Tag Archives: The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati

New Associate Artistic Director for The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati

TCTC_Eric Byrd

Eric Byrd.

(CINCINNATI)Eric Byrd is joining the staff of The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati as the company’s new Associate Artistic Director.

Eric is a Cincinnati native and a recent transplant from New York City, where he spent the past years working in commercial theatre and live entertainment.  He got his start as a performer at Paramount’s Kings Island and since has performed across the country and across the world.  Favorite performance credits include Legally Blonde, Fiddler on the Roof, 42nd Street, The Drowsy Chaperone, Urban Cowboy, The Producers, High School Musical, & West Side Story, as well as multiple contracts on board Holland America Cruise Lines, where he also served as Company Manager.

This past year, he worked in the Broadway casting office of Stewart/Whitley where he assisted on the Broadway productions of On The Town, Chicago, Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812 (starring Josh Groban) as well as the national tours of Bullets Over Broadway, Once, Shrek, Into the Woods and Elf, The Last Night of Ballyhoo, and The Forgotten Woman at Bay Street Theatre, AIDA Cruise Lines and West Side Story (starring Skylar Astin) at Carnegie Hall.  He was responsible for expanding the talent search on London’s West End for Royal Caribbean Cruise Line’s productions of We Will Rock You, Cats, Saturday Night Fever, Mamma Mia! and Grease.

Additional casting credits include work at the Roundabout Theatre Company/Jim Carnahan Casting, assisting on the Broadway productions of Once, Matilda, and Anything Goes.  Eric served as a choreographer and assistant director at Interlochen Summer Arts Camp for two summers, and has served on panels and taught master classes for Broadway Artists Alliance, Actors Connection, Students Live, and The Growing Studio in New York City.  He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre and a Minor in Management from Wright State University and is a proud member of Actors Equity.

“I am beyond thrilled to be joining the team at TCT,” Eric says.  “Theatre has the power to inspire, to heal, and to educate and it has given me a home, a sense of purpose, a safe haven, and a family. I’m looking forward to bringing my experiences to this incredible organization.  This city is responsible for introducing me to theatre and I am so happy to be back.  After all, there is no place like home!”

Organizational 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– We welcome 80,000 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 Theatre.
  • TCT On Tour – We see over 60,000 children and their families at one of our touring performances or during an arts-integration workshop or residency.
  • TCT Academy – Over 600 children will be provided fine arts instruction, including the group that participates in summer intensive STAR summer programs where we offer professional musical theatre training to some of the region’s most talented youth.

Vision:

  • Create smiles, open minds, and touch hearts.
  • Harness theater experiences and the arts as forces for education and understanding.
  • Create meaningful shared arts experiences.
  • Present award winning and nationally recognized productions and arts education programming.
  • Foster a work environment of excellence, creativity, and innovation.

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.

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Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati Looking for a Costume Designer for TCT On Tour

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– We welcome 80,000 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 Theatre.
  • TCT On Tour – We see over 60,000 children and their families at one of our touring performances or during an arts-integration workshop or residency.
  • TCT Academy – Over 600 children will be provided fine arts instruction, including the group that participates in summer intensive STAR summer programs where we offer professional musical theatre training to some of the region’s most talented youth.

Vision:

  • Create smiles, open minds, and touch hearts.
  • Harness theater experiences and the arts as forces for education and understanding.
  • Create meaningful shared arts experiences.
  • Present award winning and nationally recognized productions and arts education programming.
  • Foster a work environment of excellence, creativity, and innovation.

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 Overview:

The 2016-2017 Season TCT on Tour Costume Designer will assist the organization in fulfilling its mission of educating, entertaining and engaging audiences of all ages through professional theatrical productions and arts education programming.  The TCT on Tour Costume Designer will be directly responsible for researching, designing, and developing all costumes for TCT on Tour in collaboration with the Artistic Director of Education and OutReach and the designated director of each show.  The TCT on Tour Costume Design is also responsible for the costumes for any TCT on Tour promotional appearances and photo shoots.

The TCT on Tour Costume Designer will report directly to the Resident Costume Designer.  The Resident Costume Designer of TCT is in charge of our stock and our costume shop.

