Tag Archives: The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati

July 7, 2015 · 3:44 pm

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s 2015-2016 Mainstage Season Auditions

TCT_logoCINCINNATI: Children ages 9-17 and adults 18+ may email auditions@thechildrenstheatre.com to make an audition appointment. Please share your name, your age (or child’s age if you are under 18), phone number, and preferred audition date and time. Auditions (except for our Kenwood Towne Centre auditions on August 20) and Callbacks are held at our offices located at 5020 Oaklawn Drive, Cincinnati OH 45227. Auditions are by appointment only.

AUDITION DAYS AND TIMES:

  • THURSDAY, AUGUST 20 — Appointments available from 1 PM to 4 PM at Kenwood Towne Centre
  • FRIDAY, AUGUST 21 — Appointments available from 6 PM to 9 PM at The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati offices
  • SATURDAY, AUGUST 22 — Appointments available from 10 AM to 5 PM at The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati offices
  • SUNDAY, AUGUST 23 — Appointments available from 1 PM to 5 PM at The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati offices

INVITED CALLBACKS:

  • MONDAY, AUGUST 24 — “Disney’s The Little Mermaid JR.” Callback (dance and read) 6 PM to 10 PM
  • TUESDAY, AUGUST 25 — “A Charlie Brown Christmas” Callback (dance and read) 6 PM to 10 PM
  • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26 – “Snow White and the Dancing Dwarfs” Callback (dance and read) 6 PM to 10 PM
  • THURSDAY, AUGUST 27 — “Shrek the Musical JR.” Callback (dance and read) 6 PM to 10 PM

YOU SHOULD PREPARE:

  • A memorized monologue (1 minute MAX). It should showcase your range of dramatic ability keeping in mind the type of production for which you are auditioning. Please remember this is theater for young audiences.
  • A memorized song that best shows your vocal range. (1 minute MAX). Remember your PIANO SHEET MUSIC for your song. 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. No flip flops. Wear appropriate dance clothes please.
  • 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 fill out paperwork. If we are ahead of schedule, you may audition early.
  • Due to concentrated rehearsal periods, we ask that you don’t have any 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. Please take note of when rehearsals begin and bring your calendar with you to the audition.
  • Auditions and Callbacks are held at our offices located at 5020 Oaklawn Drive, Cincinnati OH 45227. Auditions are by appointment only.

2015-2016 SEASON CASTING INFORMATION

Disney’s The Little Mermaid JR.
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.

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.

Rehearsals begin: September 14 – October 10 (Monday–Thursday 6:30 PM-9 PM, Saturday 10AM-4 PM) MANDATORY TECH in the Taft Theatre: October 13, 14 and 15 from 11 AM to 9 PM.

Performances run October 16-25, 2015 with MORNING performances during school days, and afternoon and evening performances on weekends.

Male Roles: (9)

  • Prince Eric: (Actor, Singer, Mover) Portrays age 18-25. A Prince who would rather explore the ocean than govern a kingdom.
  • Sailors/ Gulls / Under the Sea Chorus / Lagoon Animals/ Chefs / Ensemble/: (3 Singer, Actor, Dancer, Puppeteers) Portrays a variety of Sea Creatures, Sailors, and Townsfolk.
  • Grimsby: (Actor, Singer) Portrays 50-60 years old. Prince Eric’s Valet
  • Pilot/Chef Louis: (Singer, Actor, Dancer) Portrays 29-40 years old. Driver of Prince Eric’s Ship/ Prince Eric’s Chef. Sings the Opening Number and Les Poissons.
  • King Triton (Actor, Singer, Mover) Portrays 40-50 years old. King of the ocean. Iconic look. Fit, strong, stern, but had a soft spot for his daughters.
  • Scuttle: (Actor, Singer, Mover) 25-40 year-old male portraying a zany seagull and self-proclaimed expert on humans.
  • Sebastian: (Singer, Actor, Mover) 25-45 year-old male portraying an anxious crab/court composer for King Triton.

