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.
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©2024 The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. All rights reserved. PNC Bank, National Association. Member FDIC CON PDF 1221-018-1951005
D. Lynn Meyers, Producing Artistic Director
THE GARBOLOGISTS by LINDSAY JOELLE
Directed by D. LYNN MEYERS†
September 14 – October 6, 2024
Scenic Designer BRIAN c . MEHRING
Lighting Designer CHRIS LIPSTREU
Projections Designer BECCA SCHALL Technical Director JACOB DOWELL
Costume Designer HANNAH DRINGENBURG
Sound Designer TREY TATUM
Properties Curator/Design Assistant SHANNON RAE LUTZ Production Stage Manager LEXI MULLER*
Assistant Stage Manager ABBY SAUER
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.
Originally commissioned by the Ensemble Studio Theatre/Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Science & Technology Project. THE GARBOLOGISTS was developed with the support of PlayPenn (Paul Meshejian, Artistic Director). Developed at City Theatre's Momentum Festival in 2019 (Marc Masterson, Artistic Director; James McNeel, Managing Director). THE GARBOLOGISTS received its co-world premiere at Philadelphia Theatre Company (Paige Price, Producing Artistic Director; Emily Zeck, Managing Director) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, November 11-December 5, 2021, and at City Theatre Company (Clare Drobot, Monteze Freeland & Marc Masterson, Co-Artistic Directors; James McNeel, Managing Director) in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, April 30-May 22, 2022.
*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.
†
ARTIST SPONSOR
OPENING NIGHT SPONSOR Damon, Holly, & Deej Ragusa
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2024–2025 SPONSORS
SEASON PRESENTING SPONSOR
SEASON FUNDER
OPERATING SUPPORT
FAIRY GODMOTHER SPONSOR
SEASON SUPPORT City of Cincinnati Susan Friedlander 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
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2024–2025 sponsors
SEASON TICKET SPONSOR
EDUCATION, ENGAGEMENT, & INCLUSION SPONSOR
EDUCATION, ENGAGEMENT, & INCLUSION SUPPORT Anonymous (3) 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
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Your one-stop calendar for arts and entertainment.
2024–2025 sponsors
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CAST & CREW CAST Danny.............................................................................................................................. NATHAN NEORR Marlowe.......................................................................................................................... TORIE WIGGINS*
RUNNING CREW 2nd Assistant Stage Manager........................................................................... MADDI O'CONNELL Running Crew.........................................................................CHAR ADAMS, LEONARDO CLARK Wardrobe Crew & Marlowe u/s....................................................................... AMIRA F. JACKSON Sound Board Operator..................................................................................................ABIGAIL DIRR Light Board Operator.........................................................................................ELLIET MALATESTA
PRODUCTION TEAM Assistant Stage Manager................................................................................................ABBY SAUER Associate Technical Director..................................................................................... JACK MURPHY Associate Production Manager & Master Electrician................................... CHRIS LIPSTREU Scenic Charge Artist & Production Associate........................................... MELISSA BENNETT Costume Shop Manager.........................................................................HANNAH DRINGENBURG Wardrobe Supervisor......................................................................................................EMILY MISALI Sound Technician.......................................................................................................... NICK KOEHLKE Intimacy & Movement Choreographer................................................................................. E CARR Carpenter & Load-In Tech...................................................................................... NATHAN NEORR Lead Carpenter & Run Crew.......................................................................................... SAM DEVLIN
SETTING Manhattan. Present Day. Winter.
This production will be performed in one act with NO intermission. Approximate running time is 1 hour, 30 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
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cast & crew
FOR THE JOY OF DISCOVERY Materials inspired by The Garbologists courtesy of The Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library.
BOOKS
MOVIES
Total Garbage:
Five Nights at Freddy's Men at Work
by Edward Humes
MUSIC
How We Can Fix Our Waste and Heal Our World
Help Wanted by Adelle Waldman
Bad Music for Bad People by Cramps
The Clutter Corpse by Simon Brett Total Garbage:
A Messy Dive Into Trash, Waste, and Our World
by Rebecca Donnelly
Borrow these and other show-inspired materials online or at your nearest library branch.