Much of the shows designed for TCT on Tour are pulled from our costume stock, located in our facility on Red Bank Road.  The ideal candidate will have experience creatively designing a show blending existing costume elements with their own design.

Responsibilities:
The TCT on Tour Costume Designer’s duties include but are not limited to:

  • Creating and implementing TCT on Tour costume renderings/designs for 6 productions:Town Mouse, Country Mouse, Anne Frank, A Christmas Carol (double tour), Harriet Tubman, Freedom Songs, and The Ugly Ducking.
  • Shopping for the necessary tour costume materials
  • Measuring and fitting all touring cast members
  • Altering touring costumes
  • Distributing and storing costumes
  • Cleaning, repairing and tagging all touring costumes, costume props, and wigs.
  • Tracking touring costume materials budget.

Commitment:
The TCT on Tour Costume Designer must be available for production meetings prior to the rehearsal process (TBD) and to meet the following deadlines for completed designs:

  • Town Mouse, Country Mouse: Rehearses August 7th-19th (Dress Rehearsals on August 16th-19th)
  • Anne Frank: Rehearses August 21st-September 2nd (Dress Rehearsals on August 30th– September 2nd)
  • A Christmas Carol: Rehearses November 9th– 22nd (Dress Rehearsals on November 18th-22nd)
  • Harriet Tubman/ Ugly Ducking: Rehearsals overlap January 3rd– 13th (Dress Rehearsals on January 10th-13th)
  • Freedom Songs: Rehearses January 16th-27th (Dress Rehearsals on January 24th-27th)

Minimum and Ideal Qualifications:
Education Level – Bachelor of Fine Arts or equivalent work experience.

Compensation and Application:

  • A generous stipend of $12,000 if contracted for a full season, will be divided evenly and paid on the final rehearsal of each production.
  • A stipend of $1,850 if contracted per show, will be paid on the final rehearsal of each production.
  • To apply, send your resume, letter(s) of reference, and cover letter to: submissions@tctcincinnati.com with the subject line: COSTUME DESIGNER

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Casting Call for Winter Season Touring Productions at The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati

AUDITION CASTING NOTICE FOR
TCT On Tour’s Winter Season

TCTC_new logoThe Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati is seeking actor/singer/dancers of all ethnicities for the 2016-17 TCT on Tour Winter Season.

Winter Season productions include: A CHRISTMAS CAROL, HARRIET TUBMAN

Contract Duration:  November 9, 2016 through March 31, 2017

We are seeking two (2) females, two (2) males for the “Winter Tour” & two (2) additional male actors for A CHRISTMAS CAROL only.

When:  Auditions will be scheduled by appointment by contacting Jay Goodlett, Director of Education and Outreach at jay.goodlett@tctcincinnati.com or (513) 569-8080 ext. 25.

Where: The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati: 4015 Red Bank Road Cincinnati Ohio, 45227

Prepare:  One 2-minute vocal selection that shows vocal range & one 1-minute monologue. You will be asked to read selections from A CHRISTMAS CAROL and HARRIET TUBMAN.

Rehearsals:

  • Rehearsals for A CHRISTMAS CAROL: November 9-November 22, 2016.
  • Rehearsals for HARRIET TUBMAN: January 3- January 13, 2017.
  • Rehearsals generally commence from 9:00am-4pm Monday- Friday

Performances:

  • Tour Dates for A CHRISTMAS CAROL: November 28-December 22, 2016.
  • Tour Dates for HARRIET TUBMAN January 14- March 31, 2017.

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Auditions Announced for ALICE IN WONDERLAND and ELF The Musical JR. at The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati

TCTC_new logoAUDITION CASTING NOTICE FOR ALICE IN WONDERLAND and ELF The Musical JR.

PLEASE NOTE OUR AUDITION PROCESS HAS CHANGED!

This year, we are auditioning in May for our first two MainStage productions of the 16-17 season, followed by auditions in August for our last two productions.

All roles are paid positions.

Upon audition registration, you may indicate which shows you would like to be considered for this season, including our touring productions for TCT On Tour.

Auditions are by appointment only.

