Issuu

Rediscover a classic

D. Lynn Meyers, Producing Artistic Director

MRS. MANNERLY by JEFFREY HATCHER Directed by D. LYNN MEYERS†

October 13 – November 1, 2026

Scenic & Lighting Designer BRIAN c . MEHRING

Costume Designer HANNAH PLESSINGER

Sound Designer TREY TATUM

Properties Curator & Set Design Associate SHANNON RAE LUTZ

Technical Director JACOB DOWELL

Production Stage Manager MARGOT WHITNEY*

Assistant Stage Manager LEXI MULLER*

THE VIDEOTAPING OR MAKING OF ELECTRONIC OR OTHER AUDIO AND/OR VISUAL RECORDINGS OF THIS PRODUCTION IS A VIOLATION OF UNITED STATES COPYRIGHT LAW AND AN ACTIONABLE FEDERAL OFFENSE.

MRS. MANNERLY is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Dramatists Play Service. www.concordtheatricals.com MRS. MANNERLY was first produced by Illusion Theater, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Michael H. Robbins and Bonnie Morris, Producing Directors. MRS. MANNERLY was subsequently produced by Alley Theatre, Houston, Texas, Gregory Boyd, Artistic Director; Dean R. Gladden, Managing Director. The Greetings from Steubenville, Ohio postcard image is used with special permission from Steven R. Shook © 2012.

*Member belongs to Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers. This theatre operates under an agreement between Actors’ Equity Association, Professional Actors, and Stage Managers in the United States. Understudies never substitute for listed players unless a specific announcement is made at the time of the performance.

†

PREMIERE SPONSOR Manuel Hernandez

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Your passion shines brilliantly. The arts make us think, make us feel, and make us wonder. PNC is proud to support Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati. Thank you for helping to make our community more brilliant.

pnc.com

WHERE TO NEXT? After experiencing Mutual Dance, find what’s next on the newly-enhanced ArtsWave App, your one-stop calendar for arts, entertainment, sports and more. Add on the ArtsWave Pass and get 50% off arts tickets and more!

D O W N L OA D FOR

T O DAY

DIRECTOR'S NOTES Mrs. Mannerly appears to be a confection when, in actuality, it is a double shot of Scotch, straight up. Our world is obsessed with image, political correctness, bitterness, sarcasm, status, influencers, trends, and the artifice of happiness and wealth. In 1967, it was exactly the same. The reach of one’s fame may have been limited to the boundaries of Steubenville, Ohio, but who you were and how you did what you did mattered. Now is a rare moment to hear some truth. Sit back and listen to a manners class where, beneath the silver, there is a lot of tarnish. One woman has taught the meaning of politeness for more than 30 years, generation after generation. Underneath the lace tablecloth, however, mystery lingers, as do the statements that most in Steubenville might have felt were better left unsaid. Take a model of grace, a woman of stellar presence, and add five students who each have their own reason for being in her class. Class is not easily defined—not now, not then. Fourteen years ago, Ed Stern had just left his position at Cincinnati Playhouse and directed Dale Hodges and Raymond McAnally in Mrs. Mannerly here at ETC. It was a hit. Staff and subscribers alike wished to see it again. It showed up on survey after survey. Why? It allows one to sit safely in their seat and watch others triumphantly fail and succeed, while seeing a bit of themselves. It’s a genuine comedy. It’s irreverent, unexpected, and delightful. Before I added this show to this season, I contacted Dale and Ray. They said YES, so here we are. Ed and I walked the world in very different shoes; however, on this, we agreed. Mrs. Mannerly shines a light on a world that needs more transparency. Our production is delivered by two of the finest actors we have ever had the honor of working with. I hope you enjoy this production. And while I believe Ed may still have notes for me, it’s been an absolute joy to bring Mrs. Mannerly to you. —D. Lynn Meyers

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Director's Notes

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CAST & CREW CAST Mrs. Mannerly.................................................................................................................. DALE HODGES* Jeffrey/Others..................................................................................................RAYMOND McANALLY*

RUNNING CREW 2nd Assistant Stage Manager........................................................................... MADDI O'CONNELL Light Board Operator & Mrs. Mannerly u/s..................................................................AVA WARD Sound Board Operator.............................................................................. TIERRA LONDON RUSH Run Crew & Jeffrey u/s..........................................................................................KENNY RAYBORN Spot Light Operator......................................................................................KATELYN JOY MOORE

PRODUCTION TEAM Associate Production Manager & Associate Technical Director................. JACK MURPHY Associate Production Manager & Master Electrician................................... CHRIS LIPSTREU Scenic Charge Artist & Production Associate...............................................RAE MACK KUHN Sound & Lighting Supervisor................................................................................ JAKE TILLMANN Costume Shop Manager.............................................................................. HANNAH PLESSINGER Wardrobe Supervisor......................................................................................... SARAH MALARNEY Intimacy & Movement Choreographer................................................................................E. CARR Automation Technician & Shop Carpenter....................................... JEREMIAH PLESSINGER Carpenter & Load-In Technician........................................................................... NATHAN NEORR

SETTING Fall, 1967. Mrs. Mannerly's manners class; various other places in Steubenville, OH.