The Wrench by Elise Gravel
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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 20,000 to more than 125 performances. Our work also includes education and engagement programs centered on introducing the performing arts to students from under-resourced 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 Jeffrey Schloemer, Chair Linda Holthaus, President Kathy Burklow, Vice President Alex Schutte, Vice President Kathy DeLaura, Treasurer Holly Brians Ragusa, Secretary DIRECTORS Athena Avgousti-Bauer Erica Bock Otto M. Budig, Jr. Kwesi Calliste Tom Carothers Charles H. Gerhardt, III Tim Giglio Beverly A. Grant Mark Haggard Stephen M. King Anthony McNamara D. Lynn Meyers, ex officio Shekhar Mitra Erica Osborn Maura Schilling Meghan Simonson Mary Stagaman 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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about us
Contact our team at Cincinnati Magazine for information: advertise@CincinnatiMagazine.com
HEADER B ABOUT ETC
OUR STAFF LEADERSHIP
MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
ARTISTIC
OPERATIONS
D. Lynn Meyers, The Ruth Dennis Sawyer/Mary Taft Mahler Producing Artistic Director & Chief Executive Officer Michael R. Zimmer, CPA, CGMA, Chief Financial & Operations Officer
Brian c. Mehring, Resident Scenic & Lighting Designer Shannon Rae Lutz, Properties Curator, Design Assistant, & Director of Apprentice Programming Melissa Bennett, Scenic Charge Artist & Production Associate Torie Wiggins, Artistic Associate Professional Apprentices: Char Adams • Leonardo Clark Abigial Dirr • Amira F. Jackson Elliet Malatesta • Maddi O'Connell
DEVELOPMENT
Amanda M. McDonald, Director of Philanthrophy
EDUCATION
Emily Bush, Director of Education Emmy Rice, Accessibility & Education Programs Coordinator Deondra Kamau Means, Education Associate
Jocelyn Meyer, Director of Marketing & Communications Amy J. Barbian, Associate Director of Marketing & Communications Rachel Kazee, Digital Marketing Manager Becca Schall, Creative Media Producer
Jared D. Doren, Programming & Events Manager Nick Ligon, Head of Security Anna Sheridan, Administrative Coordinator
PATRON SERVICES
Amy Weinstock, Box Office Manager Patrick Bayne, Lead House Manager Box Office Associates/House Managers: Gabby Casto • David Ludwig • KG Rucker Becca Schall • Malyssa Quinn
PRODUCTION
Jacob Dowell Technical Director Jack Murphy, Associate Technical Director Chris Lipstreu, Associate Production Manager & Master Electrician Hannah Dringenburg, Costume Shop Manager Emily Misali, Wardrobe Supervisor Sam Devlin, Lead Carpenter & Run Crew Nathan Neorr, Carpenter & Load-In Tech
STAGE MANAGEMENT
Lexi Muller, Assistant Stage Manager
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.
OUR STAFF
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PLAY IN PROGRESS
Photos of Nathan Neorr & Torie Wiggins.
