Tag Archives: The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati

Associate Artistic Director Position Available at The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati

TCTC_logoTHE CHILDREN’S THEATRE OF CINCINNATI JOB POSTING

ASSOCIATE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Position Overview:

The Associate Artistic Director will assist the organization in fulfilling its mission of educating, entertaining and engaging our young audiences through professional theatrical productions and arts education programming. The Associate Artistic Director assists in the productions and administration of all TCTC productions, and maintains the artistic integrity and educational value of each production.

The Associate Artistic Director of The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati (TCTC) reports directly to the Producing Artistic Director.

Required Knowledge/Skills for Application

  • Has the skills required to maintain vision and artistic integrity of the show once the production has opened
  • Has the capacity to problem-solve and engage in creative thinking to overcome challenges.
  • Possesses well-developed communication skills
  • Carries themselves with a mature understanding of the artistic process and excellent interpersonal, teamwork, and diplomacy skills
  • Is an experienced musical theatre choreographer
  • Has experience in grand-scale musical and new-work conception
  • Has a strong understanding of costume design, wig design, prosthetics, and stage make-up
  • Understands how to light a big cast on a large stage
  • Comprehends the sound design process, and had a good ear
  • Has a background in puppetry, or a strong understanding of puppetry
  • Reads music and comprehends different musical theatre styles
  • Possesses knowledge of touring productions, stagecraft, playwriting, arts integration, arts administration, and budget management
  • Works well in a stressful environment, managing many people from a wide variety of backgrounds
  • Holds strong understanding of Microsoft Office

Education Level – Bachelor’s degree in theater or related field, or equivalent work experience

Main Responsibilities:

The Associate Artistic Director’s duties include but are not limited to:

Production

  • Reading, researching and editing scripts with the creative team
  • Attend production meetings
    • Creative input on scenic design, script needs, costumes
  • Assist Producing Artistic Director and Artistic Director of Education and Outreach in deciding the season programming
    • Seek new script ideas, research the popularity of past productions
  • Attend all assigned rehearsals, and performances unless otherwise excused
  • Train and direct Touring actors to be excellent communicators, performers and working professionals in the field of theater for young audiences
  • Assist the director with conception, creative ideas, blocking, scene study, and sight-lines
  • Problem solving: bring up issues and discover solutions that may go unnoticed to the director and stage manager
  • Direct or Assistant Direct assigned Mainstage or Touring Productions
  • Choreograph or Assistant Choreograph assigned MainStage or Touring Productions
  • Taking notes for the Director, and giving out notes after rehearsals and performances
  • Work closely with the Producing Artistic Director and the Artistic Director of Education and Outreach to compose Touring and MainStage rehearsal calendars, schedules, costume and set breakdowns, and sound cues in advance of rehearsal periods

Education

  • Program Director for the STAR Season
  • Mailing of Scholarship Letters for STAR
  • Mailing for Acceptance/Decline letters for STAR
  • Coordinate STAR Program Schedule with Producing Artistic Director and Program Coordinator
  • Direct Assigned STAR Program Productions
  • Research and locate sheet music and scenes with STAR Program Coordinator
  • Copy and bind STAR Program musical folders with STAR Program Coordinator
  • Choreograph assigned STAR Program productions
  • Serve as a Teaching Artist for Learning the Craft, stARTS, STAR, and Workshops
  • Lead scheduled STAR rehearsals, appearances, and trips

Casting

  • Attend all auditions and callbacks
  • Organize headshots and resume’s post auditions
  • Season casting with Producing Artistic Director
  • Organize and review audition submissions via internet and mail

Load In / Load Out

  • Driving the touring van, making last minute alterations, changes, buying, etc.
  • Issues and problem solving during tech rehearsals
  • Pick-up rented or borrowed items
  • Unloading the truck after load out from The Taft Theatre
  • Unloading costumes after load out from The Taft Theatre
  • Return rented or borrowed items
  • Oversee strike of all tours

Benefits:

  • 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:

  • Send cover letter, resume, and at least one letter of reference to: Submissions@thechildrenstheatre.com
  • Application deadline: December 14, 2015
  • Start Date: March – April 2016

Organizational Overview:

TCTC’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:

  • MainStage at the Taft Theatre – We welcome 90,000 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.
  • ArtReach – We see over 90,000 children and their families at one of our touring performances or during an arts-integration workshop or residency.
  • Learning The Craft – Over 300 children will be provided fine arts instruction, including the group that participates in the four-week intensive STAR summer program 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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The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati presents DISNEY’S THE LITTLE MERMAID JR. this October at the Taft Theatre!