This production will be performed with no intermission. Approximate running time is 90 minutes.

PLEASE TURN OFF ALL CELL PHONES. NO TEXTING.

*Member belongs to Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers. Understudies never substitute for listed players unless a specific announcement is made at the time of the performance.

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Cast & Crew

Jan 5-10 • Aronoff Center CincinnatiArts.org • Groups of 10+: Peggy.Hughes@BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com

HOOK in Concert JAN 2 & 3 Music Hall cincinnatipops.org

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2026–2027 SPONSORS

SEASON PRESENTING SPONSOR

SEASON FUNDER

OPERATING SUPPORT

FAIRY GODMOTHER SPONSORS

SEASON TICKET SPONSOR

EDUCATION, ENGAGEMENT, & INCLUSION SPONSORS

The Family of Dr. Peter Ruehlman

APPRENTICE PROGRAM SPONSORS Gale & Dave Beckett SEASON SUPPORT Greater Cincinnati Foundation Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr. Foundation Mitchell S. and Jacqueline P. Meyers Foundation The Shubert Foundation IN-KIND SUPPORT Cincinnati State Technical & Community College, Interpreter Training Program Clovernook Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired

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2026–2027 Sponsors

EDUCATION, ENGAGEMENT, & INCLUSION SUPPORT Anonymous (3) Eleanora C. U. Alms Trust, Fifth Third Bank, N.A., Trustee Arts Midwest William P. Anderson Foundation Donald C. and Laura M. Harrison Family Foundation Hamilton County Mr. & Mrs. David E. Moccia The Daniel & Susan Pfau Foundation Charles Scott Riley III Foundation The John A. Schroth Family Charitable Trust, PNC Bank, Trustee Nellie Leaman Taft Foundation The Thaman Family Fund Jennifer Verkamp

PLAY IN PROGRESS Dale Hodges & Raymond McAnally

Raymond McAnally

Dale Hodges

Raymond McAnally & Dale Hodges

Play in Progress

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ABOUT US OUR MISSION Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati (ETC) is a professional theatre dedicated to producing world and regional premieres of works that often explore compelling social issues. We fulfill our mission through our stage productions and educational outreach programs that enlighten, enliven, enrich, and inspire our audiences. OUR HISTORY From its founding in 1986, ETC has focused on providing an artistic home for local theatre professionals, including serving as a training ground for young artists. Each season, ETC produces a lineup devoted to the newest in contemporary theatre that attracts a diverse audience of 30,000 to more than 220 performances. Our work also includes education and engagement programs centered on introducing the performing arts to students from underresourced schools and children with disabilities. Combined, our productions and educational programs strive to fulfill ETC’s vision of creating an urban arts district that is accessible to all.

(513) 421–3555 1127 Vine Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 www.ensemblecincinnati.org

BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS Mark Haggard, President Kali Hacias Boecher, Treasurer Holly Brians Ragusa, Secretary DIRECTORS Amy Bixel Erica Bock Otto M. Budig, Jr. Kwesi Calliste Zina Camblin Tom Carothers Denise Esteves-Hicks Sharon Fusco Charles H. Gerhardt, III Tim Giglio Beverly A. Grant Stephen M. King Andrew Maloney Anthony McNamara D. Lynn Meyers, ex officio Shekhar Mitra Dave Moccia Chris Ramos Maura Schilling Jeffrey Schloemer Alex Schutte Meghan Simonson Ashlee Young DIRECTORS EMERITI Skip Hickenlooper Edward G. Marks FOUNDERS' CIRCLE Ruth D. & John Sawyer Ken & Mary "Murph" Mahler Dr. Charles O. Carothers Mitchell S. Meyers

This Theatre operates under an agreement between the League of Resident Theatres and Actors' Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States. Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati is a member of Theatre Communications Group (TCG), the national organization for the American theatre. INTERESTED IN ADVERTISING?

Accredited member of the Better Business Bureau.

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Contact our team at Cincinnati Magazine for information: advertise@CincinnatiMagazine.com

ABOUT ETC

OUR STAFF ARTISTIC

D. Lynn Meyers, The Ruth Dennis Sawyer/Mary Taft Mahler Producing Artistic Director & Chief Executive Officer Brian c. Mehring, Resident Scenic & Lighting Designer Shannon Rae Lutz, Properties Curator, Design Associate, & Director of Apprentice Programming Rae Mack Kuhn, Scenic Charge Artist & Production Associate Torie Wiggins, Artistic Associate Professional Apprentices: Katelyn Joy Moore • Kenny Rayborn Tierra London Rush • Ava Ward

STAGE MANAGEMENT

Margot Whitney, Production Stage Manager Lexi Muller, Assistant Stage Manager Maddi O'Connell, 2nd Assistant Stage Manager

EDUCATION

Emily Mathews, Director of Education Emmy Frayser, Accessibility & Education Programs Coordinator

