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
©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
WHERE WE STAND by DONNETTA LAVINIA GRAYS Directed by CANDICE HANDY
January 31 – February 22, 2026
Scenic & Lighting Designer BRIAN c . MEHRING
Music Director JASON ALEXANDER HOLMES
Sound Designer ROBERT CARLTON STIMMEL Technical Director JACOB DOWELL
Costume Designer DR. DARYL L. HARRIS
Properties Curator/Design Assistant SHANNON RAE LUTZ
Production Stage Manager LEXI MULLER*
Assistant Stage Manager MADDI O'CONNELL*
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.
WHERE WE STAND is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com The World Premiere of WHERE WE STAND was co-produced in 2020 by WP Theater: Lisa McNulty, Producing Artistic Director Michael Sag, Managing Director and By Baltimore Center Stage: Stephanie Ybarra, Artistic Director Michael Ross, Executive Director
*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.
| 3
more growth. more connection. more community. The arts bring us together and make Cincy stand out. For nearly a century, support through ArtsWave has kept them within reach for everyone. Today, 22,000 community gifts to ArtsWave support 150+ projects, artists and organizations like Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati.
Make your gift to the annual ArtsWave Campaign today.
This is our Cincy. Let’s
discover more artswave.org
together.
Jonathan Gibson Photography
Where You Stay, Meet & Gather Less than 10 miles from downtown Cincinnati, The Summit Hotel offers elevated stays designed for comfort, creativity, and connection. Experience thoughtfully curated spaces, modern amenities, and inspired dining—now proudly part of Marriott Bonvoy®. 5345 MEDPACE WAY, CINCINNATI, OH 45227 | THESUMMITHOTEL.COM
| 5
DIRECTOR'S NOTES We are all responsible for each other—this is the definition of community. Where We Stand is a fable that explores what happens when a community member is not taken care of; when he is isolated and deprived of community, of human connection. Man is the central character and anti-hero of the story. He has no friends, no money, no sense of purpose. He is downtrodden. Man is the person you walk by and try your best not to make eye contact with. He is the person you see every day on your commute to work, whom you never wave to, speak to, or even acknowledge the existence of. Man is our society’s burden, a walking representation of the shallow carelessness and greed of our government, and the selfish desperation of community members stuck in survival mode. What happens when Man takes center, tells his story, and we, the audience, the townspeople, the community, are forced to listen? —Candice Handy
6 |
Director's Notes
2025–2026 SPONSORS
SEASON PRESENTING SPONSOR
SEASON FUNDER
OPERATING SUPPORT
FAIRY GODMOTHER SPONSORS
SEASON TICKET SPONSOR
EDUCATION, ENGAGEMENT, & INCLUSION SPONSORS
The Family of Dr. Peter Reuhlman
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 Clovernook Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired
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
2025–2026 Sponsors | 7
CAST & CREW CAST Man................................................................................................................................... TORIE WIGGINS* Man u/s..................................................................................................................... AMIRA F. JACKSON
RUNNING CREW Light Board Operator............................................................................................KRISHANGI ALLIN Sound Board Operator............................................................................... ALLYSON van HAAREN Spot Light Operators................................................... TROIAN BUTLER, GRACE CACCAVARI Wardrobe Crew........................................................................................................ MAXIMUS WINSKI
PRODUCTION TEAM Associate Technical Director & Associate Production Manager................. JACK MURPHY Associate Production Manager & Master Electrician................................... CHRIS LIPSTREU Scenic Charge Artist & Production Associate...............................................RAE MACK KUHN Costume Shop Manager.........................................................................HANNAH DRINGENBURG Sound & Lighting Supervisor................................................................................ JAKE TILLMANN Shop Carpenter........................................................................................... JEREMIAH PLESSINGER Carpenter & Load-In Tech...................................................................................... NATHAN NEORR
SETTING We are where we are; present day.
This production will be performed with one 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.
