Celebrate TCT’s 101st season 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.
Since moving to Cincinnati from Chicago, Steve Goers has been very active in the Cincinnati theatre community as a composer, conductor, and music director. Mr. Goers has written music for TCT’s productions of THE VELVETEEN RABBIT, THE SNOW QUEEN, JACK AND THE BEANSTALK and all three versions of HOLIDAY FOLLIES.
In addition, he served as Music Director for TCT’s productions of DISNEY’S THE JUNGLE BOOK KIDS, POLKADOTS: THE COOL KIDS MUSICAL, MADAGASCAR — A MUSICAL ADVENTURE as well as TCT’s STAR NKU Intensive.
Mr. Goers has also worked with Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati, the Covedale Center for the Performing Arts, The Carnegie, Showboat Majestic, Cincinnati Young People’s Theatre, Commonwealth Theatre Company, Ovation, Clear Stage, Hugo West Theatricals, Performance Gallery, ArtReach, and Northern Kentucky University.
He has received multiple Acclaim and LCT awards, including a 2010 Season MVP Award. Steve is an Adjunct Instructor of Musical Theater at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, where he has music-directed productions of LES MISÉRABLES, CHESS, PARADE, INTO THE WOODS, CARRIE, BLOOD BROTHERS, MAKE ME A SONG, RENT, FALSETTOS, HAIR, PASSION, BATBOY, URINETOWN and GOOD NEWS.
Steve has composed numerous works for the theatre, industrial video, radio and film, including his on-going collaboration with Chicago playwright/lyricist Alyn Cardarelli on its internationally distributed musicals for young audiences, featuring world premiere adaptations of WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE, STELLALUNA and PETER PAN AND WENDY.
Steve has toured the U.S. and Africa with productions of BARNUM, JERSEY BOYS, and BUBBLING BROWN SUGAR, and was featured as pianist and session producer on the album Ella Jenkins and a Union of Friends Pulling Together, which received a Grammy nomination for Best Children’s Album. Steve is a graduate of the DePaul University School of Music.
We recently had the opportunity to chat with Mr. Goers about TCT.
Why do you believe children’s theatre is important?
“I believe it’s important in two ways, both of which are addressed by TCT. The first, and perhaps most important, involves children as the audience. Storytelling is vitally important to children, teaching them about the world around them, about human experience and interaction, and providing lessons about life and about seeing the world through someone else’s eyes. Movies, TV, and books are all wonderful sources of this kind of experience for kids, but in my experience there’s something about live theatre that is unique and impactful. Seeing these stories come to life right in front of them, with live actors, immerses children in the characters and story in a way that 2-dimensional media simply can’t accomplish.”
He continues: “The other way children’s theatre is important involves bringing children into the art and process of creating theatre through training, classes, intensives, and actual productions. There are numerous benefits to involving children in theatre – building confidence, public speaking skills, creative problem solving, collaboration, self-expression – that students of all ages and skill levels can experience. The theatre is often a place where young people who aren’t involved in sports or academic clubs find acceptance and camaraderie. And, of course, there are the small percentage of students who go on to a career in the arts who get their start working in children’s theatre.”
What did you like most about your work with TCT?
“The thing I’ve always enjoyed most about my work with TCT is that it has struck the right balance between adult professionals and talented young performers. Every production I’ve worked on has had a top-notch professional design team, stage management team, and directorial staff that has made the work a real pleasure. In addition, every cast has incorporated talented young performers who get the opportunity to work with real professionals, on a real stage, with real sets, lights, and sound. There’s nothing that teaches theatre like DOING theatre, and from my first show I thought TCT did the best job of any company for which I’d ever worked of integrating young performers with professionals for a first-class theatrical experience.”
What else would you like to share about your time at TCT?
“My favorite experience is probably THE SNOW QUEEN, the show TCT commissioned me and my writing partner Alyn Cardarelli to create. It was really incredible seeing our show come to life, on that big beautiful set, with such a wonderful, enthusiastic cast.”
“I’ve also enjoyed every summer I’ve spent at TCT’s Star Camp. Being surrounded all day by talented young people who love theatre, and who want to soak up as much information as they can, is incredibly rewarding.”
Would you honor Steve Goers with a gift to recognize the impact made on TCT?