Children ages 9-17 and adults 18+ may visit http://tinyurl.com/tctmainstageauditions to make an audition appointment.  Appointments can be made on:

  • Monday, May 16, 2016 between 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM
  • Tuesday, May 17, 2016 between 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM
  • Wednesday, May 18, 2016 between 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM
  • Thursday, May 19, 2016 between 5:30 PM to 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.  ALICE IN WONDERLAND callbacks will take place on Saturday, May 21, 10 AM – 1:30 PM.

ELF The Musical JR. callbacks will take place on Sunday May 22, 6 PM – 9:30 PM.

Auditions and Callbacks are held at our offices located at:  4015 Red Bank Road, Cincinnati OH 45227.

Please bring a memorized song that best shows your vocal range. (1 minute max). Remember your PIANO SHEET MUSIC for your song 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.

You do NOT need to prepare a monologue.

You may be asked to show your dance ability, so come prepared.  Wear appropriate shoes.  No flip flops.

Please bring a RECENT 8×10 headshot and UPDATED performance resume.

Please 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 will 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. This season, all 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.

Auditions are by appointment only.  Visit:  http://tinyurl.com/tctmainstageauditions.

ALICE IN WONDERLAND
Directed and Choreographed by: Roderick Justice
Music Direction: Jamey Strawn
Book, Music, and Lyrics: by: Janet Vogt and Mark Friedman

Rehearsals: September 12, 2016
Tech Rehearsals: October 12-14, 2016
Performances: October 15-23, 2016

About the Show:  This brand new, world-premiere musical takes you down the rabbit hole with the ever-curious Alice, the White Rabbit, Tweedle-Dee and Tweedle-Dum, the Mad Hatter, the Caterpillar, the mysterious Cheshire Cat, the Queen of Hearts, and all your favorites from Lewis Carroll’s beloved books, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass. Zany characters, mad tea parties, flamingo croquet on the lawn, and tap dancing playing cards, all in a land where nothing is as it seems, make Alice in Wonderland a madcap and fun musical adventure for the whole family.

Seeking the following:

  • Alice
    Female – must be able to portray age 7-11, Actor, Singer, Dancer
  • Loreena (Alice’s Sister) / Tweedle Dee
    Female – play age 16-17 – Singer, Actor, Dancer. Also portrays Tweedle Dee and a Caucus Race Animal
  • Alice’s Mother
    Adult Female – Actor, Singer, Mover.  Also Portrays a Caucus Race Animal
  • Queen of Hearts
    Adult Female – Actor, Singer, Dancer
  • The White Rabbit
    Adult Male – Singer, Actor, Mover
  • The Mad Hatter
    Adult Male- Actor, Singer, Mover
  • The Doormouse / Two-of-Hearts Tap-Dancing Card and Rose Painter
    Adult Male- Singer, Dancer, Actor
  • The Mock Turtle
    Adult Male- Singer, Actor, Mover
  • The Dodo Bird / Five-of-Hearts Tap-Dancing Card and Rose Painter
    Adult Male- Singer, Dancer, Actor
  • The Cheshire Cat
    Adult Male- Singer, Actor, Mover
  • Tweedle Dum
    Adult Male or Female- Singer, Actor, Dancer
  • The Knave of Hearts (a Jack of Hearts Card) / Caucus Race Animal
    Adult Male- Singer, Actor, Mover
  • The Caterpillar / Caucus Race Animal / Seven-of-Hearts Tap-Dancing Card and Rose Painter
    Adult Male- Singer, Actor, Dancer
  • The March Hare
    Adult Male- Singer, Actor, Mover
  • Ensemble Men (2) Pit Singers / Caucus Race Animals/ Tap Dancing Cards
    Male- Singer, Dancer, Understudies Most Male Roles
  • Ensemble Women  (5) Pit Singers/ Pop-Up Flowers  and Tap Dancing Cards
    Female- Singer, Dancer, Understudies Female Roles and March Hare, Dodo Bird, and Doormouse

ELF The Musical JR.
Directed by: Roderick Justice
Choreography by: TBA
Music Direction: Steve Goers
Book, Music, and Lyrics: by: Thomas Meeham, Bob Martin, Matthew Skylar, and Chad Beguelin
Based on the New Line Cinema film, written by: David Berenbaum

Rehearsals: November 5th- December 6th, 2016
Tech Rehearsals: December 7-9th, 2016
Performances: December 10th- 19th, 2016

About the Show:  Buddy, a young orphan mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole. The would-be elf is raised unaware that he is actually a human, until his enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and discover his true identity. Faced with the harsh reality that his father is on the naughty list, and his stepbrother doesn’t even believe in Santa, Buddy is determined to win over his new family and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas.