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

Amy J. Barbian, Associate Director of Marketing & Communications Annie Jennings, Digital Marketing Manager Becca Schall, Creative Media Producer

OPERATIONS

Jared D. Doren, Programming & Events Manager Nick Ligon, Head of Security Michael Carr, General Manager

PATRON SERVICES

Box Office Associates/House Managers: A.J. Baldwin • Anson Battoclette • Beasley Jasimine Bouldin • Abigail Dirr • Alice Flanders Elliet Malatesta • KG Rucker • Becca Schall Belle Scholles • Sara Swartout

PRODUCTION

Jacob Dowell, Technical Director Jack Murphy, Associate Production Manager & Associate Technical Director Chris Lipstreu, Associate Production Manager & Master Electrician Hannah Plessinger, Costume Shop Manager Jake Tillmann, Lighting & Sound Supervisor Jeremiah Plessinger, Shop Carpenter Nathan Neorr, Carpenter & Load-In Tech

LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati acknowledges that we gather on the unceded and stolen territories of the Hopewell, Adena, Myaamia (Miami), Shawandasse Tula (Shawanwaki/Shawnee), and Wazhazhe Ma'zha' (Osage) peoples. We honor with gratitude the land itself and the people who have stewarded it since time immemorial.

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Q&A

with playwright Jeffrey Hatcher

ind your P's and Q's: Jeffrey Hatcher, creator of the comedic play Mrs. Mannerly, reveals memories of his life in Steubenville, Ohio, and how the 1967 manners class came to life on stage: What inspired you to create Mrs. Mannerly? I took a manners class that was very similar to, if not exactly like, the one described in [Mrs. Mannerly]. We even had a ‘class photo’ taken of us—little boys in white jackets, black bow-ties, black shorts and saddle shoes; girls in frilly dresses.

What is your fondest memory about growing up in Steubenville? Setting the play in my hometown of Steubenville, I remember going to the old movie palaces from back in the day—the Paramount, the Grand, the Capital. They were built in the 1920s and 1930s, but I knew them in the 1960s, when decay had started to set in, but they were still gorgeous. I remember seeing Goldfinger at the Capital and thinking the name of the star (Sean Connery) was pronounced “Seen Canary”.

What do you believe is the most important manner a person should practice? I have learned when a dinner companion offers to pay the bill, say ‘no’ twice, then take it. My mother told me that, and it’s saved me thousands of dollars.

What do you believe is the worst form of etiquette people practice? The most aggravating form of bad manners is when some stranger doesn’t thank me after he’s asked for directions or the time and I’ve kindly stopped to answer him. I’m not ‘Mr. Information.’

In your personal experience, how do you think people will view the importance of manners and etiquette 10 years from now? Ten years from now, I think people will view the importance of manners and etiquette less than we do now. I would trade most of the technical rules—how to fold your napkin, which fork to use when—for ‘please’ and ‘thank you’.”

Playwright Jeffrey Hatcher's manners class graduation. Circa 1967, Steubenville, OH.

Editors note: With the return of Mrs. Mannerly to the ETC stage this season, we've revisited this interview with playwright Jeffrey Hatcher, originally published during the 2012 production.

BIOS DALE HODGES (Mrs. Mannerly) is very happy to be back in her classroom as Mrs. Mannerly with her favorite student, Ray McAnally, and all the children after a 14-year sabbatical. Her alter-ego, Dale Hodges, is also happy to be back, having last appeared on the Ensemble Theatre’s stage in Grand Horizons, as well as Ripcord, Sex and Education, Other Desert Cities, and 33 Variations. Most recently, Dale performed Joan Didion's The Year of Magical Thinking, presented as a staged reading as a part of ETC’s Studio Series. Her regional credits include Jane Marple in Mrs. Christie, (co-production with the Milwaukee Repertory Theatre), Princess Dragomiroff in Murder on the Orient Express (co-produced with Indiana Repertory Theatre), Vivian Bearing in Wit, the Fool in King Lear, and Mrs. K in The Piano Teacher at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, as well as Mary Tyrone in Long Day's Journey into Night and Dottie in Noises Off at Cincinnati Shakespeare Company. In movies, you can catch sight of her in Emilio Estevez’s The Public or Kelly Reichardt's The Mastermind. Dale has been a member of Actors' Equity since 1974 and has worked both on and offBroadway and in regional theatres around the country. She was a 2014 Ten Chimneys Fellow and was honored this spring with a star on the P&G Walk of Fame at Playhouse in the Park. Cincinnati has been her home since 1988, and she is very grateful to Lynn, to the dearly departed Ed Stern, and to Blake, Brian, Bridget, and all those who, in local venues, big or small, mainstream or fringe, produce and give us the gift of live theatre. And to all the audiences who love and value it as we do, thank you for continuing to support it as much as you can, and for showing up. We can't do it without you.