Brookie Steele as Ariel. Photo by Philip Groshong.

Brookie Steele as Ariel. Photo by Philip Groshong.

Audiences will dive into the new season of The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati with Ariel and her aquatic friends in DISNEY’S THE LITTLE MERMAID JR. which has been adapted from Disney’s 2008 Broadway production. The show runs October 16-18, 24 & 25 at the Taft Theatre. The show will be directed and choreographed by Roderick Justice. Lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater, Music by Alan Menken. Book by Doug Wright. Based on the Hans Christian Andersen Story and the Disney Film produced by Howard Ashman & John Musker and written & directed by John Musker and Ron Clements. Puppets by The Frisch Marionettes. Flying Effects provided by ZFX, Inc.

In a magical underwater kingdom, the beautiful young mermaid Ariel longs to leave her ocean home – and her fins – behind and be part of the world above. But first she’ll have to defy her father King Triton, make a deal with the evil sea witch Ursula, and convince the handsome Prince Eric that she’s the girl with the enchanting voice that he has been seeking.

DISNEY’S THE LITTLE MERMAID JR., The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati, through October 25. 7:30 p.m. Friday October 16; Saturday October, 17 & Sunday, October 18 & Sunday, October 25 at 2 PM, Saturday, October 24 at 2 PM and 5 PM; Taft Theatre, 5th and Sycamore Streets in Downtown Cincinnati. Tickets $7-$25. 1-800-745-3000 and www.ticketmaster.com.

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s production of DISNEY’S THE LITTLE MERMAID JR. is made possible by the generous support of Edyth B. Lindner. The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati is supported by the generosity of community contributions to the ArtsWave Campaign. The Children’s Theatre’s 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 Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s Family Gala sponsored by Macy’s and Sea of Smiles Pediatric Dentistry will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2015. This unique family event features a private performance followed by dinner, games, dancing and fun for all ages at the Taft Theatre Ballroom. Tickets are $150 for adults and $75 for children. Seating is limited. Email mary.wright@thechildrenstheatre.com for more information.

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati also presents an additional nine performances of DISNEY’S THE LITTLE MERMAID JR. for school students. Ticket prices are $7 per student with one free adult admission for every 15 students. School performances are during the daytime October 16, 20-23, 2015. Call Pam Young at 513-569-8080 ext. 13 for details.

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Disney’s THE LITTLE MERMAID Runs Oct. 16-25

Matt Krieg as Prince Eric & Brookie Steele as Ariel. Photo by Philip Groshong.

Matt Krieg as Prince Eric & Brookie Steele as Ariel. Photo by Philip Groshong.

Disney’s THE LITTLE MERMAID
The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati
Oct. 16-25
Taft Theatre [Downtown]

Directed and choreographed by Roderick Justice

Cast: Brandon Bentley as Chef Louis/ Sailor, Wesstin Binn as Ensemble, Bailey Broxterman as Seahorse/ Ensemble, Mariah-Ann Crawley as Adrina, Mazzie Croog as Ensemble, Marlo D’Ascenzo as Flounder, Mia Bella D’Ascenzo as Flounder, Allison Edwards as Aquata, Josh Galloway as Ensemble, Trinity Gibson as Ensemble, Hannah Gregory as Alana, Bethany Xan Jeffery as Ursula, Matt Krieg as Prince Eric, Andrew Maloney as Scuttle, Jack Manion as Jetsam, Deondra Kamau Means as Sebastian, Greg Moore as Ensemble, Danielle Muething as Carlotta, Claire Northcut as Ensemble, Maddi O’Connell as Ensemble, Sarah Ann Radway as Ensemble, Mike O. Rochester as King Triton, Sam Rueff as Grimsby, Leslie Shoshana as Ensemble, Savannah Slaby as Adella, Spenser Smith as Flotsam, Brooke Steele as Ariel, Kealy Welage as Arista, Trace Young as Ensemble & Rachel Zimmerman as Atina