8 |
cast & crew
AMERICAN MOSAIC MAR 13–15 | Music Hall cincinnatipops.org Martin Sheen narrator
MAY 12 - 17
ARONOFF CENTER CINCINNATIARTS.ORG
| 9
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 Linda Holthaus, Chair Mark Haggard, President Kathy Burklow, Vice President Kali Hacias Boecher, Vice President Athena Avgousti-Bauer, Treasurer Holly Brians Ragusa, Secretary DIRECTORS Amy Bixel Erica Bock Otto M. Budig, Jr. Kwesi Calliste Zina Camblin Tom Carothers Brock Dalton Denise Esteves-Hicks Charles H. Gerhardt, III Tim Giglio Beverly A. Grant Stephen M. King Andrew Maloney Anthony McNamara D. Lynn Meyers, ex officio Shekhar Mitra 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.
10 |
Contact our team at Cincinnati Magazine for information: advertise@CincinnatiMagazine.com
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 Rae Mack Kuhn, Scenic Charge Artist & Production Associate Torie Wiggins, Artistic Associate
Jocelyn Meyer, Director of Marketing & Communications Amy J. Barbian, Associate Director of Marketing & Communications Annie Jennings, Digital Marketing Manager Becca Schall, Creative Media Producer
Jared D. Doren, Programming & Events Manager Nick Ligon, Head of Security Michael Carr, Business Services Coordinator
PATRON SERVICES
Amy Weinstock, Box Office Manager
Professional Apprentices: Krishangi Allin • Troian Butler Grace Caccavari • Allyson van Haaren Maximus Winski
Box Office Associates/House Managers: Anson Battoclette • Beasley • Jasimine Bouldin Abigail Dirr • KG Rucker • Becca Schall • Belle Scholles
STAGE MANAGEMENT
Jacob Dowell, Technical Director Jack Murphy, Associate Technical Director & Associate Production Manager Chris Lipstreu, Associate Production Manager & Master Electrician Hannah Dringenburg, Costume Shop Manager Jake Tillmann, Lighting & Sound Supervisor Jeremiah Plessinger, Shop Carpenter Nathan Neorr, Carpenter & Load-In Tech
Margot Whitney, Production Stage Manager Lexi Muller, Assistant Stage Manager Maddi O'Connell, 2nd Assistant Stage Manager
EDUCATION
Emily Mathews, Director of Education Emmy Rice, Accessibility & Education Programs Coordinator Deondra Kamau Means, Education Associate
PRODUCTION
DEVELOPMENT
Liz Carman, Development Coordinator
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.
| 11
Q&A
with playwright Donnetta Lavinia Grays
T
heatre has a unique ability to reflect society, encouraging audiences to view the world in perspectives they may not have considered before. Unlike passive forms of media, theatre invites active engagement. Where We Stand embraces this shared experience, encouraging audiences to participate in the story and reflect on our collective responsibilities to one another. In this Q&A with ETC staff, playwright Donnetta Lavinia Grays discusses the inspirations behind the play and explains why audience participation is essential to its meaning.
What inspired you to create Where We Stand? Were there specific media or historical events that influenced your writing? The story of this show begins at the Public Theatre’s Mobile Unit. Stephanie Ibarra, who helped run the producing side of the Women's Project (WP) Lab, saw me performing in the Mobile Unit’s Twelfth Night. These productions travel across all five boroughs [in New York], performing free, truncated Shakespeare for communities with limited access due to finances, travel accommodations, or incarceration. The beautiful thing about those productions is you roll out a carpet in the middle of the room, and you, the actor, are engaging with the audience. After watching me work, Stephanie said, “Let's commission you to write something for the Mobile Unit.” What I wanted to do with this piece was to center those communities onstage, with heightened language, which is why it's written in verse and with a musical element. During this time, I was living in Bed-Stuy, and I saw the community change—how people who had lived in that neighborhood for years either decided to sell their homes or were pushed out. I kept asking: What does neighborhood improvement look like? At what cost? And who are we pushing out? I’m always interested in putting myself on trial in my work. It's not about fingerpointing. It really is about asking these questions: Who are we? What are we doing? Who are we to each other? What is my responsibility to these folks who've been cast out? You can never stop asking those questions. It's a solo piece, so it's going to be kind of poetic. My intention was to cast people in real time in the audience, so you're already a part of the story.