RAYMOND McANALLY (Jeffrey/Others) is happy to be returning to perform Mrs. Mannerly with Dale again. His previous Cincinnati credits include the world premiere of his one-man show Size Matters at Ensemble Theatre and The Foreigner at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. Other theatre credits of note include the off-Broadway world premiere of God’s Ear, Casa Valentina, and the U.S. regional premiere of One Man, Two Guvnors. Television credits include a supporting role in Black Mirror: San Junipero, the winner of the 2017 Emmy Award for Best TV Movie, and guest starring roles on Better Call Saul, Modern Family, Chicago Fire, High Potential, Law & Order: SVU, Royal Pains, and 30 Rock. His full-length play The Cruelty of Children was a semi-finalist at the O’Neill Center in 2019, among others. Raymond has been a lecturer for Rutgers Arts Online since 2013. He has guest lectured at colleges and conservatories since 2009. Website: raymcanally.com

LET’S THEATRE TOGETHER @ EnsembleCincy 16 |

Bios

BIOS JEFFREY HATCHER (Playwright) is an award-winning writer for stage, screen, and television. Dozens of his plays, original and adaptations, have been produced on Broadway, Off-Broadway, and in theaters around the world. They include the book for the Broadway musical Never Gonna Dance, Dial M for Murder, A Picasso, Tuesdays with Morrie (with Mitch Albom), Sherlock Holmes and the Adventure of the Suicide Club, The Good Soldier, and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. He has written screenplays for the films The Duchess, Casanova, Stage Beauty, and, most recently, Mr. Holmes. He has also written episodes of Columbo and The Mentalist. Mr. Hatcher more recently returned to the stage after a 30-year hiatus, acting in Educating Rita, The Heiress, and his own piece, Jeffrey Hatcher’s Hamlet, a one-man show about adapting, directing, and acting in his 5th-grade school production of Shakespeare’s tragedy. His awards and grants include NEA, TCG, Lila Wallace Fund, 2013 IVEY Lifetime Achievement Award, Rosenthal New Play Prize, Frankel Award, Charles MacArthur Fellowship Award, Edgerton Grant, McKnight Foundation, Jerome Foundation, Barrymore Award Best New Play, and L.A. Critics Circle Award Best Adaptation. He is a member and/or alumnus of The Playwrights Center, the Dramatists Guild, the Writers Guild, and New Dramatists.

D. LYNN MEYERS (Director) (she/her) has been with Ensemble Theatre for thirty years, having directed more than a hundred world and regional premieres, including Hands on a Hardbody, Fun Home, Morning Sun, The Wolves, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, I Am My Own Wife, Next to Normal, and the world premiere of The Dancing Princesses. She began her career as the associate artistic director at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, has directed off-Broadway at the York Theatre, and has directed extensively throughout the US and Canada. As a member of the Casting Society of America, Lynn's recent feature credits include The Bikeriders, Shirley, Dark Waters, and Wildcat, in addition to serving as the location casting director for The Shawshank Redemption. Lynn recently directed the world premiere of Fierce for the Cincinnati Opera. She was named a finalist for the Zelda Fichandler National Award in 2011, is a past recipient of the YWCA Career Woman of Achievement Award, and received the 2019 Rosa F. and Samuel B. Sachs Fund Prize for regional arts impact and leadership.

BRIAN c. MEHRING (Scenic & Lighting Designer) (he/him) is incredibly thankful to have served as the resident scenic and lighting designer at Ensemble Theatre for over two decades. Some of his favorite productions include Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Your Negro Tour Guide, Next to Normal, An Iliad, Sweat, and Fun Home. His regional favorites for set design include The Last 5 Years and I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park; Henry IV, Part 1, The Georgia Shakespeare Festival; and I Am My Own Wife, Actors Theatre of Louisville, Peterborough Players, and Florida Studio Theatre. Brian would like to thank D. Lynn Meyers for her endless support and dedication to ETC.

Bios

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BIOS HANNAH PLESSINGER (Costume Designer) is the costume shop manager at Ensemble Theatre who occasionally moonlights as a costume designer. Hannah received her BFA in costume design & technology at Northern Kentucky University and her MFA in costume technology from Ohio University. Her work has been seen on stages around Cincinnati as well as at Nashville Repertory Theatre, Monomoy Theatre, Playhouse on the Square, The Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, and many others. She is beyond grateful to be part of the ETC family. TREY TATUM (Sound Designer) (he/him) is a playwright and composer who makes silly things about serious stuff. Some of his previous sound designs at Ensemble Theatre include Fourteen Funerals, The Garbologists and The Sound Inside. Some ongoing projects include the audio dramas ZOiNKS! and Have Monster, Will Travel, available wherever you get your podcasts. Trey lives in Cincinnati and makes theater and mischief with his wife, director Bridget Leak. treytatum.com SHANNON RAE LUTZ (Properties Curator & Set Design Associate) (she/her) earned her master’s degree from the University of Cincinnati's College-Conservatory of Music in 1996 and became the properties curator at Ensemble Theatre. Trained as a performer, she first appeared on ETC’s stage during the 1988-1989 New Works Festival. In 1991, she was granted an ETC internship. Now the director of apprentice programming, she is honored to co-manage ETC’s Professional Apprentice Company with Torie Wiggins. Shannon would like to thank D. Lynn Meyers, Ruth Sawyer, and the Cincinnati theatre community and patrons for their generous, supportive, and tenacious spirit. JACOB DOWELL (Technical Director) (he/him) is thrilled to be in his fifth season at Ensemble. He received a BA in theatre from Morehead State University. Some previous technical direction credits include The House on Watch Hill, The Match Game, Fiona: The Musical, Hands on a Hardbody, Kinky Boots, The Who’s Tommy, and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. Jacob would like to thank his family, friends, his wife, Colleen, and cats, Ronnie and Stan, for their continued support.

