101 Stories: Spring Starr Pillow

By The Children's Theatre

Celebrate TCT’s 101^stseason as it comes to a close as we applaud and appreciate those who contributed to the organization’s magic throughout our century-long journey. During 10 weeks of recognition, we honor individuals who have been instrumental in the success of TCT, and who have not only helped TCT grow in mission, but also thrive, thanks to their passion. It is these people and their moments in our history that shaped TCT to become what it is today. We encourage you to consider giving a gift in their honor to ensure the sustainability of TCT’s mission for the next 100+ years.

From TCT’s production of TARZAN THE STAGE MUSICAL BASED ON THE DISNEY FILM (2017)

Spring Starr Pillow is a Singer, Actress, Choreographer, Poet, Songwriter, Director, and Teacher based in the Greater Cincinnati area. Spring holds a degree in Musical Theatre from Northern Kentucky University and also has Masters’ credits in Education from the University of Cincinnati. She has extensive experience in both music and drama; in the classroom, behind the scenes, and on stage.

In the early to mid 2000s, Spring was TCT’s Director of Education, as well as a Program Director for TCT’s STAR Program. She also served as a TCT WorkShop Teaching Artist and helped to create the in-school drama experience, Harriet’s Journey.

Spring has been a music teacher and drama teacher in both elementary and middle school classrooms and has made a great impact in the urban community. She also has extensive on-stage performance experience. Previous TCT credits include: Tituba in THE CRUCIBLE and Evil Queen Mary in SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS, The Reporter in LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD, Mama Rabbit in THE ROCKIN’ ADVENTURES OF PETER RABBIT, and Kala in TARZAN THE STAGE MUSICAL BASED ON THE DISNEY FILM. Spring is also a celebrated vocalist and Cabaret artist throughout the city and serves as Education Specialist and Lead Teaching Artist for WordPlay Cincy.

Ms. Pillow says: “I just want to say how special The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati is to me. First of all, it was the first job I ever had that I absolutely loved. I got to be a full-time artist. I got to create programming, teach children, and was not only an actress as part of the company but also a part of a growing staff of dedicated people.”

She continues: “The Children’s Theatre has seen growth on a tremendous level, and growth is so important— not only to the organization, but also to how TCT serves children. The volume of how great things have become blows my mind. The shows were always well done and the sets and costumes were always great, but it’s on a different scale now.”

“I think the most important thing that you can gain from theatre from an early childhood development standpoint is growing self-confidence. I truly believe even watching people put themselves out there is an amazing self-confidence builder. But when you actually put yourself out there over and over and over again—singing, acting, dancing… whatever you do, you’re building confidence…So, theatre helps children grow whether you’re watching it or whether you’re doing it.”

“It means so much to see The Children’s Theatre grow. Seeing the dream of the facility that was built on Red Bank Road —That was talked about for years. It was always something that Jack and Susie Louiso really hoped would happen one day. And when I walked in and saw that it had happened, it really filled my heart with joy. It was amazing.”

Would you honor Spring Starr Pillow with a gift to recognize the impact made on TCT?

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