Female Roles (9)

  • Ariel: (Singer, Actor, Mover) Portrays 18-20 years old. A mermaid who longs to be a human.
  • Mer-sisters / Princesses / Lagoon Animals / Under the Sea Chorus/ Ensemble: (6 singer, Actor, Dancer, Puppeteers) Portrays 15-25 years old. Ariel’s sisters.
  • Carlotta/ Under the Sea Chorus / Ensemble: (Actor, Singer, Mover, Puppeteer) Portrays 50-60 years old. Headmistress in Prince Eric’s Palace
  • Ursula: (Actor, Singer, Mover) Portrays 40-50 years old. The Sea Witch with a vendetta.
  • Non-Gender Specific Roles (10)
  • Flounder: (Singer, Actor, Mover) Child with an expressive character voice. Ariel’s young rambunctious best friend.
  • The Seahorse/ Under the Sea Chorus / Lagoon Animal/Ensemble: (Singer, Actor, Dancer, Puppeteer) Child with a cute character voice. The Herald of King Triton’s Court.
  • Flotsam & Jetsam: (2 dancer, Actor. Singer, Acrobats) Electric Eels, and Ursula’s sidekicks.
  • Ursula’s Tentacle Puppeteers/ Lagoon Animals/ Under the Sea Chorus: (6 Singer, Actor, Mover/ Puppeteers)

A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS
By Charles M. Schulz.
Based on the television special by Bill Melendez and Lee Mendelson.
Stage adaptation by Eric Schaeffer.
By special arrangement with Arthur Whitelaw and Ruby Persson.

Bring your family and celebrate Christmas with our live rendition of your favorite holiday special! Don’t let the hustle and bustle of the holidays get you down – Charlie Brown and the rest of the Peanuts gang are here to remind us all about what’s most important during this Yuletide season. 2015 marks the 50th anniversary of the animated television special, A Charlie Brown Christmas.

Rehearsals begin: October 26- November 25 (Monday – Thursday 6:30 PM-9 PM, Saturday 10 AM-4 PM) Additional rehearsal on Sunday November 29th due to Thanksgiving MANDATORY TECH in the Taft Theatre: December 1, 2 and 3 from 11 AM to 9 PM. Performances run December 4-13, 2015 with MORNING performances during school days, and afternoon and evening performances on weekends.

  • Charlie Brown: (Actor, Singer) portrays age: young boy
  • Snoopy: (Actor, Mover) Portray age: Dog. Must have a great since of comedic timing.
  • Lucy: (Actor, Singer) Portray age: young girl. Self-assured, somewhat bossy friend to Charlie Brown
  • Linus: (Actor, Singer) Portray age: young boy. Best friend of Charlie Brown
  • Pig Pen: (Actor, Singer) Portray age: young boy. Friend of Charlie Brown. Part of the gang.
  • Frieda: (Actor, Singer) Portray age: young girl. Part of the gang. Lovely red head very proud of her curls
  • Schroeder: (Actor, Singer) Portray age: Young boy. Part of the gang. Plays the toy piano and love interest of Lucy
  • Violet: (Actor, Singer) Portray age: young girl. Part of the gang
  • Sally: (Actor, Singer) Portray age: young girl. Charlie Brown’s Sister in love with Linus
  • Patty: (Actor, Singer) Portray age: young girl. Part of the gang. known as Peppermint Patty
  • Shermy: (Actor, Singer) Portray age: young boy. Part of the Gang

The ability to ice skate is a plus for all characters

SNOW WHITE AND THE DANCING DWARFS
Story and book by Ken Jones.
Music by Jamey Strawn.
Lyrics by Christine Jones.

Did you know that Snow White’s Dwarfs are amazing dancers? Come see for yourselves as the classic Brothers Grimm fairy tale of Snow White, her evil stepmother, the all-knowing mirror and the handsome (but not-too-brainy) prince, step their way back into your hearts and imagination. This is a world-premiere production you don’t want to miss!