12 |
At the end of the play, the audience votes: exile or forgiveness? Why was it important for you to make that decision participatory? It feels to me like we're building up to that moment. It's a shared space, an egalitarian sort of space. The audience is cast, and they go on this journey . . . and now they have a responsibility. A vote felt like the only natural place to go for me. It's like: We've done this thing; you don't get to just go out into the world now. You have some skin in the game. Oftentimes, when we go to the theater, we feel like we've done the work just by going. Well, what if you had to put yourself on the line a little bit? What if the audience is just as vulnerable as the performer? And that's what makes each performance different every night—both as a performer and audience member. I think part of that is because you have the person sitting beside you, whom you either have to show up for, impress, maybe have some guilt toward, or you have self-righteousness and you want to. What I want to do is sort of casually expose us just a little bit. People bring what they're going through into the space, and the MAN represents whatever this moment means to them.
At its core, what are you hoping people take away from seeing this piece? My greatest wish is that people continue the conversation outside of the theater. This was one of the last pieces people saw before [the COVID-19 pandemic] shutdowns, such a strange time in history. This play was built around community, as the beginnings of isolation started. It felt really surreal. At WP, we had an audience of formerly incarcerated folks come to the show, and they had very different perspectives on what the Man's condition was. They voted in surprising, split ways. Then at Baltimore Center Stage, community workers, politicians, and people who did work on the ground came to us saying this is what the play brought up for them—how it's reflected in this community. “It reminds me of this street.” “It reminds me of this project that never got done.” “This project that completely eliminated this community without regard.” Don’t let this be the start of a conversation and not the end—or the answer. That’s for your community to arrive at.
| 13
CAST & CREATIVE TEAM TORIE WIGGINS (Man) has performed many solo shows at various venues across the country, including Your Negro Tour Guide and His Eye is on the Sparrow at Ensemble Theatre. Some of her film work includes A Christmas Melody, starring and directed by Mariah Carey, and The Old Man and the Gun with Robert Redford and Danny Glover. She has performed with and directed at many local theatres, as well as appeared on the stages at Know Theatre of Cincinnati, Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati, Human Race Theatre Company, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, and Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. She has also worked with WAM Theatre in the Berkshires and The Resident Acting Company in New York City. She celebrates her fifteenth year as an artist here in Cincinnati and proudly calls ETC her artistic home.
DONNETTA LAVINIA GRAYS (Playwright) is the author of Kudzu Calling (world premiere, Alabama Shakespeare Festival), Where We Stand (world premiere, WP Theater/Baltimore Center Stage, Lucille Lortel, Drama League, AUDELCO, and Broadway Black Award nominee), Last Night and the Night Before (world premiere, Denver Center for the Performing Arts), Warriors Don’t Cry, Laid to Rest, and The Review or How to Eat Your Opposition. She is the recipient of The Whiting Award for Drama, Helen Merrill Playwright Award, The National Theater Conference’s Stavis Playwright Award, Lilly Award, Todd McNerney National Playwriting Award, and the Doric Wilson Independent Playwright Award. For television, she has been staffed on Spectrum’s Manhunt, FX’s Y: The Last Man, served as executive story editor on Joe vs. Carole for Peacock, and was a co-producer on Seconds for AMC. She penned the upcoming biopic film of Otis Redding starring Danielle Deadwyler and John Boyega called Otis and Zelma. Broadway acting credits include The Skin of Our Teeth, In the Next Room (Or the Vibrator Play), and Well. Off-Broadway credits include Where We Stand, WP Theater/Baltimore Center Stage; Men on Boats, Playwrights Horizons/Clubbed Thumb; Earth, The Foundry Theatre; In the Footprint, The Civilians (as an associate artist), and Shipwrecked! An Entertainment, Primary Stages. Her film credits include The Life List, The Book of Henry, Wild Canaries, The English Teacher, and The Wrestler. TV credits include recurring roles on New Amsterdam, Happy, Rubicon, Mercy, and Law & Order: SVU, and guest-starring roles on High Maintenance, The Night Of, Blue Bloods, The Blacklist, A Gifted Man, Law & Order, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, and The Sopranos. Ms. Grays proudly hails from Columbia, South Carolina.