For more content about this production, including behindthe-scenes photos, videos, interviews, and more, visit www.ensemblecincinnati.org

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Bios

BIOS MARGOT WHITNEY (Production Stage Manager) (she/her) is thrilled to be back at Ensemble Theatre! Her previous credits include Sweat on Broadway and the first national tours of Clue, Mean Girls, Come From Away, Bright Star, The King & I, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella, and War Horse. She has worked with The Public Theatre, Signature Theatre Company, New York Stage and Film, Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, La Jolla Playhouse, Virginia Opera, Cincinnati Opera, Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati during the 2012-2013 Season, and Cincinnati Ballet. Margot received her BFA from the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music. She would like to send love and thanks to family and friends! LEXI MULLER (Assistant Stage Manager) (she/her) is thrilled to return for her eighth season with Ensemble Theatre. Some of her ETC credits include The Wolves, Fun Home, Pipeline, Sweat, Morning Sun, and Jaja’s African Hair Braiding. Regional work includes Fiddler on the Roof, Sweeney Todd, and The Full Monty at The Human Race Theatre Company. A proud member of Actors’ Equity Association and a Wright State University BFA graduate. Lexi lives by spike tape, snacks, and Sharpies. She is especially thankful to her family for always supporting her love of theatre.

CAST & CREW

FOR THE JOY OF DISCOVERY Materials inspired by Mrs. Mannerly, courtesy of our friends at The Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library.

BOOKS Meet the Newmans by Jennifer Niven

The Watsons Go to Birmingham—1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis

The Royal Butler

World News From Waverley High by Linda Kass

My Remarkable Life in Royal Service

by Grant Harrold

The Book Club for Troublesome Women by Marie Bostwick Was It Something I Said?

Everyday Etiquette to Avoid Awkward Moments in Relationships, Work, and Life

by Alison M. Cheperdak

The Crayons' Book of Manners by Drew Daywalt

Borrow these and other show-inspired materials online or at your nearest library branch.

Bios

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I I t c A

Act I of the Pillars Campaign raised an incredible $3 million! Now the intermission has ended and Act II has begun, bringing us one step closer to closing the curtain when we reach our remaining goal of $7 million.

Your support of this campaign will . . .

Sustain ETC’s operations to rebuild our patrons and donor base from the 18-month shutdown

* * *

Increase programming for local professionals to perform, produce, and create the theatre of tomorrow

Maintain our historic, beautifully renovated buildings as the gateway to OTR

Maintain our essential education programs, currently serving 17 area schools every week Invest in seeding an endowment so ETC will stand as a beacon for the next 40 years

Lead Investors Harry & Linda Fath

Our Impact • 40 years of productions that enlighten, energize, and inspire • 276 regional and world premieres produced • 4,128 actors employed • 40% of our apprentices remain in the Greater Cincinnati region • 97% subscription renewal rate • Nearly 2,000 student attendees of Fairy Godmother performances annually • 11,000 students served each year by our education and engagement initiatives

Invest in our milestone campaign to ensure ETC can thrive for generations to come!

WAYS TO GIVE $

One-time donations

Tribute gifts

Stock gifts

Multiyear pledges

Legacy gifts

Give through your Donor-Advised Fund

If you are over 70 ½, you can make a tax-free Qualified Charitable Distribution from an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) to ETC. Please direct your administrator to make the gift for Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati (Tax ID: 31-1220252)

Scan now to support the Pillars Campaign!

@ EnsembleCincy For more information, contact us at (513) 421-3555 x4 or development@ensemblecincinnati.org.

WAYS HEADER A TO GIVE From playwrights to apprentices and every role in between, your tax-deductible gift enables us to enliven, enrich, and inspire audiences, as well as create a thriving urban arts community accessible to all through our world and regional premiere productions and award-winning education, engagement, and inclusion programs.

ONLINE

Make your gift online at ensemblecincinnati.org/support

IN PERSON

Make a gift at our box office via cash, check, or credit card.

BY PHONE

Please call (513) 421–3555, option 4.

BY MAIL

Send a check payable to Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati to: Attn: Development 1127 Vine Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45202

THROUGH YOUR IRA

Are you over 70 ½? You can make a tax-free Qualified Charitable Distribution from an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). Direct your administrator to make the gift for Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati (Tax ID: 31-1220252), including “of,” as that is our legal name.

