WHAT THE CONSTITUTION MEANS TO ME by Heidi Schreck
Bunnell Hill Construction A Division of the Schueler Group
D. Lynn Meyers, Producing Artistic Director
WHAT THE CONSTITUTION MEANS TO ME by HEIDI SCHRECK
Directed by BRIAN ROBERTSON September 9 – October 1, 2023 Scenic & Lighting Designer BRIAN c . MEHRING
Sound Designer MATTHEW TIBBS‡
Costume Designer CHAD PHILLIPS
Assistant Sound Designer KAITLIN BARNETT Technical Director JACOB DOWELL
Properties Curator/Design Assistant SHANNON RAE LUTZ 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.
Original Broadway Production Produced by Diana DiMenna Aaron Glick Matt Ross Madeleine Foster Bersin Myla Lerner / Jon Bierman Jenna Segal / Catherine Markowitz Jana Shea / Maley-Stolbun-Sussman Rebecca Gold / Jose Antonio Vargas Level Forward Cornice Productions Lassen Wyse Balsam Nederlander Productions / Kate Lear WHAT THE CONSTITUTION MEANS TO ME was commissioned by True Love Productions. This production originated as part of Summerworks in June and July 2017, produced by Clubbed Thumb in partnership with True Love Productions. West Coast premiere produced by Berkeley Repertory Theatre, Berkeley, CA, Tony Taccone, Artistic Director / Susan Medak, Managing Director. WHAT THE CONSTITUTION MEANS TO ME had its off-Broadway premiere in New York City at New York Theatre Workshop, Jim Nicola, Artistic Director, Jeremy Blocker, Managing Director, 2018. Excerpts from the oral argument are provided by Oyez, a free law project by Justia and the Legal Information Institute of Cornell Law School. Additional material by Danny Wolohan.
*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. ‡ Production member belongs to United Scenic Artists, Local 829, a labor union representing designers and artists in the entertainment industry. It is a nationwide autonomous Local of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE).
PREMIERE SPONSOR
ARTIST SPONSOR Jane & Chip Gerhardt
OPENING NIGHT SPONSOR The Grant & Ross Family in honor of Fred & Sondra Ross
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The arts reveal what matters most.
PNC is proud to support Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati. The arts make us think, make us feel, and make us wonder. Thank you for helping to make our community a beautiful place.
©2021 The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. All rights reserved. PNC Bank, National Association. Member FDIC CON PDF 0618-0106
STRONGER ARTS FOR A STRONGER REGION
The growth of Cincinnati and its arts is inseparable. Creating a thriving region starts with each of us giving what we can to the arts. Help set the stage for the future of the region we all love.
Give today at artswave.org.
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2023–2024 SPONSORS
Photo by Ryan Kurtz
SEASON PRESENTING SPONSOR
SEASON FUNDER
OPERATING SUPPORT
FAIRY GODMOTHER SPONSORS
SEASON SUPPORT City of Cincinnati Susan Friedlander Hamilton County 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 Suder’s Art Store
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2023–2024 sponsors
SEASON TICKET SPONSOR
EDUCATION, ENGAGEMENT, & INCLUSION SPONSOR
EDUCATION, ENGAGEMENT, & INCLUSION SUPPORT Anonymous (2) Arts Midwest William P. Anderson Foundation William J. Baude - Maurice E. Oshry Fund of the Greater Cincinnati Foundation Donald C. and Laura M. Harrison Family Foundation Betty Huck 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 The Dennis B. & Patricia L. Worthen Fund
Gabbi Poirier
DESIGNED TO ENGAGE, ENLIGHTEN, AND INSPIRE, THE SUMMIT PROMISES A TRANSFORMATIVE JOURNEY FROM EVERYDAY TO EXTRAORDINARY. WWW.THESUMMITHOTEL.COM | (513) 527-9900
Bon Fall Ensemble 2023 Final.indd 1
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8/23/23 12:04 PM
CAST & CREW CAST Legionnaire/Mike...............................................................................................................PHIL FIORINI* Heidi......................................................................................................................CONNAN MORRISSEY* Debater....................................................................................................SYDNI CHARITY SOLOMON
RUNNING CREW 2nd Assistant Stage Manager...................................................................................DANITZA PIPER Light Board Operators........................................CHANELLE DAU PINO, ALAN KLEESATTEL Sound Board Operator.................................................................................... TaSHAUNA JENKINS Spot Light Operators.................................................HANNAH BEAVEN, MADDI O'CONNELL Running Crew........................................................................................................................ KG RUCKER Wardrobe Crew.................................................................................................JORDAN WHITTAKER