LET’S THEATRE TOGETHER @ EnsembleCincy 14 |
Cast & Creative Team
CAST & CREATIVE TEAM CANDICE HANDY (Director) is the associate artistic director at Cincinnati Shakespeare Company. She is a passionate theatre actor, director, and administrator. Candice is happy to be making her directorial debut at Ensemble Theatre! Some of her recent directing credits include A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Tempest, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill, The Amen Corner, Hamlet, and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom. She looks forward to directing Othello and Emma, at Cincinnati Shakespeare Company this season! Candice holds a BA from Alabama State University and an MFA in acting with certification in African American Theatre Art from the University of Louisville. She thanks God, her family, and friends for their unrelenting love and support.
D. LYNN MEYERS (Producing Artistic Director) (she/her) welcomes you to Ensemble Theatre's 40th and her 30th season, where she has 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, 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 2019 Rosa F. and Samuel B. Sachs Fund Prize for regional arts impact and leadership.
CAST & CREW
FOR THE JOY OF DISCOVERY Books inspired by Where We Stand courtesy of The Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library.
The Farewell Tour by Stephanie Clifford Paper Girl
A Memoir of Home and Family in a Fractured America
Homestand
Small Town Baseball and the Fight for the Soul of America
by Will Bardenwerper
by Beth Macy
And the River Drags Her Down by Jihyun Yun
Crafting for Sinners by Jenny Kiefer
All the Stars in the Sky by Art Coulson
Borrow these and other show-inspired materials online or at your nearest library.
Cast & Creative Team
| 15
This campaign will . . .
* * * * *
Produce premiere award-winning productions by the best playwrights of our time Support the retention and development of theatre professionals Expand our patron and donor base with fresh insights and strategic endeavors Sustain our future by seeding an endowment And more!
. . . with a combined $10 million investment by March 2026.
Lead Investors Harry & Linda Fath
Our Impact • 39 years of productions that enlighten, energize, & 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.
ETC SUMMEr camps 2026 Inclusive Improv Summer Camp June 8–12, 2025 | Ages 14–19
UT!
SOLD O
Junior Summer Intensive June 15–26, 2025 | Ages 8–13
Build & Design Technical Theatre Summer Intensive June 15–19, 2025 | Ages 15–19
Backstage Technical Theatre Summer Intensive June 22–26, 2025 | Ages 15–19
High School Summer Intensive July 6–17, 2025 | Ages 14–19
REGISTER: ensemblecincinnati.org or (513) 421-3555
PLAY IN PROGRESS Torie Wiggins & Candice Handy
Torie Wiggins
Candice Handy
Torie Wiggins
Play In Progress
| 19
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.
JASON ALEXANDER HOLMES (Music Director), the associate director of choirs at the May Festival, is a music educator, conductor, and performer from Ridgeway, VA. Before coming to Cincinnati, Jason worked with the Boston Children’s Chorus, public schools in Rochester, NY, and opera and musical theatre companies. At the core of Jason’s teaching and performing is the belief that we are all expressive and musical beings who deserve to witness and create moments of truth and beauty.
DR. DARYL L. HARRIS (Costume Designer) is a professor emeritus of theatre and dance in the School of the Arts, Theatre, and Dance Program at Northern Kentucky University. He is a 60-year veteran of traditional, experimental, educational, and applied theatre. He has studied and worked throughout North America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia. He has received multiple awards for outstanding costume designs throughout the country. Canada’s Royal British Columbia Museum has exhibited his costumes. This is his second costume design project with Ensemble Theatre. He experiences all creative collaborations as sustained communion with the Master Creator.
