen Female. The Fairy Godmother of Princess Snow White. Also plays Snow White. Actor, Singer, Dancer (Belt/Mixer)

GRINHILDA: Adult or Teen Female. The Fairy Godmother of the Little Mermaid. Also plays the Little Mermaid. Actor, Singer, Dancer (Belter)

DRINHILDA: Adult or Teen Female. The Fairy Godmother of Princess Rapunzel. Also plays Rapunzel. Actor, Singer, Dancer (Mixer)

PRINHILDA: Adult or Teen Female. The Fairy Godmother of Princess Gerda (Snow Queen). Also plays Gerda. Actor, Singer, Dancer (Belt/Mixer)

TRINHILDA: Adult or Teen Female. The Fairy Godmother of Princess Cinderella. Also plays Cinderella. Actor, Singer, Dancer (Mixer)

MAGNILDA: Adult Female. The Fairy Godmother of Princess Aurora. She becomes the Evil Fairy’s Maleficent. Actor, Singer. Must have ability to sing a Rock and Roll style. (Belter – Rock Riff)

AURORA: Adult or Teen Female. She is strong, smart, and independent. She is Sleeping Beauty. Actor, Singer, Dancer. (High Belt, Strong Mixer)

PRINCE PHILLIP: Adult or Teen male. Kooky, funny, disheveled. Actor, Singer, Dancer (Tenor)

(The following Princes are stereotypical Princes…) (3 Baritones, 2 Tenors)

Prince EDWARD: (also Nobleman 1, Witch’s Guard) Strong, handsome and clueless. A Singer, Dancer, and Actor with strong comedic timing.

Prince FREDERICK: (also Nobleman 2, Witch’s Guard) Strong, handsome and clueless.  A Singer, Dancer, and Actor with strong comedic timing.

Prince WILLIAM: (also Attendant, Dragon Puppeteer) Strong, handsome and clueless. A Singer, Dancer, and Actor with strong comedic timing.

Prince CHRISTOPHER: (also Attendant, Dragon Puppeteer) Strong, handsome and clueless. A Singer, Dancer, and Actor with strong comedic timing.

Prince CHARMING: (also Attendant, Dragon Puppeteer) Strong, handsome and clueless. A Singer, Dancer, and Actor with strong comedic timing.

ENSEMBLE: Young males and females. 10 and up. Puppeteers and scenic movers. Strong Dancers and Singers. Understudies many characters.

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June 14, 2018 · 2:03 pm

TCTC’s Violet Rae Webster Appointed to the Board of Ohio Arts Professionals Network (OAPN)

TCTC_Violet Rae Webster pic

Violet Rae Webster.

CINCINNATI:  Violet Rae Webster, Sales Manager for The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati has been appointed to the Board of the Ohio Arts Professional Network (OAPN).

In 2016, Violet Rae joined the professional staff of The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati as Sales Manager for TCT On Tour, the organization’s touring division. Her focus is booking that division into schools, libraries, performance venues and theatres throughout the tri-state and beyond to present live educational productions that explore historical events, celebrate cultural heritage and new takes on literary favorites.

OAPN, founded in 1960, is a professional association that provides a forum for developing business relationships, partnerships, and cooperative ventures among organizations that present arts and entertainment programming as well as performers, arts service organizations and artist management agencies doing business in Ohio and nearby states. Their purpose is to provide programs and services that strengthen the quality and scope of the performing arts in Ohio.

Prior to The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati, Violet enjoyed a 30+-year career in sales and marketing management for major special events, attractions and a convention & visitor’s bureau.  Her experience offers the foundation and skills to direct a team and create strategic initiatives to support a successful sales campaign. Violet said, “I believe that people buy from people and that it is important to stay viable and connected with the community.”

In her immediate past position, she represented Cincinnati Museum Center and the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center at major travel & tourism sales conferences such as NTA (National Tour Association), ABA (American Bus Association), Heartland Travel Showcase and to the local tourism and hospitality community. She has served on the board of the Ohio Travel Association and continues to serve on the Membership Committee and is currently on the board of the Tourism Council of Greater Cincinnati where she has held every office including Chairman. In her current position she represents The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati at Arts Midwest and is a member of OAPN where she is looking forward to serving on the board this term.

Violet Rae lives in Cold Spring, KY.  She has BA in Communications with Emphasis in Theatre from Morehead State University, professional sales and sales management training and some post baccalaureate credits in photography and design. She is a graduate of the Ohio Tourism Leadership Academy (OTLA) and a Certified Tourism Ambassador (CTA).

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