STOCK

For stock transfers instructions, email development@ensemblecincinnati.org

HONOR & MEMORIAL GIFTS

Giving a gift in honor or memory of someone is a wonderful way to pay tribute to their life.

THE 1986 CLUB

ETC’s Monthly Giving Program The 1986 Club celebrates the legacy of Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati’s founding year and provides an opportunity for you to make an ongoing impact on the future of our arts community. By becoming a monthly donor, you directly contribute to the growth and sustainability of our programming, productions, and outreach efforts. Each gift makes an immediate impact on ETC’s productions and educational programs. Why Give Monthly? Your monthly investment allows us to build a sustainable future and continue creating the high-quality theatre experiences our community loves. Monthly donors provide ETC with consistent, reliable support, and each gift makes a lasting difference. Join The 1986 Club today and help us shape the future! Visit www.ensemblecincinnati.org/support

GIVE WHILE YOU SHOP

Designate ETC as your nonprofit beneficiary through the Kroger Community Rewards program, and Kroger donates a portion of your purchase amount directly to ETC. Register your Kroger Plus Card and select ETC–organization BM374.

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WAYS TO GIVE

THE PREMIERE SOCIETY The Premiere Society recognizes the extraordinary individuals, families, and organizations whose generosity makes it possible for ETC to present world-class new works and award-winning education, engagement, and inclusion programming for our community. The following list includes donors whose gifts were received between September 18, 2025 and September 18, 2026.

PLAYWRIGHTS ($20,000+) Anonymous (2) ArtsWave Henrietta Barlag Gale & Dave Beckett The Charles H. Dater Foundation, Inc. Ms. Lucy Davis Friedlander Family Fund L. Timothy Giglio Carol Ann & Ralph V. Haile, Jr. Foundation Daniel Brown & Mark Haggard Lauren Hannan Shafer William & Mary Jane James LKC Foundation Kenneth T. & Molly M. Mahler Mitchell S. & Jacqueline P. Meyers Foundation Anu & Shekhar Mitra Diane & Dave Moccia Ohio Arts Council P&G Fund* Richard Postler & Manuel Hernandez The Family of Dr. Peter G. Ruehlman Louise Taft Semple Foundation The Shubert Foundation, Inc. Dale & Joyce Uetrecht Family Fund Brenda Wagner Ginger Warner

PRODUCERS ($10,000-$19,999) Amy Bixel Lisa Borland Holly Brians Ragusa & Damon Ragusa The Otto M. Budig Family Foundation Jeff & Gay Bullock Annette & Tom Carothers Susan Cohen & Robert Schmuelling Meredythe G. & Clayton C. Daley, Jr. Family Fund* Jane & Chip Gerhardt Linda Holthaus & Richard Zinicola Heidi Jark & Steven Kenat Steve & Carol Reubel Norma Skoog Corky & Rick Steiner Family Foundation Dr. Joseph & Mrs. Nancy Stratman Dudley S. Taft Foundation Carol Talbot Fund* Robert Keith & Kathleen Thornton Keith van der Horst Family Fund* Tamara White

DIRECTORS ($5,000-$9,999) Marcia Banker & Jeff Schloemer Kali Boecher Denise & Martin Chambers, The Don and Alice Ulmer Legacy Giving Fund

Kelly M. Dehan & Rick Staudigel Bob & Mary Fitzpatrick Sandi Gans Beverly A. Grant Fund* Tim Haney Betty Huck The Andrew Jergens Foundation* Stephen King & Lynne Miller David Logan & Dale Hodges Molly North J. Brett Offenberger Ann and Chris Ramos Barbara & Dave Reaman Jane Ruwet Hopson & Larry Pytlinski Alex & Kim Schutte Meghan & Dan Simonson Limestone Fund* The Unnewehr Foundation Maureen & Larry Vignola Jo Ann Wieghaus

DESIGNERS ($2,500-$4,999) Anonymous Americana Arts Foundation William P. Anderson Foundation* Robert Banks David A. Brashear Bryson Family Charitable Fund Kathy Burklow & John Berlier Shirlee Cassidy Marjorie Davies Ehrsam Family Fund* PJ & Greg Fischesser Alana & Shelly Gerson Dr. & Mrs. Richard Glaser Dr. Robert & Suzanne Hasl Fund Rhonda Haugabook Johnson Charitable Gift Fund Ginny & Rick Kuertz Kristin Orr Moe & Jack Rouse The Sittenfeld Family Mary Ann & Edwin T. Weiss, Jr.

STAGE MANAGERS ($1,000-$2,499) Anonymous (5) Lucy Allen Scott Allgyer Judith & Louis Belli Allen Bernard Erica Bock Chris Bolling & Stephen Peterson Wini Bruening Dawn & Doug Bruestle Sharon Butler Kathleen Cail

Please bring any errors or omissions to our attention by contacting us at development@ensemblecincinnati.org or (513) 421-3555 x4.