ROBERT CARLTON STIMMEL (Sound Designer) (he/him) is a Cincinnati native who received his BA in theatre from Miami University. Currently working as Cincinnati Shakespeare Company's production manager, he also works as an actor, director, and designer of various forms. Some of his Cincinnati credits include Love’s Labour’s Lost, Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors, Mrs. Dalloway, Julius Caesar, The Amen Corner, and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom at Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, as well as To Kill a Mockingbird and A Christmas Carol at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. His rsegional and international credits include A Room in the Castle, Folger Theatre; Gaslight and Frankenstein, Merrimack Repertory Theatre; The Fantasticks and The Normal Heart, Short North Stage; and Twelfth Night, Prague Shakespeare Company.
20 |
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 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 fourth 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, his wife, Colleen, and cats, Ronnie and Stan, for their continued support.
LEXI MULLER (Production Stage Manager) (she/her) is thrilled to return for her seventh 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.
MADDI O’CONNELL (Assistant Stage Manager) (they/he), is a native of Cincinnati and a summa cum laude graduate from Baldwin Wallace University where they received a BFA in acting and minor in music. They are also a proud alumnus of Ensemble Theatre’s Professional Apprentice Program for acting and stage management. Some of their favorite ETC credits include the world premiere of The Last Will & Testament of Madison Giles as the production stage manager; Jaja’s African Hair Braiding and The Garbologists as the 2nd assistant stage manager; the world premiere of It’s Fritz! as Fiona; the world premiere of Fiona: The Musical as Cal and Bibi/Red Oxpecker u/s; and Hands on a Hardbody as the Heather u/s and assistant fight captain. As always, much love to Kim, Dan, the entire ETC staff, and the besties for the never-ending support and fun. ily! maddioconnell.com
Production Team
| 21
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.
22 |
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 January 8, 2025 and January 8, 2026.
PLAYWRIGHTS ($20,000+) Anonymous ArtsWave Gale & Dave Beckett Daniel Brown & Mark Haggard Annette & Tom Carothers The Charles H. Dater Foundation, Inc. Lynne Friedlander The Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr., Foundation Karlee Hilliard William & Mary Jane James LKC Foundation The H.B., E.W. and F.R. Luther Charitable Foundation, Fifth Third Bank and Narley L. Haley, Co-Trustees Kenneth T. And Molly M. Mahler Eliot Meyers Diane & Dave Moccia David & Judith Morgan Fund* Ohio Arts Council The Family of Dr. Peter G. Ruehlman Josephine S Russell Charitable Trust, through the PNC Charitable Trusts Grant Review Committee P&G Fund* PNC Foundation Richard Postler & Manuel Hernandez Thaman Fund* The Shubert Foundation, Inc. Dale & Joyce Uetrecht Family Fund Ginger Warner
Kelly M. Dehan & Rick Staudigel Jane & Chip Gerhardt Alana & Shelly Gerson L. Timothy Giglio Lauren Hannan Shafer Betty Huck The Andrew Jergens Foundation Limestone Fund* Robert Keith & Kathleen Thornton Keith Stephen King & Lynne Miller Carolyn Morin Damon & Holly Ragusa Andrew Jergens Foundation Barbara & Dave Reaman Steve & Carol Reubel Blake Robison & Connan Morrissey Jane Ruwet Hopson & Larry Pytlinski Norma Skoog Summerfair Foundation, Inc. Scott & Sally Tieke Jo Ann Wieghaus