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Play in Progress
“A LOVE LETTER TO THE BIG, OLD-FASHIONED BROADWAY MUSICAL”
NOV 19 - DEC 1, 2024 ARONOFF CENTER
CincinnatiArts.org • 513.621.ARTS
– Entertainment Weekly
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TALKIN' TRASH It’s early morning, well before the sun comes up, and in these dark, quiet hours, you’re sleeping peacefully. That is, until you hear the churning sounds of your local garbage truck, picking up and hauling away your trash in the wee hours of the morning. Maybe you’re annoyed by the disturbance in your slumber. Maybe it’s out of sight and out of mind. Maybe the hiss and grind of the truck never awoke you at all. What’s less likely to cross through your mind are the sanitation workers dutifully dealing with your waste (so you don’t have to). Handling the 254 million tons of trash America produces each year tends to be a thankless job—and a dangerous one. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics consistently lists waste collection as one of the top 10 most dangerous jobs and ranks it higher than firefighters, police officers, and even miners. What makes it so dangerous? Largely, motor vehicle crashes, whether that involves the garbage truck itself or a worker outside the truck being hit by a car. Besides that, though, is the actual waste itself. It’s hard to tell just what lies inside those black or white trash bags, and hazardous materials like chemicals, needles, and broken glass can lead to injury or worse for those having to haul it. Because of the danger, there’s no slacking off or getting complacent. Trash collectors must be on alert every moment or else their lives are on the line. In addition to the danger, it’s also a physically laborious job. Imagine getting in and out of a large truck and loading heavy bags 400 times a day—that’s right! The average Rumpke Waste & Recycling truck driver will collect garbage from 400-500 homes each day, regardless of the weather, and many start their shifts at 3:00 am. On top of that, many waste collectors feel generally invisible once they put their uniform on, and despite the essential role they play in public health and safety, there’s still a stigma associated with the job. Many sanitation workers feel that they’re looked down upon for their career or blatantly ignored while on the clock, but their work directly leads to cleaner and healthier communities by keeping trash off our streets and preventing the spread of disease. Playwright Lindsay Joelle even noted that the inspiration for The Garbologists came from meeting a friend’s husband who was a sanitation worker, and she was surprised at the expectations she held of people in the job and how vastly this person differed from those. Despite this stigma, many garbage collectors feel an immense pride in what they do! They use their bodies and labor to protect their communities and environments, and even
if some citizens don’t recognize how important their jobs are, these workers sure do. Additionally, being in waste collection comes with great job security as a blue-collar job that can’t be exported. The pay and benefits are also good, especially in places like New York City where the acceptance rate to work at the sanitation department is only 1%! The truth is our cities would crumble without the incredible work of garbage collectors. It’s hard to even imagine a world without them (a world that’d be much less sanitary and full of a lot more cholera), and thankfully we don’t have to. So the next time you see your local garbologist, remember the role they play in your own health and maybe offer them a hello and a thanks!
DID YOU KNOW . . . When Cincinnati was first founded, the waste collection process took a more porcine approach. People would throw their garbage in the streets to be eaten up by pigs—and it worked! Pigs are notorious for eating just about anything in front of them, making this a uniquely effective sanitation system. It wasn’t until the Civil War that the City Council decided to pass an ordinance on waste removal. Rumpke Waste & Recycling has its origins as a hog farm, where people would pay to drop off their trash for the pigs to eat. Whatever they couldn’t eat, farmer and owner William Rumpke sold for scraps. In the mid-1950s, a new law required that food waste had to be cooked before being fed to animals. Rumpke chose to sell the animals and focus on waste collection and disposal. The Rumpke Sanitary Landfill, a.k.a. Mt. Rumpke, located in Colerain is the sixth largest landfill in the United States, and as a sanitary landfill, it disposes of waste in a way that better protects the environment than traditional landfills. Among the rubble of Mt. Rumpke are the world’s largest Hershey’s bar, a circus elephant, and (most likely) NFL player Jason Kelce’s lost Super Bowl ring.
CAST & DIRECTOR NATHAN NOERR (Danny) moved to Cincinnati in 2004 for an acting internship at Ensemble Theatre, and this has been his home ever since. His stage credits include Alice in Wonderland, While We Were Bowling, Small Engine Repair, Harvey, Night of the Iguana, A Fool for Love, Burn This, All New People, and August: Osage County. He was also a puppeteer for several years with Madcap Puppets. His film credits include The Bikeriders, Dark Waters, The Old Man & the Gun, Donnybrook, and Madtown. Nathan would like to thank his wife Anne and dog Sunnie for their support, as well as the whole team here at ETC and everyone who has supported ETC for all these years. As his sanitation partner says, “We’re doin’ it, baby!” It’s always an amazing experience to be part of this ETC family and what they do for our community.