* A Fund of The Greater Cincinnati Foundation

the premiere society

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STAGE MANAGERS CONT. Kwesi Calliste Barbara Carr & Bren Blaine Fran Christensen Philip Clayton Alfred Closson Margaret & Joseph Conway Mark Dauner Amy Diamond & Eddie Wolf Mary & Scott Donaldson Rick & Allison Edwards John Ellmore Fencl Family Fund* Lydia Fitzpatrick Edward Freeman Gilman Family Fund* Donn Goebel & Cathy McLeod The Greater Cincinnati Foundation Kurt & Joanne Grossman Ms. Deanna Hengge Emily M. Hodges & Charles H. Spencer Daniel Hurley Keith & Patti James Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies Matching Gifts Program Amy Katz & Robert Cohen LaMacchia Family Foundation Carol Leslie Chris Lewis & Alicia Bond-Lewis Louise and Grauman Marks Memorial Fund* Walter S. & Patricia Mann Smitson Frederick Martens Sophia McAllister Kevin and Jennifer McManus Carol Miller Meibers Jill & Bruce Mitchell Shenan Murphy Patti Myers & Alan Flaherty Neda & Bruce Nutley Alice Perlman PNC Foundation Hera G. Reines Mr. & Mrs. Gates T. Richards Kira Rucker Elizabeth Sawyer Selnick Fund* Marvin & Betsy Schwartz Fund* Ken & Kathy Skau Susan & David Lee Smith Jim & Tammy Stephens Family Charitable Fund Glenda Suttman Tarapore Antia Family Gordon and Mary-Anne Thompson Joseph Tilford Elizabeth Warner and Laurent Huguenin Susan Wilke Carol and Rich Wilson

CAST ($500-$999) Anonymous Laura Atkinson Malcolm A. & Glenda Bernstein Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra Carol C. Cole Philip K. & Anne Lilly Cone Fund* David Crotty & Joan von Handorf Dennis Dunwoodie Denise Esteves-Hicks Joanne Fiorini Rachel & Bernard Foster Rita & Dennis Geiger Kathryn Gibbons Joseph Huber James & Robin Huizenga

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THE PREMIERE SOCIETY

Tana Kirkbride & Amit Gupta Pinky & Sam Kocoshis Russell Lascelles and Janet Schultz Warren Leight Michael W. Mason Minda Matthews-Smith Anthony & Emily McNamara Drs. Jacqueline & Steven Miller Family Bill & Ruth Morley Roy & Cheryl Newman Whitney Owens & David Eslinger Family Fund Ms. Kathleen O'Connell & Dr. H. Kenneth Peterson David M. Piatt Fund* Adam Porter Stephen & Helen Rindsberg Ellen Rittgers Richard Roebuck J.R. Rulon Susan & Clint Schertzer Bob & Maura Schilling Jackie Mack & Ted Silberstein Mary Lee and Louie Sirkin William L. Slutz & Linda A. Roomann Kate Spencer Ric Sweeney Linda Tache Barry Thomas Meggan Thompson Thomas Thompson Bob & Sue Trusty Karen & Barry Webb Pann & Terry Webb Michael & Susan Whitehead Robert & Jean Willis Ronna & Dr. James Willis Kathryn Wright Ashlee Young Dr. David & Cynthia Zink Nora Zorich & Thomas Filardo Family Fund*

RUNNING CREW ($250-$499) Anonymous (4) Janice and David Bauer Michael Bauschelt Mary Ann Bender Bill & Janet Berger Richard Block John Bruggerman Rebecca Campbell Brian & Elizabeth Coley Barbara Cummins Brock Dalton Earthward Bound Foundation Barbara Feldmann William Groneman & Maureen Flanagan Charitable Fund Larry Freeman Jo Anne M. Gibbons & John R. Getz Linda Goldenhar & Chris Cain Bob & Judy Heaton Jordan Heser and Mark Harris Shirley Huwel Farrah Jackson Shonita Joshi James R. Kelly Lyle Kelly Mr. & Mrs. Richard Kovarsky Paul and Judy Kraus Kroger Community Rewards Program Mary LaBolt Richard & Barbara Males Charles & Jennifer Margolis David L. Martin

THANK YOU TO ALL OUR DONORS! To join our family of contributors with a donation of any size, please contact us at (513) 421-3555 x4

The McCready-Shore Family Julia B. Meister Mr. Scott Murphy and Ms. Megan Cooper Tory Parlin Chris Philpotts & Pam Schall Janet Reynolds Ingrid Ritschel Al Roane Ross Royce Siegrist Family Fund Greg Terhune & Bo Wachendorf Marty C. Tomb Rosalie P. van Nuis Sheryl Vice Priscilla S. Walford Buzz Ward Ann & Victor Warner Neal Watzman