PRODUCERS ($10,000-$19,999) Anonymous Jane & Chip Gerhardt Fifth Third Bank Foundation Linda Holthaus & Richard Zinicola Home City Ice Anu & Shekhar Mitra Damon & Holly Ragusa Meghan & Dan Simonson Mary Stagaman & Ron Kull Dudley S. Taft Foundation Carol Talbot Fund* van der Horst Family Fund* Tamara White
DESIGNERS ($2,500-$4,999) Anonymous William P. Anderson Foundation Athena Avgousti-Bauer & Mark Bauer Jeff & Gay Bullock Shirlee Cassidy Ehrsam Family Fund* Marjorie Davies Kathy DeLaura Beverly A. Grant Fund* David Hill & Susan Goering Hill Johnson Investment Counsel Jackie Mack & Ted Silberstein PLAY/write: The Jackie Demaline Regional Collegiate Playwrighting Competition* Moe & Jack Rouse Dick & Chris Russell Rosemary & Mark Schlachter Alex & Kim Schutte Elizabeth Sawyer Selnick Fund* The Sittenfeld Family Sprout Insight LLC UBS Matching Gifts Program
DIRECTORS ($5,000-$9,999) The Elaine & Bob Blatt Fund Mary & William Bonansinga Charitable Family Fund* The Otto M. Budig Family Foundation Michael Gerard Carr Denise & Martin Chambers, The Don and Alice Ulmer Legacy Giving Fund Corky & Rick Foundation Cincinnati Bengals Susan Cohen & Robert Schmuelling
STAGE MANAGERS ($1,000-$2,499) Anonymous (7) Gordon Allen & Linda Baas Americana Arts Foundation The Art Links Fund* Judith & Louis Belli Erica Bock Kali Boecher Chris Bolling & Stephen Peterson Dawn & Doug Bruestle
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 † Sustaining Donor
the premiere society
| 23
STAGE MANAGERS CONT. Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies Matching Gifts Program Kathy Burklow & John Berlier Kwesi Calliste Stephen Carothers Barbara Carr & Bren Blaine Fran Christensen Elizabeth Clark Philip Clayton Burton Closson Margaret & Joseph Conway Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber Meredythe G. & Clayton C. Daley, Jr. Family Fund* Mark Dauner Amy Diamond & Eddie Wolf Mary & Scott Donaldson Rick & Allison Edwards John Ellmore Fencl Family Fund* Patti and Greg Fischesser Bob & Mary Fitzpatrick Lydia Fitzpatrick Edward Freeman Sandi Gans Jodi Geiser Gilman Family Fund* Dr. & Mrs. Richard Glaser Ms. Deanna Hengge David & Susan Goering HIll Family Legacy Fund Emily M. Hodges & Charles H. Spencer Chris Lewis & Alicia Bond-Lewis David Logan & Dale Hodges Linda Holthaus & Richard Zinicola Amy Katz & Robert Cohen LaMacchia Family Foundation Warren Leight Carol Leslie Louise and Grauman Marks Memorial Fund* Sophia McAllister Carol Miller Meibers Jill & Bruce Mitchell Bill and Karen Neyer PayPal Giving Fund Ann and Chris Ramos Hera G. Reines Mr. & Mrs. Gates T. Richards Ed & Carol Rigaud Iris Sageser Marcia Banker & Jeff Schloemer Marvin & Betsy Schwartz Fund* Signet Love Inspires Foundation Ken & Kathy Skau Susan & David Lee Smith Walter S. & Patricia Mann Smitson Jim & Tammy Stephens Family Charitable Fund Dr. Joseph & Mrs. Nancy Stratman Glenda Suttman Bob & Sue Trusty Mary Ann & Edwin T. Weiss, Jr. Susan Wilke Carol and Rich Wilson CAST ($500-$999) Anonymous (4) Lucy Allen David Askew & Ric Sweeney Laura Atkinson Malcolm A. & Glenda Bernstein Malcolm & Glenda Bernstein Fund* David A. Brashear West Shore Home LLC Sharon Butler Courtney Campbell-Saxton
24 |
THE PREMIERE SOCIETY