PRODUCTION TEAM Assistant Stage Manager............................................................................................... LEXI MULLER* Associate Technical Director..................................................................................... JACK MURPHY Intimacy Choreographer.................................................................................................... ERIN CARR Scenic Charge Artist & Production Associate........................................... MELISSA BENNETT Associate Production Manager & Master Electrician................................... CHRIS LIPSTREU Wardrobe Supervisor......................................................................................................EMILY MISALI Sound Technician.......................................................................................................... NICK KOEHLKE Technical Apprentice........................................................................................................ SAM DEVLIN
UNDERSTUDIES Heidi........................................................................................................................ ANNIE FITZPATRICK* Debater.................................................................................................................................... KG RUCKER Legionnaire/Mike.............................................................................................JORDAN WHITTAKER
This production will be performed in one act with NO intermission. Approximate running time is 1 hour, 40 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
WORLD PREMIERE MUSICAL
FIONA: THE MUSICAL book by Zina Camblin music & lyrics by David Kisor
Fiona illustration courtesy of Loren Long.
SPECIAL THANKS TO THE GRAND AND ROSS NOV 29 – FAMILIES DEC 29THEIR OPENING FOR NIGHT SPONSORSHIP
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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 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 Kathy DeLaura, Chair Jeffrey Schloemer, President Kathy Burklow, Vice President Linda Holthaus, Vice President Mike Schueler, Treasurer Meggan Thompson, Secretary DIRECTORS Erica Bock Holly Brians Ragusa Otto M. Budig, Jr. Tom Carothers Charles H. Gerhardt, III Beverly A. Grant Stephen M. King Anthony McNamara D. Lynn Meyers, ex officio Shekhar Mitra Nilesh Patel Darryl A. Peal Richard L. Postler Leah Quortrup Maura Schilling Alex Schutte Mary Stagaman Torie Wiggins Ashlee Young Erica Zaretsky 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 LEADERSHIP
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 Josh Neumeyer, Managing Director
ARTISTIC
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
MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
Jocelyn Meyer, Director of Marketing & Communications Amy J. Barbian, Associate Director of Marketing & Communications Rachel Kazee, Digital Marketing Coordinator Becca Schall, Creative Media Producer
OPERATIONS
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
Professional Apprentices: Hannah Beaven • Sam Devlin TaShauna Jenkins • Maddi O'Connell Danitza Piper • KG Rucker • Jordan Whittaker
Box Office Associates/House Managers: Ezra Burgin • David Ludwig • Mack Martindale Emmy Rice • Sharisse Santos • Becca Schall
DEVELOPMENT
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
Jennifer Joplin, Director of Development
EDUCATION
Victoria Aslanides, Director of Education Emily Bush, Education Associate Daniela Nenova, Education Associate Emmy Rice, Education Associate Elexis Selmon, Education Associate
PRODUCTION
STAGE MANAGEMENT
Margot Whitney, Production Stage Manager 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.
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1125 BAR Series PRESENTS
ETC Cabaret
Late night 60-minute cabaret performances of various musical genres related to each production. SEPT 30
American Songbook
MARCH 9
Blues & Jazz
MAY 4
Broadway
JUNE 29
Country
TICKETS: $20 per person, reservations required. Each performance begins at 10:00 pm.
”
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PLAY IN PROGRESS
Sydni Charity Solomon, Connan Morrissey, & Phil Fiorini.
Connan Morrissey.
Brian Robertson & Phil Fiorini.
Connan Morrissey.
Play in Progress
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CAN YOU PASS THE TEST?