In a magical underwater kingdom, the beautiful young mermaid Ariel longs to leave her ocean home – and her fins – behind and be part of the world above. But first she’ll defy her father King Triton, make a deal with the evil sea witch Ursula, and convince the handsome Prince Eric that she’s the girl with the enchanting voice that he has been seeking.

  • Fri, Oct. 16 at 7:30pm
  • Sat-Sun, Oct. 17*-18 at 2pm
  • Sat, Oct. 24 at 2pm & 5pm
  • Sun, Oct. 25 at 2pm
    *sign language interpreted

Official page |

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2015 League of Cincinnati Theatres Awards

On Monday evening, the League of Cincinnati Theatres recognized the outstanding achievements of their member companies. Honored shows received the most accolades from the League panelists during the 2014-2015 season. 

Below is the transcript of the awards, provided by Joshua Steele and the League.

Dale Hodges as Daisy Wertham & Reggie Willis as Hoke. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

Dale Hodges as Daisy Wertham & Reggie Willis as Hoke. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

The Carnegie’s excellent DRIVING MISS DAISY seemed hard to beat, but WEST SIDE STORY with its passionate and vibrant magic, just topped it. The ensemble understood the beauty and power of this timeless classic, highlighted by the captivating and charismatic Layan Elwazani as Anita, and Jay Goodlett’s exciting reinvention of the original choreography despite the limited space of the Carnegie. LCT is proud to honor The Carnegie’s production of WEST SIDE STORY.

Ryan Garrett, Katie Langham & Owen Alderson. Photo by Richard E. Hess.

Ryan Garrett, Katie Langham & Owen Alderson. Photo by Richard E. Hess.

CCM Drama’s production of Stephen Karam’s deep play SPEECH AND DEBATE, three misfit high school students form a debate club and band together to disclose the truth about a drama teacher who preys on his male students. Richard Hess’ outstanding direction brought together the perfect balance of angst and whimsy, artfully enabling a marvelous trio of actors, led by sophomore Katie Langham’s brilliantly comic performance. LCT is proud to honor CCM Drama’s SPEECH AND DEBATE.

Sara White as Jean, Mindy Heithaus as Karen, Leah Strasser as Johnna, Nathan Neorr as Steve,  Carol Brammer as Barbara & Kevin Crowley as Bill.

Sara White as Jean, Mindy Heithaus as Karen, Leah Strasser as Johnna, Nathan Neorr as Steve, Carol Brammer as Barbara & Kevin Crowley as Bill.

In Untethered’s and Clifton Players’ first collaborative effort, the heart-wrenching drama about the dysfunctional Weston family and their secrets hit every emotional button and kept the audience riveted to their seats. Dale Hodges was particularly electrifying but every ensemble member shone in their performances. Buz Davis provided tight and impressive direction as well as a spectacular scenic design in the intimate space of the Clifton Performance Theater. LCT is proud to honor Clifton Players and Untethered Theatre Company’s production of AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY.

Derek Snow as Tibbs & Mike Hall as Gillespie. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

Derek Snow as Tibbs & Mike Hall as Gillespie. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

A must-see murder mystery and racial drama playing out against the backdrop of the racially charged Civil Rights Era in the deep south, Falcon Theatre’s IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT was noteworthy for taut pacing and clever staging by director Ed Cohen, an outstanding ensemble cast and superb performances by lead actors Derek Snow and Michael Hall. LCT is proud to honor Falcon Theatre’s production of IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT.