Carol C. Cole Brian & Elizabeth Coley Philip K. & Anne Lilly Cone Fund* David Crotty & Joan von Handorf Dennis Dunwoodie Arthur Fink Joanne Fiorini Rachel & Bernard Foster Rita & Dennis Geiger Robert Gerding Joseph Huber Daniel Hurley Tana Kirkbride Gary Klasmeier Andrew Maloney Minda Matthews-Smith Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Maurath Drs. Jacqueline & Steven Miller Family Bill & Ruth Morley Patti Myers & Alan Flaherty Neda & Bruce Nutley Timothy & Joanne Oppelt Whitney Owens & David Eslinger Family Fund Alice Perlman Ms. Kathleen O'Connell & Dr. H. Kenneth Peterson Adam Porter Irene & Daniel Randolph Donor Advised Fund of the Cambridge Charitable Foundation Danielle & Kenneth Revelson Stephen & Helen Rindsberg Ellen Rittgers Richard Roebuck Robert Roesbery Susan & Clint Schertzer Bob & Maura Schilling Tom & Torey Torre Nancye & Thomas Van Brunt Maureen & Larry Vignola Pann & Terry Webb Karen & Barry Webb Layla Wells Michael & Susan Whitehead Mark D. Manley & Annette J. Wick Ronna & Dr. James Willis Kathryn Wright Nora Zorich & Thomas Filardo Family Fund* RUNNING CREW ($250-$499) Anonymous (2) Joe and Trish Baker Janice Bauer Bill & Janet Berger David & Elaine Billmire Richard Block Neil Bortz Peg & John Bruggeman John Bruggerman Durell Callier Robert Clary Barbara Cummins Brock Dalton Rick & Tracy Diehl Christine Dye Earthward Bound Foundation Barbara Feldmann Larry Freeman Natalie Galbato Beverly A. Grant Fund* The Gumbleton Family Bob & Judy Heaton Jordan Heser Daniel Hoffheimer James & Robin Huizenga Farrah Jackson
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
Sandra Kohn Mr. & Mrs. Richard Kovarsky Kroger Community Rewards Program Ginny & Rick Kuertz Mary LaBolt Andrew Maloney Charles & Jennifer Margolis Diane Muller Barbara Myers Roy & Cheryl Newman Kim, Dan, & Maddi O'Connell Brett Offenberger & Douglas Duckett Phil Paradis & Marjorie Hull David M. Piatt Fund* Pledgeling Foundation Holly Riffe & Sue Roth Al Roane Ross Royce J.R. Rulon Siegrist Family Fund Kathleen Stringfield Linda Tache Barry Thomas Meggan Thompson Marty C. Tomb Rosalie P. van Nuis Ashlee Young Buzz Ward Robert & Jean Willis Jeff Wysel APPRENTICES ($125-$249) Anonymous (8) Rhoda & John Brooks Michele & Kevin Cain Clifton Town Meeting Art Committee Charles & Lois Deitschel Emilie & David Dressler Fund* Igor & Jane Dumbadze Jo Anne M. Gibbons & John R. Getz Melinda Gilbert Linda Goldenhar & Chris Cain Mrs. Madeleine H. Gordon Tana Kirkbride & Amit Gupta Ann Hicks Marilyn Hurrell Barbara A. Jennings Lisa Kagan Pinky & Sam Kocoshis David L. Martin Norah & Joe Mock John & Deborah Moffatt Patricia & James Neidhard Laura Proto & Tommy Johnston Lyle & Jean Ritze Connie & Don Roesch Maria Saldivar Mark Silbersack & Ruth Schwallie Barbara Seiver Eli E. Shupe, Jr. & Toby Ruben Janice K. Smith Tim Smith & Penny Poirier
Jacqueline & Richard Snyder Kate Spencer Fred & Anne Straus Charitable Fund Robert P. Streicher Sue & Tom Terwilliger Dan & Lynn Ticotsky Sheryl Vice Howard M. & Nancy S. Weinberg Amy Weinstock Anne Warrington Wilson TRIBUTE GIFTS In Honor of Zina Camblin & Victoria and Mark Aslanides In Honor of Annette and Tom Carothers In Memory of Charles Carothers, MD In Honor of William P. Carney, MD In Memory of Susan Freelander In Memory of Winston K. Harvey In Honor of Mary Taft Mahler In Memory of James & Noretta Markley In Memory of Audrey Mae Meyers (13) In Memory of “Mom” Meyers In Memory of Mark Silberstack In Honor of Meghan Simonson In Memory of Robert L. and Mary C. Weisenberger 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
| 25
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. 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.
26 |
patron information
1127 Vine Street circa 1927 Image courtesy of Fifth Third Bank archives.
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