TORIE WIGGINS (Marlowe) is a multi-hyphenate artist with over fifteen years of experience. Her Cincinnati theatre credits include Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson and Harry and the Thief, Know Theatre of Cincinnati; Mame, Crowns, and The Revolutionists, Human Race Theatre Company; To Kill a Mockingbird, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park; Little Women, Romeo and Juliet, The Taming of the Shrew, Fences, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, and The Amen Corner, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company; and The Mountaintop, Violet, Alice in Wonderland (2012), Around the World in 80 Days, Cinderella, Cinderella: After Ever After, His Eye is on the Sparrow, and Your Negro Tour Guide, Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati. Her directing credits include Dreamgirls and Proof, The Carnegie Theater; Trouble in Mind, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company; and I Shall Not Be Moved and How I Learned What I Learned, Ensemble Theatre. She is excited to be back on stage here at ETC!
D. LYNN MEYERS (Producing Artistic Director) (she/her) has been with Ensemble Theatre for over twenty-five 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, Tiny Beautiful Things, 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, and Dark Waters, 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 2018 Rosa F. and Samuel B. Sachs Fund Prize for regional arts impact and leadership.
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Cast & Director
PLAYWRIGHT LINDSAY JOELLE (Playwright) is a Tucson-based writer drawn to the stories of misfits, rebels, and the unassimilated. Plays include TRAYF (Theater J, New Rep, Geffen Playhouse—LA Drama Critics Circle nomination for best writing; Goldberg MFA Playwriting Award); The Garbologists, an EST/Sloan Foundation commission (Philadelphia Theatre Company, City Theatre, Northlight Theatre, Forward Theater); and The Messengers, a sci-fi audio play commissioned by Audible. Former NNPN Playwright-in-Residence at Curious Theatre, alumna of the BMI Musical Theatre Workshop, Nashville Rep’s Ingram New Works Lab, Columbia University (BA), and Hunter (MFA). lindsayjoelle.com
THE DARK NIGHT OCT 16 WED 8 PM
Your experience begins at 7:30 pm. Enter through Music Hall’s iron gates. cincinnatisymphony.org/csoproof 513.381.3300
Playwright
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$10 Million by March 27, 2026
* * *
Strengthen the theatre’s core operating budget Pursue ambitious artistic opportunities while building financial resilience Create an endowment as a self-sustaining, nimble resource for the future
Kick-Off Champions Harry & Linda Fath Digi & Mike Schueler
Shekhar & Anu Mitra
Friedlander Family Fund
Ellen & Ray van der Horst
Western & Southern
Ginger Warner
John Barrett
Jacklyn & Gary Bryson
Daniel Brown & Mark Haggard
Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati embodies the tenacious qualities that characterize the Greater Cincinnati region: resilience, artistic passion, and pushing the creative envelope. While our neighborhood has blossomed in recent decades and ranks among the top destinations for residents and visitors alike, we are grateful that nearly 40 years ago, our pioneering founders foresaw what a meaningful investment in the arts could have on local communities. In that same spirit, our 40th Anniversary Campaign will set the stage for our 2025–2026 Season and beyond. Gifts to this milestone campaign are not only lasting investments in the future of theatre but are also bold reaffirmations to the vibrancy of our region.
WAYS TO GIVE $
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Scan now to support ETC's 40th Anniversary Campaign!
@ EnsembleCincy
PRODUCTION TEAM 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.
CHRIS LIPSTREU (Lighting Designer) (he/him) is the associate production manager & master electrician for Ensemble Theatre. He is a concert and theatrical lighting specialist and project manager based out of Cincinnati, Ohio. He recently served as the lighting director for the national tour of Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet and served as the lighting designer for The Wild Party, Into the Woods, Rent, The Rocky Horror Show, and Spring Awakening at Short North Stage in Columbus, Ohio. Additionally, he is the owner of Centerline Productions LLC, providing lighting services for numerous concerts, productions, festivals, and political and corporate events in the region. Chris received his BFA in lighting design from the University of Cincinnati's College-Conservatory of Music in 2021.