ANY GIVEN MONDAY was a dark comedy that investigated the consequences of infidelity, the newly separated Lenny broods over pizza and Monday Night football with his cynical friend, Mickey. Chris Kramer and Daniel Britt slip into their respective roles with ease, providing plenty of moral questions and surprising twists to keep the audience involved to the bitter end. LCT is proud to honor Mad Anthony Theatre Company’s production of ANY GIVEN MONDAY.

Michael Shooner, Reggie Willis & Renika Williams. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

Michael Shooner, Reggie Willis & Renika Williams. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

In an emotional roller coaster of a ride, New Edgecliff took on David Mamet’s controversial story of a billionaire accused of raping a black woman. The strong ensemble included Renika Williams and Bob Allen, with particularly memorable and compelling performances by Michael Shooner and Reggie Willis as the racially diverse lawyers who agree to take on the case. LCT is proud to honor New Edgecliff Theatre’s production of RACE.

Kathyrn Miller as Julia & Noah Berry as Robbie. Photo by  Mikki Schaffner Photography.

Kathyrn Miller as Julia & Noah Berry as Robbie. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

NKU’s THE WEDDING SINGER was a bold, brassy, high-energy musical that highlighted the talents of the NKU students who sang their hearts out. The production was slick, professional, and fast-paced, and show-cased Ronnie Chamberlain’s luxurious costume design bringing out the 80s vibe. LCT is proud to honor NKU’s production of THE WEDDING SINGER.

Justin Glaser as Captain Georg Von Trapp & Helen A. Raymond-Goers as Maria Rainer. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

Justin Glaser as Captain Georg Von Trapp & Helen A. Raymond-Goers as Maria Rainer. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

The Covedale provided a solid, enjoyable, and touching production of the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic, thoughtfully directed by Ed Cohen and Dee Anne Bryll, and featuring a well-rounded and vocally strong Helen Raymond Goers as Maria and a graceful, mature Margot Grom as Liesl. LCT is proud to honor Cincinnati Landmark Productions’ THE SOUND OF MUSIC. 

Bruce Cromer* as The Poet. Photo by Ryan Kurtz.

Bruce Cromer as The Poet. Photo by Ryan Kurtz.

A magnificent one man production based on Homer’s Iliad, Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati’s AN ILIAD featured a powerful and emotional tour-de-force by Bruce Cromer as The Poet as well as versatile and gripping direction by Michael Evan Haney. It also was underscored by engaging lighting and sound design by Brian Mehring and Matt Callahan, respectively. LCT is proud to honor Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati’s production of AN ILIAD.

Lawson Young as Elle & Chris Collins-Pisano as Emmett. Photography by Mark Lyons.

Lawson Young as Elle & Chris Collins-Pisano as Emmett. Photography by Mark Lyons.

CCM Musical Theatre had four very strong productions this year, all worthy of note: BLOOD BROTHERS, PETER PAN and 110 IN THE SHADE, with LEGALLY BLONDE singled out as a powerhouse of song and dance, spectacularly directed and choreographed by Diane Lala. The talented cast did not miss a beat headlined by Lawson Young, Chris Collins Pisano, and Madeline Lynch. Scenic director Joe Leonard also deserves kudos for a masterfully designed set that was almost cinematic in its transformations. LCT is proud to honor CCM Musical Theatre’s production of LEGALLY BLONDE.

Torie Wiggins. Photo by Daniel R Winters Photography.

Torie Wiggins. Photo by Daniel R Winters Photography.

In Diogenes Theatre Company’s timely and well executed one woman production of the 1992 Rodney King trial and subsequent riots, Tori Wiggins gave an astonishing performance bringing to life over 30 characters of various ages, race, and genders, based on transcripts from the actual witnesses. LCT is proud to honor Diogenes Theatre Company’s production of TWILIGHT: LOS ANGELES 1992.

Nicholas Rose as Petruchio and Kelly Mengelkoch as Kate. By Mikki Schaffner Photography

Nicholas Rose as Petruchio and Kelly Mengelkoch as Kate. By Mikki Schaffner Photography

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company put on a “really big shrew” with a boisterous, funny production of Shakespeare’s battle of the sexes, featuring multi-dimensional, passionate, and charming performances by Kelly Mengelkoch and Nicholas Rose as well as a host of impressive ensemble characters, entertainingly directed by Kevin Hammond. LCT is proud to honor Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s TAMING OF THE SHREW. 