Seeking the following:

  • Buddy the Elf
    Male, Late 20s – Early 30. Very strong singer and comedian. Made famous by Will Ferrell in the movie, he is funny and warm with an infectious personality.  Preferred Height: Over 6′
  • Walter
    Male, 45-55  An upscale successful business man who has become cold and distant with his family until Buddy enters the picture
  • Emily
    Female, 45-55  Warm, great singing voice.
  • Michael
    Boy, Portrays age 10.  Funny, sharp, witty, great singer.
  • Jovie
    Female, Early 20s -30.  Singer, Actor. Funny, warm, but a great dry comedic quality.
  • Store Manager
    Adult Male 40-50 Years old.  Full of character and lots of attitude.
  • Deb
    Adult Female, 30s, Actor, Singer, Mover, Quirky Secretary, sharp wit.
  • Mr. Greenway
    Adult Male, 60s, Shrewd businessman, great voice and a stern comic quality.  Doubles as “Fake Santa”, Understudies Santa.
  • Santa
    … Santa…
  • Elves/New Yorkers (8)
    Boys and Girls under 4’5″, Excellent Singers and Movers, We seek children with elf-like qualities. “Charlie” and “Shawanda” are two elves with features.
  • Ensemble Man 1
    Adult Male, 30s, Dancer, Actor, Singer, Plays a variety of roles, including “Sam”, “Matthews”, (who both work with Walter), “A New Yorker,” “Policeman #2,” “Flyer Guy #1,” “Macy’s Employee,” “Caroler.”
  • Ensemble Man 2
    Adult Male, 30s, Dancer, Actor, Singer, Plays a variety of roles, including “Jogger,” “Policeman #1,” “Chadwick,” ‘New Yorker,” “Macy’s Employee,” “Caroler.”
  • Ensemble Man 3
    Adult Male, 30s, Dancer, Actor, Singer, Plays a variety of roles, including “Security Guard #1,” “Flyer Guy #2,” “New Yorker,” “Macy’s Employee,”  “Caroler.”
  • Ensemble Man 4
    Portrays Adult Male, Late 20s-30s, Dancer, Actor, Singer, Plays a variety of roles, including “Security Guard #2”, “Passer-by” , “Caroler”, “New Yorker Parent.”
  • Ensemble Man 5
    Portrays Adult Male, 20s, Dancer, Actor, Singer, Plays a variety of roles, including “Fake Santa”, “New Yorker”, “Cameraman”, “Office Staff Member”, “Caroler”, Understudy Buddy, Walter, Mr. Greenway.
  • Ensemble Woman 1
    Adult Female, 20s-30s, Dancer, Actor, Singer, Plays a variety of roles, including “Sarah,” “A Business Woman,” “Emma Van Brocklin,” “New Yorker Parent,” “Caroler.”
  • Ensemble Woman 2
    Adult Female, 20s-30s, Dancer, Actor, Singer, Plays a variety of roles, including “Comforting New Yorker/ Parent,” “Saleswoman,” “Charlotte Dennon,” “Caroler.”
  • Ensemble Woman 3
    Adult Female, 20s, Dancer, Actor, Singer, Plays a variety of roles, including “Mother,””Darlene Lambert,” Office Staff, New Yorker,” “Caroler.”
  • Ensemble Woman 4
    Female, 20s-30s, Dancer, Actor, Singer, Plays a variety of roles, including “Macy’s Employee,” “New Yorker- Mascot Character,” “Caroler,” Understudy for Jovie, Deb, and Emily.
  • Ensemble Woman 5
    Portrays Adult Female, 18-25, Dancer, Actor, Singer, Plays a variety of roles, including “Santa’s Helper,” “Teenager,” “New Yorker,” “Office Staff Member,” “Caroler.”