HANNAH DRINGENBURG (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. He is the resident composer for the Off the Hill Touring Series at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. Trey is one-half of Queen City Flash, a theater company currently in residence at Playhouse in the Park. Ongoing projects include the audio dramas ZOiNKS! and Have Monster, Will Travel, available wherever you get your podcasts. Upcoming projects include two new Choose Your Own Adventure-style plays at Playhouse and Xavier University. Trey lives in Cincinnati and makes theater and mischief with his wife, director Bridget Leak. treytatum.com
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Production Team
PRODUCTION TEAM BECCA SCHALL (Projection Designer) is always excited to be part of the Ensemble Theatre team! She is a freelance videographer and editor in the Cincinnati area and also works with ETC’s marketing team as the creative media producer. Alongside the incomparable D. Lynn Meyers, she is an associate casting director for the various movies that film in Cincinnati and surrounding regions. Becca’s favorite ETC projection design credits include I Shall Not Be Moved, Your Negro Tour Guide, and August Wilson's How I Learned What I Learned. SHANNON RAE LUTZ (Properties Curator/Design Assistant) (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 third season at Ensemble. He received a BA in theatre from Morehead State University. Some previous technical direction credits include 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, and cats (Ronnie and Stan) for their continued support. LEXI MULLER (Production Stage Manager) (she/her) is delighted to be back at Ensemble Theatre, where some of her credits include Fun Home, The Wolves, Skeleton Crew, and Fly By Night. Other regional credits include Sex with Strangers, The House, and 26 Pebbles with The Human Race Theatre Company. She is a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association and a graduate of Wright State University, where she received her BFA in stage management. Lexi would like to thank her friends, family, and her extraordinary mother for supporting her every step of the way. ABBY SAUER (Assistant Stage Manager) (she/her) is thrilled to be making her Ensemble Theatre debut! Recently, she was the production stage manager for tick, tick… BOOM! at The Carnegie, where she is also on staff as the events manager. Other stage management credits include The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati, Summer Repertory Theatre Festival (Santa Rosa, CA), The Cincinnati Ballet, and Aspen Music Festival and School. Abby holds a master’s degree in arts administration from Roosevelt University’s Chicago College of the Performing Arts and a BFA in stage management from University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music. She would like to thank her family and friends for their continuous support!
Production Team
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WAYS HEADER A TO GIVE From playwrights to apprentices, and every role in between, your tax-deductible gift to ETC enables us to enlighten, 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. Become a member of our Ensemble today!
DONATE TODAY
DONATE BY PHONE
The box office will be happy to accept your gift via cash, check, or credit card during intermission or after the show.
Please call (513) 421–3555 and select option 4.
DONATE ONLINE
Send a check made out to Ensemble Theatre with "donation" in the memo line to:
To make your gift online, visit ensemblecincinnati.org/support.
DONATE WITH STOCK
For instructions on stock transfers, email development@ensemblecincinnati.org.
DONATE BY MAIL
Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati Attn: Development 1127 Vine Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
BECOME AN ENSEMBLE SUSTAINING DONOR Join an essential group of donors who contribute on a recurring basis throughout the year, providing a steady and predictable stream of income to support programming and operations. Most choose monthly amounts charged to a credit card, but options can be customized to meet your giving goals and needs. Email development@ensemblecincinnati.org to become a Sustaining Donor today.
GIVE WHILE YOU SHOP Before you fill your shopping cart, whether in person or online, designate ETC as your nonprofit beneficiary through the Kroger Community Rewards program. It's easy: you shop and Kroger donates a portion of your purchase amount directly to ETC!
Register your Kroger Plus Card at www.kroger.com 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 awardwinning education, engagement, and inclusion programming for our community. The following list includes donors whose gifts were received between August 26, 2023 and August 26, 2024.