Maranda Rossi as Belle and Sam Rueff as The Beast.

Maranda Rossi as Belle and Sam Rueff as The Beast.

A true feast for the eyes and ears, The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, JR just edged out CTC’s other contender, ALADDIN, providing an enchanting experience transformed by Noelle Wedig’s lavish costumes and David Center’s scenic design prowess. Angela Powell Walker directed her numerous ensemble members perfectly in a well-calculated and well-rehearsed musical treat. LCT is proud to honor The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s production of BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, JR.

Corinne Mohlenhoff as Offred. Photo by Daniel R. Winters Photography.

Corinne Mohlenhoff as Offred. Photo by Daniel R. Winters Photography.

In Know Theatre Cincinnati’s A HANDMAID’S TALE, Corinne Mohlenhoff, effectively directed by Brian Isaac Phillips, gave a compelling and committed performance in this one-woman adaptation of Margaret Atwood’s dystopian novel. Her performance was notably enhanced by a stellar design team including Andrew Hungerford’s eerie and suggestive set and lighting, and Doug Borntrager’s subtle but effective sound design. LCT is proud to honor Know Theatre Cincinnati’s production of A HANDMAID’S TALE.

In their presentation of the Sesame Street-inspired Tony Award winner, Miami University students virtually inhabited their puppets and brought out the heart of their characters in AVENUE Q. The entire ensemble was impressive, especially Kelcey Steele’s Princeton and Sean Davis’ Nicky. Special nods to Grant Lemasters and Aretta Baumgartner for puppet design and coaching, respectively, and Gion DeFrancesco’s evocative and dimensional scenic design. LCT is proud to honor Miami University’s production of AVENUE Q.

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Top Stories for July 2015

TCT_logoListed below are the top 25 stories for July 2015. Breaking it down, there are ten auditions notices, five cast lists, four press releases, three production pages, two casting calls, two season announcements, and one review. (Yes, that totals 27 as there were two ties. 🙂 )

  1. Casting Call for Skyline Chili TV Commercial
  2. The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s 2015-2016 Mainstage Season Auditions
  3. Cast Announced for MARY POPPINS at the Covedale Center for the Performing Arts
  4. Exciting Changes Afoot at The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati
  5. Cast Announced for HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING at The Footlighters
    2016 Season Announced at La Comedia Dinner Theatre
  6. Cast Announced for BONNIE AND CLYDE at Sunset Players
  7. Cast Announced for RENT at Warsaw Federal Incline Theatre
  8. Auditions Announced for A CHRISTMAS STORY The Musical at La Comedia Dinner Theatre
  9. 1776 Review
  10. Auditions Announced for THE WIZARD OF OZ presented by The Carnegie
  11. 2015-2016 Season Announced by Miami University
  12. Auditions Announced for THE DINNER DETECTIVE Cincinnati
  13. 2015-2016 Season Auditions Announced for Dare to Defy Productions
  14. Auditions Announced for JEKYLL & HYDE at Loveland Stage Company
  15. Teaching Positions Available at Indian Hill Performing Arts
  16. Theatre Company Finds New Home in Northside
  17. MARY POPPINS Runs Aug. 6-15
  18. 1776 Runs July 8-26
  19. Auditions Announced for JUNIE B. IN JINGLE BELLS, BATMAN SMELLS at CenterStage Players
  20. Auditions Announced for BYE BYE LIVER by 628 Productions
    2014-2015 Southwest Regional OCTAFest Awards
  21. Cast Announced for SIX DANCE LESSONS IN SIX WEEKS at Mariemont Players
  22. Auditions Announced for CURTAINS at Lebanon Theatre Company
  23. Auditions Announced for PICNIC by The Footlighters Inc.
  24. CCM Drama – Amazing Changes
  25. 9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL Runs Aug. 12-30

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