U .S. Citizenship
Were you born in the United States? Or maybe you were born abroad, but one of your parents was an American citizen at the time of your birth? That automatically made you a U.S. citizen the moment you were born! But for people who don’t meet one of those qualifiers, they must go through a naturalization process in order to claim American citizenship. While the U.S. Constitution applies to all people on American soil including immigrants, some rights (like voting in federal elections) are only reserved for citizens. People applying for U.S. citizenship must successfully pass a naturalization exam, which includes an evaluation of a person’s basic understanding of English and a civics test about American government and history. The civics test is an oral test during which the applicant is asked ten out of a list of 100 possible questions and must correctly answer at least six. These 100 questions cover a huge range of topics including our systems of government, American rights and responsibilities, founding and recent history, and even geography! It’s time to test your stuff and see if you’d have what it takes to be naturalized! Although applicants don’t have multiple choice options, you can find the answers to these official citizenship test questions at the bottom of the next page.
1. The idea of self-government is in the first three words of the Constitution. What are these words? A. The unanimous Declaration B. Our Freedoms hereupon C. We the People D. Our United States 2. How many amendments does the Constitution have? A. 12 B. 27 C. 45 D. 87 3. Which of these is NOT a right granted by the First Amendment? A. Pursuit of happiness B. Religion C. Assembly D. Speech
4. Who is the Chief Justice of the United States (as of fall 2023)? A. John G. Roberts, Jr. B. Clarence Thomas C. Sonia Sotomayor D. Samuel A. Alito, Jr. 5. If both the President and the Vice President can no longer serve, who becomes President? A. Whoever the American population elects B. Attorney General C. Whoever Congress elects D. Speaker of the House 6. Who signs bills to become laws? A. Speaker of the House B. Chief Justice of the United States C. Senate Majority and Minority Leaders D. President 7. Under our Constitution, some powers belong to the federal government and some powers belong to states. Which of these powers belongs to the federal government rather than the state government? A. Provide safety B. Provide schooling and education C. Pay debts and borrow money D. Provide police protection 8. Which of these is NOT a U.S. territory? A. Cayman Islands B. Puerto Rico C. Guam D. Northern Mariana Islands 9. What is one responsibility that is only for United States citizens? A. Pay taxes B. Obey the law C. Vote in local elections D. Serve on a jury 10. What do we call the first ten amendments to the Constitution? A. The Articles of Confederation B. Common Sense C. The Bill of Rights D. The Declaration of Independence
Want to see the full civics test question list or learn more about the naturalization process? Visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service’s website at www.uscis.gov. Answers: 1C, 2B, 3A, 4A, 5D, 6D, 7C, 8A, 9D, 10C.
CAST PHIL FIORINI (Legionnaire/Mike) was last seen at Ensemble Theatre in Alice in Wonderland (2019), as well as Fly By Night, Violet, Hands on a Hardbody, and Sleeping Beauty (2014). He performed in the Broadway national tours of The Lion King (Pumbaa) and Greater Tuna. Some of his Cincinnati credits include A Flea in Her Ear with Cincinnati Shakespeare Company and The Realistic Joneses with Clifton Performance Theatre. Some of his Kansas City credits include La Cage Aux Folles and The Legend of Georgia McBride, Kansas Repertory Theatre; Sherwood: The Adventures of Robin Hood, New Theatre & Restaurant; Mauritius and Dirty Blonde, Unicorn Theatre; Finian’s Rainbow, Spinning Tree Theatre; Twelfth Night and King Lear, Heart of America Shakespeare Festival; and Inspecting Carol and Little Women, Kansas City Actors Theatre. Phil was seen in the film Dark Waters. He is a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association.
CONNAN MORRISSEY (Heidi) (she/her) is honored to be returning to Ensemble Theatre after playing Nora in A Doll's House, Part 2 and Laurie in Pipeline (2020 production). Connan has worked at other theatres around the country including Round House Theatre (Bethesda, MD), Arena Stage, Folger Theatre, Olney Theatre, Actors Theatre of Louisville, Alabama Shakespeare Festival, PlayMakers Repertory, North Carolina Stage Company, and the Asolo Theatre Center. She is a professional coach who helps individuals express their ideas with authenticity and impact. Many thanks to Lynn, Blake, Declan, Cal, and Scoutie. Please register or verify your Ohio voter registration at https://olvr.ohiosos.gov.
SYDNI CHARITY SOLOMON (Debater) (she/her) is so excited to join Ensemble Theatre’s family for the first time. Her Cincinnati credits include To Spite One’s Face, Cincinnati Fringe Festival; Dickless, Know Theatre of Cincinnati; and A Dream Play and The Burials, Cohen Family Studio Theater. Sydni is a senior at the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music where she is pursuing a BFA in acting.