PLAYWRIGHTS ($20,000+) Anonymous ArtsWave Gale & Dave Beckett Daniel Brown & Mark Haggard The City of Cincinnati Burton & Susan Closson The Charles H. Dater Foundation, Inc. Harry & Linda Fath Friedlander Family Fund Beverly A. Grant Fund* Carol Ann & Ralph V. Haile, Jr. Foundation Hamilton County, Ohio The Donald C. and Laura M. Harrison Family Foundation* William & Mary Jane James The Mitchell S. & Jacqueline P. Meyers Foundation Diane & Dave Moccia P&G Fund* PNC Foundation Richard Postler & Manuel Hernandez Digi & Mike Schueler The Shubert Foundation, Inc. State of Ohio through the Facilities Construction Commission Dale Uetrecht van der Horst Family Fund* Ginger Warner Western & Southern Financial Fund PRODUCERS ($10,000-$19,999) Anonymous Linda Holthaus & Richard Zinicola Laurel Markley, In Memory of James & Noretta Markley Millstone Fund Ohio Arts Council Palmer/Graber Family Fund Robert & Adele Schiff Family Foundation Dudley S. Taft Foundation DIRECTORS ($5,000-$9,999) Nicholas Apanius John Barrett The Otto M. Budig Family Foundation Annette & Tom Carothers Corky & Rick Family Foundation Crosset Family Fund* Damon & Holly Ragusa Rotary Foundation of Cincinnati Moe & Jack Rouse The Sittenfeld Family Jo Ann Wieghaus DESIGNERS ($2,500-$4,999) Anonymous (2) Arts Midwest William P. Anderson Foundation Marcia Banker & Jeff Schloemer Michael Cioffi & Rachael Rowe Family Foundation Fund* Dan Collopy Ehrsam Family Fund* Bob & Mary Fitzpatrick Jane & Chip Gerhardt Tim Giglio The Greater Cincinnati Foundation
Marilyn P. & Joseph W. Hirschhorn Fund* Johnson Investment Counsel Robert Keith & Kathleen Thornton Keith Stephen King & Lynne Miller Kenneth T. & Molly M. Mahler Messer Construction Anu & Shekhar Mitra David & Judith Morgan Fund* Adam & Heather Ross Family Fund* Arnie Shayne & Ina P. Schwartz Sprout Insight LLC Mary Stagaman & Ron Kull Nellie Leaman Taft Foundation STAGE MANAGERS ($1,000-$2,499) Anonymous (3) Americana Arts Foundation Gordon Allen & Linda Baas Robert & Janet Banks Judith & Louis Belli Erica Bock† Bryson Family Charitable Fund Jeff & Gay Bullock Barbara Carr & Bren Blaine Denise & Martin Chambers Cissell Family Fund* Philip Clayton Philip K. & Anne Lilly Cone Fund* Margaret & Joseph Conway Meredythe G. & Clayton C. Daley, Jr. Family Fund* Kathy DeLaura & Ron Steinhoff Rick & Allison Edwards John Ellmore Fencl Family Fund* Gilman Family Fund* Dr. & Mrs. Richard Glaser Karen Grass Linda Greenberg Fund* HalliNguyen Family Charitable Fund Emily M. Hodges & Charles H. Spencer Erin Houlihan & John Bostick Betty Huck Farrah Jackson Amy Katz & Robert Cohen LaMacchia Family Foundation Bea V. Larsen Minda Matthews-Smith Sophia McAllister Anthony & Emily McNamara† Eliot Meyers Jill & Bruce Mitchell Pepper Family Fund* Steven & Carol Reubel Mr. & Mrs. Gates T. Richards Charles Scott Riley III Foundation Jessica Ruebusch Dick & Chris Russell Alex & Kim Schutte Marvin & Betsy Schwartz Fund* Robert & Eleanor Shott Philanthropic Fund Norma Skoog Susan & David Smith Paula Steiner Jim & Tammy Stephens Family Charitable Fund Dr. Joseph & Mrs. Nancy Stratman * A Fund of The Greater Cincinnati Foundation † Sustaining Donor
the premiere society