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The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati Presents SHREK THE MUSICAL JR.

This April at the Taft Theatre!

TCT_Shrek the Musical promo

Brandon Bentley as Shrek and Kayla Burress as Princess Fiona. Photo by Phil Groshong.

Everyone’s favorite ogre is back in SHREK THE MUSICAL JR., the hilarious stage spectacle based on the Oscar-winning smash hit film.  The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati brings this production to life on the Taft Theatre stage April 8-10, 16-17, 2016.

In a faraway kingdom, the green ogre Shrek finds his swamp invaded by banished fairytale misfits, runaways who’ve been cast off by Lord Farquaad, a tiny terror with big ambitions. When Shrek sets off with a wise-cracking donkey to confront Farquaad, he’s handed a task – if he rescues feisty Princess Fiona from the Dragon-guarded tower, his swamp will be returned to him. But, a fairy tale wouldn’t be complete without unexpected twists and turns along the way.

Based on the DreamWorks Animation Motion Picture and the book by William Steig.  Book and Lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire.  Music by Jeanine Tesori.  Originally produced on Broadway by DreamWorks Theatricals and Neal Street Productions.  Original production directed by Jason Moore and Rob Ashford.  “I’m a Believer” by Neil Diamond.  Puppets by The Frisch Marionettes. Directed and Choreographed by Roderick Justice.

SHREK THE MUSICAL JR. presented by The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati, April 8-10, 16-17, 2016. Friday April 8 at 7:30 PM; Saturday April 9 at 2 PM; Sunday, April 10 at 2 PM; Saturday, April 16 at 2 PM and 5 PM; and Sunday, April 17 at 2 PM.  At the Taft Theatre, 5th and Sycamore Streets in Downtown Cincinnati. Tickets $7-$25. 1-800-745-3000 and www.ticketmaster.com.  Tickets are selling fast!

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s production of SHREK THE MUSICAL JR.  is made possible by the generous support of TriHealth, and the generosity of community contributions to the ArtsWave Campaign. Season Sponsors are the Charles H. Dater Foundation and the Marge and Charles J. Schott Foundation.  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 Cincinnati Enquirer, LOCAL 12 and Q102.  The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati Kids Club is presented by Time Timer.

The cast of The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s production of SHREK THE MUSICAL JR. includes:

  • Brandon Bentley as Shrek
  • Kayla Burress as Fiona
  • Ellie Chancellor as Pig 2/ Ensemble
  • Liz Comstock  as Mama Ogre/ Ensemble
  • Lily Deye as Young Fiona/ Baby Bear/Ensemble
  • Allison Edwards as Shoemaker’s Elf/ Ensemble
  • Gabriella Francis as Ugly Duckling/ Dragon/Ensemble
  • Josh Galloway as Pig 1/ Puss n Boots/ Enemble/ U.S. Farquaad, Donkey
  • Reed Gnepper as Peter Pan/Ensemble /U.S. Pinnochio
  • Hannah Gregory as Teen Fiona/ Wicked Witch/Ensemble/U.S. Fiona
  • LOCAL 12’s Bob Herzog as Donkey
  • Will Jackson as White Rabbit/ Ensemble/ U.S. Peter Pan, Pied Piper
  • Sam Johnson as Big Bad Wolf/ Ensemble
  • Sydney Kline   as Mother Goose/ Ensemble/ U.S Wicked Witch
  • Ethan Marx as Young Shrek
  • Evan Moore as Frog Prince/ Pied Piper/Ensemble/U.S. Papa Bear, Pig 1
  • Danielle Muething as Mama Bear/ Gingy/ Ensemble
  • Elijah Prather as Humpty Dumpty/Ensemble
  • Gretchen Priddy as Pig 3/ Ensemble
  • Morgan Reece as Sugar Plum Fairy/ Ensemble
  • Cody Roberts as Papa Bear/ Ensemble/ U.S. Shrek
  • Spenser Smith as Lord Farquaad
  • Andrew Wiemann as Pinocchio/ Ensemble
  • Trace Young as Captain of the Guard/ Bishop

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