APPRENTICES ($125-$249) Anonymous (5) Robert Arlinghaus Mark Berliant Rhoda & John Brooks Michele & Kevin Cain Jim Courter Mary Anne Curtiss M.D. Charles & Lois Deitschel Raymond Diedrichs Michael Dimaggio Emilie & David Dressler Fund* Igor & Jane Dumbadze Julie Fay, Imperial Theatre - Mohawk Project Mrs. Madeleine H. Gordon Ann Hicks Daniel Hoffheimer Anne Holzschuh Marilyn Hurrell Doug Ignatius & Bruce Preston Jewish Federation Cincinnati Toni and Ken Kanter Madelyn Levy Angela Lipsitz King Lybi Ma Andrew Maloney Norah & Joe Mock John & Deborah Moffatt Phil Paradis & Marjorie Hull Chrissy Parten Holly Riffe & Sue Roth Cheryl & David Risher Mark Silbersack & Ruth Schwallie Barbara Seiver Grace Sferra Rachel Sinclair Tim Smith & Penny Poirier Fred & Anne Straus Charitable Fund Robert P. Streicher Sue & Tom Terwilliger Dan & Lynn Ticotsky U.S. Bancorp Foundation- Employee Matching Gift Program

Howard M. & Nancy S. Weinberg Jane Whalen Anne Warrington Randy Womble

TRIBUTE GIFTS In Memory of Charles Carothers, MD In Honor of Sara Clark and Patricia Ryan In Memory of Elizabeth Coley (7) In Memory of Jeff Dalton In Honor of Linda Erpelding In Memory of Susan Friedlander In Memory of Winston K. Harvey In Honor of Linda Holthaus In Memory of James & Noretta Markley In Honor of D. Lynn Meyers (3) In Memory of Sanford Osher In Memory of Mark SIlbersack In Honor of Mary Taft Mahler In Memory of Robert L. & Mary C. Weisebnberger

Ensemble Theatre acknowledges the following Partner Companies, Foundations, and their employees who generously participate in the Annual ArtsWave Community Campaign at the $100,000+ level. Your support helps make our community vibrant and connects people all across our region through the arts. Thank you! P&G Fifth Third Bank and the Fifth Third Foundation GE Aviation Cincinnati Bell Western & Southern Financial Group Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center The Cincinnati Insurance Companies City of Cincinnati Enquirer Media Great American Insurance Group Ohio National Financial Services U.S. Bank The H.B., E.W., and F. R. Luther Charitable Foundation, Fifth Third Bank and Narley L. Haley, Co-Trustees Macy's Cincinnati Business Courier The Kroger Co. PNC The E.W. Scripps Company and Scripps Howard Foundation Duke Energy HORAN Cincinnati Reds

* A Fund of The Greater Cincinnati Foundation

THE PREMIERE SOCIETY

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PATRON INFORMATION ETC BOX OFFICE HOURS Monday through Friday 10 am to 5 pm, and 2 hours prior to curtain. Weekend hours vary. CAMERAS & RECORDING DEVICES Actors’ Equity Association strictly prohibits the use of cameras or recording devices (including camera phones) in the theatre. ACCESSIBILITY OPTIONS ETC offers audio-described performances, ASL-interpreted performances, wheelchair accessible seating, large-print programs, braille programs, assistive listening devices, and sensory sensitivity items such as noisecanceling headphones and fidgets. RELAXED PERFORMANCES Select performances are offered for those with sensory sensitivities and developmental disabilities and their families to enjoy the production with lighting and sound adjustments and other accommodations. SALES POLICY Single-ticket purchases are final sale with no refund. If a patron is a no-show for their reserved performance, ETC is under no obligation to reschedule their tickets. LATECOMERS & ADMITTANCE Latecomers are seated at the House Manager’s discretion and may be denied admission depending upon the demands or structure of a particular production. Should you need to leave the theatre during a performance, readmittance is not guaranteed. ETC reserves the right to deny admission and/ or remove any disruptive patrons from the theatre at any time. CHILDREN Children under the age of 4 will not be admitted to productions unless otherwise advertised. Parents with disruptive children will be asked to leave the theatre.

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patron information

1127 Vine Street circa 1927 Image courtesy of Fifth Third Bank archives.

PARKING Patrons may park at the Gateway Garage (accessible via 12th Street) or at the surface lot, both conveniently located at the corner of Vine and 12th Streets. Parking is also available at Washington Park Garage and Mercer Commons Garage. Accessible parking available directly in front of the theatre inside the orange cones. First come, first serve. GROUPS & DISCOUNTS Groups of 8 or more can save on single-ticket prices. Student and under 18 rates, rush discounts, Surprise Seats, Public Radio Perks Card, AAA, ArtsWave Pass, and educator and military member discounts are available for select shows (please consult your appropriate membership(s) for details and exclusions).

INVEST ENGAGE INNOVATE LEAD

Investing state and federal dollars, the Ohio Arts Council funds and supports quality arts experiences for all Ohioans to strengthen communities culturally, educationally, and economically. Learn more about our grant programs and resources, find your next arts experience, or connect: OAC.OHIO.GOV.

Grantee Spotlight: TOLEDO ALLIANCE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS Two Toledo Ballet dancers performing in their April 2023 production of Prokofiev’s Cinderella, accompanied by the Toledo Symphony conducted by Jonathan McPhee. Image Credit: Robert Cummerow