LET’S THEATRE TOGETHER @ EnsembleCincy 18 |
Cast
FOR DREAMS OF ALL KINDS Materials inspired by What the Constitution Means to Me courtesy of The Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library.
Visit CinLib.org/constitution-means for more! BOOKS
MOVIES
Alexandra Petri's US History
The Great Debaters Irresistible
Important American Documents (I Made Up) by Alexandra Petri
The Twenty-One The True Story of the Youth Who Sued the U.S. Government Over Climate Change by Elizabeth Rusch
MUSIC Welcome 2 America by Prince
True True
by Don P. Hooper
Not Funny Essays on Life, Comedy, Culture, Et Cetera by Jena Friedman
Borrow these materials online or at your nearest library branch.
ETC ESSENTIALS Dive even deeper into each show with a FREE conversation series that explores our productions’ themes and context with local scholars and community members. These start an hour before show time.
What the Constitution Means to Me | SEPTEMBER 24, 2023 How I Learned What I Learned | MARCH 3, 2024 The Match Game | APRIL 28, 2024 Hands on a Hardbody | JUNE 23, 2024
Admission is FREE, but reservations are recommended! Reserve online or through the ETC Box Office
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CREATIVE TEAM HEIDI SCHRECK (Playwright) is a writer and performer living in Brooklyn. Her critically acclaimed, award-winning play What the Constitution Means to Me played an extended, sold-out run on Broadway in 2019 and was nominated for two Tony Awards. It had subsequent sold-out runs at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., as well as at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles. A filmed version of What the Constitution Means to Me, starring Schreck, premiered October 2020 exclusively on Amazon Prime Video and was nominated for a Critics Choice Award, a PGA Award, and a DGA Award. What the Constitution Means to Me was named Best of the Year by The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, Time Magazine, The Hollywood Reporter, The New Yorker, and more; NPR named it one of the “50 Great Pop Culture Moments” of 2019. Schreck’s other plays Grand Concourse, Creature, and There Are No More Big Secrets have been produced all over the country, and she has worked as a stage actor in NYC for almost 20 years. Her screenwriting credits include I Love Dick, Billions, Nurse Jackie, and shows in development with Amazon Studios, Big Beach, Imagine Television, and A24. As both an actor and writer, she is the recipient of three Obie Awards, a Drama Desk Award, and a Theatre World Award, as well as the Horton Foote Playwriting Award and the HullWarriner Award from the Dramatists Guild. She was named one of Fast Company’s Most Creative People in Business in 2019 and was featured on Variety’s 2019 Broadway Impact List. Schreck was awarded Smithsonian Magazine’s 2019 American Ingenuity Award for her work in the Performing Arts.
Burgess C. Byrd & Mierka Girten in Sweat (2022). Photo by Ryan Kurtz.
GET CLOSER TO THE THEATRE YOU LOVE
THE
ETC
Join The Producers, ETC's advocacy group, for a 2023–2024 Season full of exclusive events and behind-the-scenes access!
Visit www.ensemblecincinnati.org/support/the-producers to learn more.
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Creative Team
CREATIVE TEAM BRIAN ROBERTSON (Director) (he/him) came to Cincinnati from Los Angeles and has spent the past 30 years working in film and television in the areas of cinematography, fight choreography, directing, and stage management in theatre and opera. Brian is a faculty member for University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music where he is a professor of directing. He has worked for Opera Southwest, Reduced Shakespeare Company, Greenbrier Valley Theatre, Know Theatre of Cincinnati, Cincinnati Opera, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Sarasota Opera, Bay View Music Festival, Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati, Pones Laboratory of Movement, Oberlin Conservatory of Music, University of Kentucky, Carnegie Arts Center, Opera Project Columbus, Opera North, and Des Moines Metro Opera, among others.
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 Fun Home, The Wolves, Ripcord, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, The Legend of Georgia McBride, Hands on a Hardbody, 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 Carol, The Old Man and the Gun, and The Public, 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 her regional arts impact and leadership.