Rehearsals begin: January 11- February 6 (Monday – Thursday 6:30 PM -9 PM, Saturday 10 AM-4 PM) MANDATORY TECH in the Taft Theatre: February 9, 10, 11 from 11 AM to 9 PM.

Performances run February 12-21, 2016 with MORNING performances during school days, and afternoon and evening performances on weekends.

  • The Mirror: (Actor, Singer, Dancer) Serves as the narrator. Menacing but also funny.
  • Queen Tempestula/The Peddler/The Witch: (Actor, Singer, Dancer) Incredibly vain and very evil.
  • Snow White: (Actor, Singer, Dancer): Kind and loving toward all people and creatures. Strong and smart.
  • The Huntsman/Prince Thomas: (Actor, Singer, Dancer) Dashing, strong and obedient as The Huntsman. Handsome, funny, and self-absorbed as Prince Thomas.
  • The Guards: (Dancers)

The Seven Dancing Dwarfs:

  • Waltzie: (Actor, Singer, Dancer) Dances the waltz, British, the boss.
  • Jiggles: (Actor, Singer, Dancer) Dances the jig (River Dance), Irish, worried but charming.
  • Tango: (Actor, Singer, Dancer) Dances the tango or salsa, Spanish, fiery and passionate.
  • Polkie: (Actor, Singer, Dancer) Dances the polka, German, strong and direct.
  • Tutu: (Actor, Singer, Dancer) Dances the ballet, French, delicate and beautiful.
  • Boots: (Actor, Singer, Dancer) Dances the line dance, U.S. (Texas), loud and pushy.
  • Tapper: (Actor, Singer, Dancer) Is a tap dancer, Silent (mute), thoughtful and sweet.
  • Animals: These are puppets or groups of puppets. Please note any puppetry experience on your audition form.

SHREK THE MUSICAL JR.
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.

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.

Rehearsals begin: February 29- April 2 (Monday – Thursday 6:30 PM -9 PM, Saturday 10 AM-4 PM)

MANDATORY TECH in the Taft Theatre: April 5, 6 and 7 from 11 AM to 9 PM.

Performances run April 8-17, 2016 with MORNING performances during school days, and afternoon and evening performances on weekends.

  • Shrek: (Singer, Actor, Mover) Adult Male High Baritone, a stinky Ogre that wants to be left alone
  • Donkey: (Singer, Actor, Mover) Adult Male High Baritone, annoying friend of Shrek’s
  • Mama Ogre, Mama Bear, Dragon Puppeteer, Duloc Performer: (Singer, Actor, Mover) Adult Female Portray 30 -40 Soprano
  • Baby Bear, Duloc Performer: (Singer, Actor, Mover) Child Soprano
  • Shoemaker’s Elf, Duloc Performer: (Singer, Actor, Mover) Ensemble
  • Pig, Dragon Puppeteer, Duloc Performer: (Singer, Actor, Mover) Ensemble, Adult Male High Baritone (Understudy Shrek)
  • Ugly Duckling, Duloc Performer: (Singer, Actor, Mover) Ensemble
  • Peter Pan, Understudy Donkey: (Singer, Actor, Mover) Ensemble
  • Fiona: (Actor, Singer, Mover) Adult female – Belter
  • Lord Farquaad: (Actor, Singer, on knees for entirety of show) High Baritone
  • Witch: (Actor, Singer, Mover) Ensemble
  • Pinocchio: (Actor, Singer, Mover) High Tenor
  • Fairy Godmother, Dragon Puppeteer, Understudy Fiona: (Actor, Singer, Mover) Ensemble
  • Sugar Plum, Gingy, Teen Fiona: (Actor, Singer, Mover) Ensemble
  • Big Bad Wolf, Understudy Farquaad: (Actor, Singer, Mover) Ensemble
  • Young Shrek, Dwarf, Young Fiona, Baby Bear: (Actor, Singer, Mover) Child Actor
  • Papa Bear, Dragon Puppeteer, Understudy Donkey: (Actor, Singer, Mover)
  • Papa Ogre, Duloc Performer: (Actor, Singer, Mover) Adult Male
  • Ensemble members (5 members) – Knights, Fairy Tale Creatures, Duloc Performers, Woodland Creatures, Deer, Rooster, Birds, Trees

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July 1, 2015 · 6:23 pm

Exciting Changes Afoot at The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati

via The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati website.