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STAGE MANAGERS CONT. Richard & Kathleen Strenk Glenda Suttman Gordon & Mary-Anne Thompson Jeffrey VanSluys Ronna & James Willis Richard Wilson Andi Levenson Young & Scott Young† CAST ($500-$999) Anonymous (3) Malcolm & Glenda Bernstein Fund* The Elaine & Robert Blatt Fund David A. Brashear Charlotte Brooks Dawn & Doug Bruestle Wes Chaney Craft Family Fund David Crotty & Joan von Handorf Mark Dauner† Excelsior Accounting Services LLC PJ Fischesser Rachel & Bernard Foster Larry Freeman Toni & Steve Friebele Sandi Gans Rita & Dennis Geiger Robert Gerding Donn Goebel & Cathy McLeod Christine Gutjahr Daniel Hurley Tana Kirkbride & Amit Gupta Pinky & Sam Kocoshis Warren Leight Renee & Bradley Lemberg Barbara G. Lewis & Robert Griffin Anita & Ed Marks Ann McCracken & Thomas Lottman Carol Miller Meibers Norah & Joe Mock John & Deborah Moffatt Bill & Ruth Morley Patti Myers & Alan Flaherty Lee Nancarrow Ms. Kathleen O'Connell & Dr. H. Kenneth Peterson Paul & Mary Ann Odegard Alice Perlman Presidential Plaza Associates, LTD Carolyn Quinn Judy Ragsdale Hera G. Reines Stephen & Helen Rindsberg Marianne R. Rowe J.R. Rulon† Jackie Mack & Ted Silberstein Melody Siska & Jana Bazzoli Ken & Kathy Skau Gary Skibinski Sandra Spataro Lynn & J.H. Sundermann Beverly A. Thomas Fund* Karen & Barry Webb† Pann & Terry Webb Mary Ann & Edwin T. Weiss, Jr. Grace Wenstrup Jay & Kate Wilford Kathryn Wright Wuerdeman Family Fund* Ashlee Young Nora Zorich & Thomas Filardo Family Fund* RUNNING CREW ($250-$499) Anonymous (6) David Alex Mary Ann Bender Martha Blumenfeld Mark Bowen† Steven Bracher Peg & John Bruggeman Ann & Lee Bulger
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the premiere society
Michele & Kevin Cain† Lynn & David Callif Kwesi Calliste Doreen Canton Jo-Ann Casuto Elizabeth Clark Carol C. Cole Mary & George Croog Rev. Dr. Robert W. Croskery & Beverly Croskery, Ph.D. Barbara Cummins Judith de Luce Kelly M. Dehan Margaret DeMichelis Paul & Bev Diamond† Rick & Tracy Diehl Emilie & David Dressler Fund* Dennis & Catherine Dunwoodie Keith Faber The Farmer Family Barbara Feldmann William Groneman & Maureen Flanagan Charitable Fund Marty Gerhardt Jeffrey G Gibson Family Fund Ronald Gold Mrs. Madeleine H. Gordon Sue Harris & Meredith Green Kurt & Joanne Grossman The Gumbleton Family Marilyn Harris Mary Pat & Jeff Harris Conrad & Joy Haupt Bob & Judy Heaton David Logan & Dale Hodges Daniel Hoffheimer Edith Holder Cindy & Bill Hopping Lyle & Jennifer Horvath James & Robin Huizenga Sara Kaufman David Kempton Kimberly Kennedy Taylor King Sandra Kohn Limestone Fund* Leslie Korbee & Michele Mascari Mr. & Mrs. Richard Kovarsky Kroger Community Rewards Program Kathleen Lester Charles & Jennifer Margolis David L. Martin The McCready-Shore Family Jan & Marilyn Methlie Dr. Ralph R. Meyer Ann & Marc Mezibov Drs. Jacqueline & Steven Miller Family William & Sibyl Miller Susan Mueller Neda & Bruce Nutley Brett Offenberger & Douglas Duckett Terry & Jill Parsons Patrick & Julia Phillips David M. Piatt Fund* Barbara & Michael Porte Royal C. Riedinger Holly Riffe & Sue Roth Al Roane† Gerald Rolfes Ross Royce Sonya Rulli Susan & Clint Schertzer Phyllis Schiff Maura Schilling Schimberg Family Foundation Eli E. Shupe, Jr. & Toby Ruben† Siegrist Family Fund William Spurling Sara & Gunter Storjohann Lori Stupp-Bobula Linda Tache Barbara Timmins Marty C. Tomb