For more content about this production, including behindthe-scenes photos, videos, interviews, and more, visit www.ensemblecincinnati.org
Creative Team
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OCT 17 – 29, 2023 • ARONOFF CENTER CincinnatiArts.org • 513.621.ARTS
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PRODUCTION TEAM BRIAN c. MEHRING (Scenic & Lighting Designer) (he/him) has designed more than one hundred productions at Ensemble Theatre. His favorite productions include Thom Pain (based on nothing), Next to Normal, 33 Variations, Freud's Last Session, and I Am My Own Wife. Brian’s 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.
CHAD PHILLIPS (Costume Designer) (he/him) is very excited to be back for his sixth show with Ensemble Theatre, where his previous credits include Detroit ’67, The Mountaintop, Radio Golf, Gem of the Ocean, and The Whipping Man. He just finished his fifteenth year as the costume director for the Cincinnati Opera and has also worked at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park as the costume design assistant. An Indiana native, he moved to Cincinnati in 1997 to attend the University of Cincinnati. Chad graduated in 2003 from the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music with a BFA in costume design and technology.
MATTHEW TIBBS (Sound Designer) (he/him) is a sound designer and current chair of Theatre Design and Production at the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music. His sound design credits include Sex and Education, The Mountaintop, and Around the World in 80 Days, Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati; Shakespeare in Love, As You Like It, and Romeo and Juliet, Utah Shakespeare Festival; Three Sisters, Violet, and Of Mice and Men, Clarence Brown Theatre; In Common, Purple Rose Theatre Company; Cry It Out, Detroit Public Theatre; and six summers and fifteen productions with Great River Shakespeare Festival. Matthew is a member of United Scenic Artists Local 829 and the Theatrical Sound Designers and Composers Association (TSDCA).
KAITLIN BARNETT (Assistant Sound Designer) (she/her) is a sound designer and audio engineer currently pursuing an MFA in sound design at the University of Cincinnati's College-Conservatory of Music. Originally from the Pittsburgh, PA, area, she graduated with a BS in audio engineering technology from Belmont University. Kaitlin has been designing and engineering for companies such as Studio Tenn, Nashville Repertory Theatre, Nashville Children’s Theatre, Street Theatre Company, Chaffin’s Barn Theatre, and Belmont University. She is also a member of both USITT and TSDCA. Kaitlin has been nominated for a KCACTF Region IV Festival Sound Design award and two First Night Awards for Outstanding Sound Design. Kaitlin aspires to design for both musicals and dramas and bring stories to life through sound.
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Production Team
PRODUCTION TEAM 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 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 guide ETC’s Professional Apprentice Company. 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 second season at Ensemble Theatre, this time as technical director. Jacob is a graduate of Morehead State University where he received a BA in theatre. Some previous technical direction credits include 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 cat (Ronnie) for their continued support.
MARGOT WHITNEY (Production Stage Manager) (she/her) is thrilled to be back at Ensemble Theatre this season! Her previous credits include Sweat on Broadway and the first national tours of Mean Girls, Come From Away, Bright Star, The King & I, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella, and War Horse. She has worked with The Public Theater, 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 her love and thanks to family and friends!
LEXI MULLER (Assistant 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.
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 to speak with Josh.
DONATE ONLINE
Send a check made out to Ensemble Theatre with "donation" in the memo line to:
To make your gift online, visit www.ensemblecincinnati.org/ support.
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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.
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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 28, 2022 – August 28, 2023.
PLAYWRIGHTS ($20,000+) ArtsWave Gale & Dave Beckett Daniel Brown & Mark Haggard The City of Cincinnati Burton & Susan Closson The Charles H. Dater Foundation, Inc. The Carol Ann & Ralph V. Haile, Jr. Foundation Hamilton County, Ohio The Donald C. & Laura M. Harrison Family Foundation* LKC Foundation The Mitchell S. & Jacqueline P. Meyers Foundation Diane & Dave Moccia Ohio Arts Council State of Ohio through the Development Services Agency State of Ohio through the Facilities Construction Commission The Daniel & Susan Pfau Foundation PNC Foundation The John A. Schroth Family Charitable Trust, PNC Bank, Trustee Mike & Digi Schueler The Schueler Group The Shubert Foundation, Inc.