TCTC_New management

A MESSAGE FROM KIM DEATON
Exciting changes afoot at TCTC

This is a transformative time for The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati.  At the beginning of June we began renovation on what will be the new home of our administrative offices; dance, drama and vocal studios; a 150-seat theater for expanded programming beyond our MainStage productions (which will remain at the Taft Theatre); MainStage rehearsal space and our costume shop/vault.  We anticipate moving into the space in December of this year, and are excited about the organizational growth that will result.

Earlier this week we learned that our current Artistic Director, Angela Powell Walker, had accepted the position of Artistic Director for The School for Creative & Performing Arts.  What a wonderful opportunity for SCPA and their students, and for Angela who is an alumna of the school and often attributes her growth, both professionally and personally, to her time there.  We look forward to the potential for increased collaboration between the two organizations.

Angela will be missed by all here at TCTC.  Her contributions have assisted in elevating the quality and types of programming we offer.  Angela will be able to say that she left TCTC in a better place than when she began her time here, and for that we are grateful.

We are also grateful that we have tremendous internal talent upon which to draw during this time of transition.  We have named Roderick Justice (current Associate Artistic Director for MainStage) as Interim Artistic Director for MainStage, and Jay Goodlett (current Associate Artistic Director for Learning the Craft) as Interim Artistic Director for ArtReach and Learning the Craft.  We are confident in Jay and Roderick’s ability to rise to the occasion and help strategically shape the infrastructure and future success of The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati as we move forward.

Kim Deaton
Managing Director, The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati

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May 14, 2015 · 12:10 pm

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s ArtReach Division Casting Actors for the 2015-2016 Season

TCT_ArtReachArtReach, the touring division of The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati, needs actors and actresses 18-30 years old for full-time employment in touring productions. Contracts run August 2015-May 2016.

Please email angela.powellwalker@thechildrenstheatre.com or call 513.569.8080 x12 to schedule a time.

Auditions end June 30th. Please bring a headshot, résumé, short monologue and 16 bars of any song of your choice. Video auditions will be accepted.

Fall Tour

  • Treasure Island
  • Little Red Riding Hood

Holiday Tour

  • The Elves and the Shoemaker

Spring Tour

  • Coretta Scott King and the Fight for Freedom
  • George Washington Carver
  • Martin’s Dream
  • Henny Penny
  • Mozart’s Sister

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April 27, 2015 · 12:15 pm

ArtReach Presents THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS at the Fitton Center

TCTC_Wind_in_the_Willows promoHamilton, Ohio – Join us on Friday, May 8, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. as ArtReach: A Division of the Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati presents THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS.  This event is part of the Fitton Family Fridays series.

Based on the 1908 children’s tale by Kenneth Grahame, the peaceful lives of Mole and Rat are interrupted when Toad finds a new, exciting invention—a motorcar! When the fate of Toad Hall hangs in the balance, the friends enlist the help of the reclusive Badger, who lives deep in the Wild Wood. A classic story of friendship, keeping up with the times, and conquering one’s fears, this new musical adaptation will take you on an adventure by the river that you’ll never forget.

Fitton Family Fridays feature entertainment geared to kids of all ages, from preschoolers to teenagers – including parents and grandparents who are still kids at heart. Kid-friendly drinks and an assortment of light appetizers will be served before the show and are included in the ticket price. This series is sponsored by Vaden Fitton. The reception is sponsored by G&J Pepsi-Cola Bottlers, Inc.

