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.
In 2011, Jack and Susie Louiso retired after 18 years as TCT’s Artistic and Executive Directors. To fill the roles, opera singer and arts educator, Angela Powell Walker moved from Washington, D.C. to Blue Ash to take the reins as Artistic Director from 2011 to 2015; and Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati Board Member, Val Krueckeberg, stepped up as Interim Executive Director from 2011-2013.
Val Krueckeberg
Since 2016, Ms. Krueckeberg has been the Managing Director, Shared Business Services of The Jewish Federation of Cincinnati. Shared Business Services (SBS), a program managed by The Jewish Federation of Cincinnati, is a provider of consolidated business services, including finance/accounting, payroll, benefits and HR administration, and business planning functions for over twenty nonprofit agencies, congregations, and schools in the Greater Cincinnati area.
Ms. Krueckeberg is a CPA and since 2007 she has focused on providing finance and accounting consulting services to organizations that do not have the current staffing or expertise available to complete their various projects. In addition, she is a member of The Ohio Society of CPAs and is a former Audit Partner of KPMG.
“I first became involved with TCT when I was working at KPMG and served as part of the auditing team for the organization,” Ms. Krueckeberg says. “After the auditor serving on TCT’s Board of Directors decided to move, I was asked to take over this role. At that point, I didn’t have any children and simply enjoyed contributing to such a great organization that serves children and their families.”
She continues: “I was on the board for about seven years when Jack and Susie Louiso decided they wanted to retire. As the Board was deciding on what qualifications they wanted in an Executive Director, they decided to go an “interim” route, and I agreed to take on the role for the next two years (2011-2013). An added bonus – I had two kids at that point (about 3 and 7 if I recall correctly) and they loved experiencing the theatre with me.”
“I have seen The Children’s Theatre’s mission changing lives firsthand with my kids’ experiences. My daughter Lauren loved the theatre … she helped me at the retail counters during public shows, helped pass out TCT bookmarks and programs, and she loved to entertain… I still have an image of her waltzing down the steps in the Taft Theatre’s foyer singing a song from RAPUNZEL – “It’s all about me, it’s all about me, it’s NOT all about you!” She would hold “shows” in our living room where she could dress up, sing and dance. These are pretty special memories for me.”
Angela Powell Walker
Angela Powell Walker is the current Artistic Director for Cincinnati’s School for Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA). She joined SCPA in August 2015. Her prior experience includes performing as an opera singer on the world stage and teaching at several universities and secondary schools, including the prestigious Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, D.C. She is a 1986 SCPA graduate.
Ms. Powell Walker recently served as an adjunct faculty member at Northern Kentucky University, where she maintained a voice studio of 15 students, teaching established techniques for vocal production. She also was an adjunct at Washington Bible College and taught at Suitland High School Visual and Performing Arts, both in Lanham, Maryland. She earned a master’s degree in music at the University of Maryland and a bachelor’s degree in music at Oberlin (Ohio) Conservatory of Music.
During her tenure at TCT, Ms. Powell Walker directed the company’s productions of DISNEY’S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST and SCHOOL HOUSE ROCK LIVE JR. in 2014-2015; THE DAY BEFORE CHRISTMAS and PINKALICIOUS THE MUSICAL in 2013-14; and SANTA’S TOY FACTORY and THE MAGICAL ADVENTURES OF MERLIN in 2012-2013; as well as RAPUNZEL! RAPUNZEL! A VERY HAIRY FAIRY TALE in the 2011-12 season.
Ms. Angela Powell Walker says: “I grew up in Cincinnati, and my love for singing and performing started when I was very young. I grew up in a family who loved and supported the arts, and was able to attend the School for Creative and Performing Arts. After graduation, I traveled around the world singing opera – and even got to sing for the Pope!”
She continues: “After moving back to Cincinnati, I began working for The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati. While there, I was an integral part of starting the Kids Club (now known as TCT’s Crown Club), improving the quality of production, and starting the move to the current Children’s Theatre building. Although my time working with The Children’s Theatre was brief, I am in awe that I got to be a part of this joy-filled and life-changing organization. I hope they have another 101 amazing years!”
Would you honor Val Krueckeberg and Angela Powell Walker with a gift to recognize the impact made on TCT?