Tom & Torey Torre Anita Trotta Rosalie P. van Nuis Nelson Vincent Priscilla S. Walford Buzz Ward Ann & Victor Warner Jeff Wysel David Steven Ziegler Dr. David & Cynthia Zink Rich Zureick APPRENTICES ($125-$249) Anonymous (9) Marjorie & David Aaron Holli Alexander Amy Alig Herb Allen Clem Allmond Paule Asch, In Honor of Suzanne Hasl Judy Barron, In Honor of Suzanne Hasl Judith C. Bausher Tom & Alyson Beridon William & Eileen Bishop Family Fund Robert & Susan Brant Ken & Jill Burkman Iris Bush Rebecca Campbell Anne E. Charles Patricia & Robert Clary Lee Crooks & Bill Menrath Sondra Davis Charles & Lois Deitschel Julie & Dr. Abhijit Desai Nancy Dezarn Igor & Jane Dumbadze Ken Eckert Jo Anne M. Gibbons & John R. Getz Lee Gibson & Debra Santos Melinda Gilbert Lisa & Tom Gillis Mrs. Madeleine H. Gordon Leslie Gregg-Jolly Sharon Hamilton Clara Harkavy Paula Harper Ann Hicks Patricia Hord Marilyn Hurrell Barbara A. Jennings John Kaine Catherine Kelty Judith Kenniston Charles D. King Steve & Laurie Kiracofe Thomas Kreinest Arthur Kunath Sherry & Steve McCamley John McDonagh Patricia McKay Bradley McPeek Dr. & Mrs. Richard A. Meyer F. Lee Meyer Gary Moser Karen Nagel Wafa J. Nasser, M.D. Patricia & James Neidhard Doug & Mary Anne Newman Charles & Joyce Norman Christine Orr B & B Otting Nancy L. Phelan David & Deborah Pittinger Beth Powers Joetta Prost & Kathy Shell Laura Proto & Tommy Johnston Carolina Purdy Lester & Lynn Ratcliff
Carolyn Reynolds Caroline Richards Betty Richardson David Roth Maria Saldivar Joyce Salinger Elna Saxton Lynne R. Schmitt Russell Lascelles & Janet Schultz Barbara Seiver Mary Lee & Louie Sirkin Matt & Shelly Smith Tim Smith & Penny Poirier Rick & Valerie Steinau Fred & Anne Straus Charitable Fund Robert P. Streicher Dorothea Ten Eyck Margaret & David Tobergte Emily Todd U.S. Bank Employee Matching Program Helen Vassiliou Ebow Vroom Casey Wagner Howard M. & Nancy S. Weinberg Tim West Dick & Debbie Westheimer Michael Wheatley Iris Wigman Karen Wittenberg† Shelby Wood Don & Donna Wymore TRIBUTE GIFTS In memory of Fred & Sondra Ross In memory of Paul Sittenfeld In memory of Rich Postler (20) In memory of Richard Charles & Rebecca Parker In memory of James & Noretta Markley In memory of Robert L. & Mary C. Weisenberger In honor of Renee Alper In honor of Arfie K. Harvey In honor of Suzanne Hasl In honor of Jared Doren In honor of Jim Nelson In honor of Lynn Meyers In honor of Mike & Digi Schueler 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. 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
Please bring any errors or omissions to our attention by contacting us at development@ensemblecincinnati.org or (513) 421-3555 option x4.
* A Fund of The Greater Cincinnati Foundation † Sustaining Donor
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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 offered for those with sensory sensitivities and developmental disabilities and their families to enjoy the production with lighting and sound adjustments and other accommodations. SALE 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. TAX CREDITS If you cannot attend your performance and cannot reschedule for another date, tickets released prior to performances by calling the ETC box office are fully deductible as a charitable contribution.
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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. 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. GROUPS & DISCOUNTS Groups of 8 or more can save on single-ticket prices. Student rates, rush discounts, 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