Adult tickets are $10 for members and $12 for non-members. Children (16 and under) are FREE! *Limit 4 children per paying adult. Otherwise, the price for children is $5 for members and $6 for non-members. The reception begins at 6:30 p.m. in the Hamilton Rotary Vista Room and the show begins at 7:30 p.m.

To order your tickets, call 513-863-8873 ext.110 or visit www.fittoncenter.org.

The Fitton Center for Creative Arts would like to extend its gratitude to ArtsWave, the Hamilton Community Foundation, and the Ohio Arts Council for their support.

The Fitton Center for Creative Arts is located at 101 S. Monument Avenue on the Riverfront in Downtown Hamilton, Ohio.

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April 14, 2015 · 5:50 pm

LCT Review of ALADDIN JR.

LCT_VThis review has been reposted courtesy of the League of Cincinnati Theatres. For more LCT reviews click here to visit their reviews page.

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati production of Disney’s Aladdin, Jr. was what you look for in a classic Disney story brought to the stage. Combining elements of the live theatre production of “The Lion King” this production did what is supposed to do – entertain the little Friends Like Me!

Megan Ainsley as Jasmine, Bob Herzog as the Genie & Korey Harlow as Aladdin.

Megan Ainsley as Jasmine, Bob Herzog as the Genie & Korey Harlow as Aladdin.

The narrator enters the stage to the familiar opening scene of the palace of Agrabah while he leads a life-size camel ( a puppeteer like the aforementioned Lion King).  from there the pace of the show explodes non-stop with additions of the Cincinnati Circus performers, whose aerial tricks contributed to the larger-than-life feel of the show.

Inside the palace gates, Princess Jasmine (Megan Ainsley Callahan) prepares to choose from a parade of suitors (Prince Da-Doo Ran Ran!).  The vizier, Jafar (oozing silent screen villainy by Sam Rueff) and his sidekick ( a remarkable and delightful puppeteer, Mia Bella D’Ascenzo who channeled the movie’s Gilbert Godfrey) secretly re-write a law so that the Princess will have to marry Jafar if she fails to choose a husband within the allotted time.  When Jasmine escapes the palace and goes to the marketplace she runs into Aladdin (Korey Harlow as a natural personified goofy teen).

Aladdin is captured and thrown into Jafar’s secret hiding place, the Cave of Wonders, where he finds a lamp. Rubbing it clean, and through something akin to Disney magic, the Genie (an always delightful Bob Herzog channeling a bit of Robin William, but with bold characterizations and a wonderful sense of timing) grants “Al” three wishes.

Since the “Jr.” production is a pared down script based on the original movie,  things happen quickly. But that’s a good thing to keep the young ones in the audience occupied.  Once the genie is out of the bottle it’s showtime!  The addition of  the Cincinnati Circus brought a new level to the marketplace opening number, but  in the Genie’s “Friend Like Me” showstopper they really pulled out all of the stops.  Aerial acrobatics such as seen with Cirque De Soleil productions, flash pots, smoke and all kinds of razzle dazzle made for a terrific introduction to showstoppers for the little ones. The adults have a lot of fun too – with Herzog’s ad-libbing a few local jokes regarding traffic on “the cut-in-the-hill” while taking Aladdin on the magic carpet to meet the princess.  While the adults were laughing one child in the seat behind this reviewer remarked “the carpet is just fantastic, fantastic….I want one, Mommy.”

Director and choreographer Roderick Justice did a fine job with the cast. They were energetic and kept the humor, characterizations and tempo of the original Disney classic.  Lighting design was a bit awkward at times, the follow shots seeming to have a hard time finding their actors while other cues were making it feel like they were being made up on the fly.  The flying effect of the magic carpet was a nice addition.

Overall this fast-paced adventure is a perfect introduction to the theatre for young – and old – alike.  The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati has done a marvelous job of keeping the magic of theatre alive with imagination and fun.

For more information on the production, click here.

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