PRODUCERS ($10,000-$19,999) Arts Midwest John & Gloria Goering Family Gift Fund Palmer/Graber Family Fund Betty Huck Richard Postler & Manuel Hernandez Robert & Adele Schiff Family Foundation Mary Stagaman & Ron Kull Dudley S. Taft Foundation Nellie Leaman Taft Foundation Dale Uetrecht
DIRECTORS ($5,000-$9,999) Tom & Annette Carothers Dan Collopy Corky & Rick Family Foundation Crosset Family Fund* William & Mary Jane James The Andrew Jergens Foundation Johnson Investment Counsel In Memory of James & Noretta Markley Moe & Jack Rouse Jane Ruwet Hopson & Larry Pytlinski
The Sittenfeld Family Elsa Heisel Sule Foundation Thaman Family Fund*
DESIGNERS ($2,500-$4,999) Anonymous (2) William P. Anderson Foundation Marcia Banker & Jeff Schloemer† The Otto M. Budig Family Foundation Denise & Martin Chambers Michael Cioffi & Rachael Rowe Family Foundation Fund* Susan Cohen & Robert Schmuelling Ehrsam Family Fund* Jane & Chip Gerhardt Beverly A. Grant Fund* Greater Cincinnati Foundation Marilyn P. & Joseph W. Hirschhorn Fund* Linda Holthaus & Richard Zinicola Kenneth T. & Molly M. Mahler Anu & Shekhar Mitra Neal Patel & Dr. Avani Modi David & Judith Morgan Fund* Damon & Holly Ragusa Sprout Insight, LLC Vinkolet Winery Jo Ann Wieghaus
STAGE MANAGERS ($1,000-$2,499) Anonymous (3) Gordon Allen & Linda Baas Americana Arts Foundation Nicholas Apanius Laura Atkinson Judith & Louis Belli Malcolm A. & Glenda Bernstein* Michael Berry & Melanie Garner Bryson Family Charitable Fund Jeff & Gay Bullock Barbara Carr & Bren Blaine Cissell Family Fund* Philip Clayton Kathy Collins & Joseph Giglia Meredythe G. & Clayton C. Daley, Jr. Family Fund* Rick & Allison Edwards Fencl Family Fund* Bob & Mary Fitzpatrick Gilman Family Fund* Dr. & Mrs. Richard Glaser Karen Grass
Please bring any errors or omissions to our attention by contacting Josh Neumeyer: jneumeyer@ensemblecincinnati.org or (513) 421-3555 x2103.
* A Fund of The Greater Cincinnati Foundation † Sustaining Donor
the premiere society
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STAGE MANAGERS CONT. JBVS LLC Keith & Patti James Robert Keith & Kathleen Thornton Keith Arleene Keller Chris Lewis & Alicia Bond-Lewis Sophia McAllister Anthony & Emily McNamara Messer Construction Jill & Bruce Mitchell Marilyn & Jack Osborn Overbeck Charitable Fund Steven & Carol Reubel Mr. & Mrs. Gates T. Richards Charles Scott Riley III Foundation Jessica Ruebusch Alex & Kim Schutte Marvin & Betsy Schwartz Fund* Robert & Eleanor Shott Philanthropic Fund Richard & Kathleen Strenk Bob & Sue Trusty Jennifer Verkamp Charitable Fund Maureen & Larry Vignola Woodward Family Charitable Foundation
CAST ($500-$999) Anonymous Christine Adams Wilma & Herbert Beigel Richard M Block Family Foundation Erica Bock Neil Bortz David Brashear Dawn & Doug Bruestle Craft Family Fund David Crotty & Joan von Handorf Mark Dauner† Kathy DeLaura & Ron Steinhoff† Jan Denton Sandi Gans† Rita & Dennis Geiger Bob Gerding Dr. & Mrs. Thomas Highley Emily M. Hodges & Charles H. Spencer Daniel Hurley Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies Matching Gifts Program Amy Katz & Robert Cohen Anita & Ed Marks Joseph & Lori McDonough John & Deborah Moffatt Patti Myers & Alan Flaherty Whitney Owens & David Eslinger Family Fund Alice Perlman Presidential Plaza Associates, LTD Hera G. Reines Peggy Robinson Ann Santen Fund* Jayna & Dan Schimberg Ken & Kathy Skau Susan & David Smith Dr. Joseph & Mrs. Nancy Stratman Thomas Thompson Sonia Wagener Karen & Barry Webb Mary Ann & Edwin T. Weiss, Jr. Kathryn Wright Wuerdeman Family Fund*
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THE PREMIERE SOCIETY
RUNNING CREW ($250-$499) Anonymous (3) Tricia & Michael G. Bath Allen Bernard David & Elaine Billmire Mark Bowen† Peg & John Bruggeman Brenda & Steve Carter Nancy Cisneros Carol C. Cole Brian & Elizabeth Coley Kelly M. Dehan Paul & Bev Diamond† Jessica Dovel Dennis & Catherine Dunwoodie† Keith Faber Barbara Feldmann Melinda Gilbert Donn Goebel & Cathy McLeod William Groneman & Maureen Flanagan Charitable Fund The Gumbleton Family Bob & Judy Heaton James & Robin Huizenga Barbara A. Jennings Carmen & Rich Kovarsky Kroger Community Rewards Program Warren Leight Limestone Fund* Anna Lovekin Jackie Mack & Ted Silberstein Richard & Barbara Males Charles & Jennifer Margolis The McCready-Shore Family Dr. Ralph R. Meyer Steven & Jacqueline Miller Family Foundation Neda & Bruce Nutley Brett Offenberger & Douglas Duckett Over-the-Rhine Chamber of Commerce Chris Philpotts & Pam Schall David M. Piatt Fund* Caroline Richards Holly Riffe & Sue Roth† Al Roane† Marianne R. Rowe J.R. Rulon† Dick & Chris Russell Maria Saldivar Maura Schilling Martha & Lee Schimberg Arnie & Ina Shayne Eli E. Shupe, Jr. & Toby Ruben† Michael Siegrist Linda Tache Marty C. Tomb Anita Trotta Rosalie P. van Nuis Priscilla S. Walford Buzz Ward Pann & Terry Webb† Robert & Jean Willis Ronna & James Willis Dr. David & Cynthia Zink Nora Zorich & Thomas Filardo Family Fund*
APPRENTICES ($125-$249) Anonymous (6) Mary Accorinti
THANK YOU TO ALL OUR DONORS! To join our family of contributors with a donation of any size, please contact Josh Neumeyer: (513) 421-3555 x2103 AmazonSmile Foundation Henrietta Barlag Robert Bloom & Alison Kamine Fund of the Greater Cincinnati Foundation Rosemary Bloom Gifting Fund* Dee Anne Bryll & Ed Cohen Denny & Mindy Burger† Robin Byerly Michele & Kevin Cain† Rebecca Campbell Anne E. Charles Angela Chong & Harold Schuck Barbara Cummins Charles & Lois Deitschel Rick & Tracy Diehl Igor & Jane Dumbadze Michael Ehrensberger Linda Erpelding Carl Fiora Vanessa Freytag Deborah R. Grayson Dr. Irene Hamrick Ann Hicks Lyle & Jennifer Horvath Shonita Joshi Judith Kenniston Priya Dhingra Klocek Carol Leslie† Madelyn Levy David Logan & Dale Hodges Audrey Luna & Dan Nelson David L. Martin Anne McAdams Audrey Meyers Norah & Joe Mock The Honorable Norbert & Linnea Nadel Ms. Kathleen O'Connell & Dr. H. Kenneth Peterson Paul & Mary Ann Odegard Timothy & Joanne Oppelt Nancy L. Phelan Nicola Pietoso David & Deborah Pittinger Janet Reynolds Mikki Schaffner Jan & Bruce Seidel Barbara Seiver Jane Bogart Sellers Mark Silbersack & Ruth Schwallie Mary Lee & Louie Sirkin Tim Smith & Penny Poirier John & Martha Spiess Fred & Anne Straus Charitable Fund Robert P. Streicher Valerie Trentman U.S. Bank Employee Matching Program Lee M. Walsh Howard M. & Nancy S. Weinberg Michael Wheatley Karen Wittenberg† Ashlee Young
TRIBUTE GIFTS In honor of Amy Weinstock In honor of Fred & Sondra Ross In honor of Kathy DeLaura's Birthday (25) In honor of Linda B. Finch (2) In honor of Suzanne Hasl In honor of Mary Stagaman In memory of James & Noretta Markley In memory of Jim Nelson In memory of Lois Deitschel In memory of Lynda Thomas In memory of Mary Bonansinga In memory of Michael Berry (2) In memory of Mitch Meyers In memory of Sue Friedlander (5)
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 † Sustaining Donor
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 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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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. 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).
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