Jobs & Auditions
Organizational Overview
The mission of The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati (TCT) is to educate, entertain, and engage audiences of all ages through professional theatrical productions and arts education programming. We fulfill our mission through three primary programs:
• TCT MainStage at the Emery Theater
• TCT On Tour
• TCT Academy
Vision: To awaken a lifelong love of theatre in children and the young at heart.
Core Beliefs:
• We believe in the power of theatre to enrich lives and create deeper understandings of people, cultures, and perspectives.
• We believe our audiences deserve high-quality experiences that are rich with wonder, honesty, compassion, joy, and wisdom.
• We believe the arts and education are not mutually exclusive.
• We believe the art we create must reflect the community we serve.
• We believe in the power of integrated arts education to enrich our lives and our communities.
TCT AUDITION CASTING NOTICE!
Seeking Adults & Professional Youth Actors for
TCT’s 26/27 MainStage Season
The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati (TCT) is holding auditions in May for the first two MainStage productions in their 2026-2027 season at the EMERY THEATER.
All roles are paid positions.
TCT, the nation’s oldest professional theatre for young audiences, is passionate about creating an inclusive workplace and is committed to a dynamic casting process. All roles are open to everyone regardless of ethnicity, background, ability, or gender identity.
Upon audition registration, you may indicate which shows for which you would like to be considered. Auditions are by appointment only.
You only need ONE audition appointment, even if you are interested in both productions.
Adult performers and young performers ages 9-18 who would like to be considered for TCT’s Young Artist Company, may make an audition appointment by visiting https://www.theaterforms.com/TCTCincinnati/marygrinchmas/auditionform/
Appointment dates:
- Monday, May 11, 2026- 5:30-8:30 PM
- Tuesday, May 12, 2026- 5:30-8:30 PM
- Wednesday, May 13, 2026- 5:30-8:30 PM
- Thursday, May 14, 2026- 5:30-8:30 PM
CALLBACKS:
Mary Poppins JR. will take place SATURDAY, May 16, 2026, 9:00 AM- 1:00 PM.
HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS JR. will take place SUNDAY, May 17, 2025, 9:00 AM- 1:00 PM.
Auditions and Callbacks are held at TCT’s headquarters located at: 4015 Red Bank Road, Cincinnati OH 45227.
SUBMISSIONS:
If you are absolutely unable to attend auditions in person, fill out an audition form and select “waiting list” as your time slot.
Please email Maddie Jones at Maddie.Jones@tctcincinnati.com stating you will be submitting virtually, and include a video submission of your song no later than Sunday, May 10th, 2026.
From there, if we need to see more, we will send you callback information by Wednesday, May 13th, 2026. If you are unable to attend callbacks, you will need to submit callback materials by Sunday, May 17th, 2026.
TO SIGN UP:
Visit https://www.theaterforms.com/TCTCincinnati/marygrinchmas/auditionform/ for an audition appointment.
PREPARATION CHECKLIST
Please prepare the piano sheet music to a memorized song that shows your acting and vocal range. (1-minute max). The song must be age appropriate. Remember to have your PIANO SHEET MUSIC ACCOMPANIMENT, as we will not be auditioning for a cappella skills. An accompanist will be provided. Your sheet music MUST have the piano part, not just the vocal line, and music should be in a 3-ring binder with any cuts CLEARLY marked for the accompanist.
You only need a song. You do NOT need to prepare a monologue.
- Bring a RECENT 8×10 headshot and up to date performance resume. Even if you upload to the audition website, a hardcopy of your headshot and resume is needed.
- Plan to arrive at least 10-15 minutes ahead of your appointment to check/correct previously submitted paperwork. If we are ahead of schedule, we may bring you in to audition early.
Come with your scheduling conflicts. Due to concentrated rehearsal periods, we ask that conflicts during rehearsals are at a minimum. In an effort to best facilitate all rehearsal times, you will be asked to list all conflicts at the time of the audition. Conflicts may result in a stipend adjustment. Please take note of when rehearsals begin, the day and evening tech and performance schedule, and bring your calendar with you to the audition.
ABOUT THE SHOWS
Director: Roderick Justice
Choreographer: Maddie Jones
Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins JR. is based on the stories of L Travers and the Walt Disney film. Original Music and Lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman. Book By Julian Fellowes. Additional Material by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe. Co-Created by Cameron Mackintosh. Adapted by iTheatrics under the supervision of Timothy Allen McDonald.
ABOUT THE SHOW: Everyone’s favorite practically perfect nanny takes flight in this delightful adaptation of the Broadway and West End smash hit. Directed by TCT Artistic Director, Roderick Justice, and based on the books by P.L. Travers and Disney film, the unforgettable characters and songs including “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,” “A Spoonful of Sugar,” and “Step in Time,” will lift your spirits and take your imagination sky high!
REHEARSALS AT RED BANK RD FACILITY: September 5 – October 3, 2026.
Regular rehearsals typically take place Mondays – Thursdays, 6:30 – 9:30 PM and Saturdays, 10 AM – 4 PM.
TECH AT THE EMERY THEATER: October 4 – 8, 2026.
Tech rehearsals typically take place Sunday, 11 AM – 9 PM and Monday – Thursday, 5 – 9: 30 PM
PERFORMANCES AT THE EMERY THEATER:
October 9, 2026- 9:45 AM, 12:15 PM, 7 PM
October 10, 2026- 2 PM, 5 PM
October 11, 2026- 2 PM
October 14, 2026 at 9:45 AM and 1 PM*
October 15, 2026- 9:45 AM, 12:15 PMOctober 16, 2026- 9:45 AM, 12:15 PM
October 17, 2026- 11 AM, 2 PM
October 18, 2026- 2 PM, 5 PM*
October 21, 2026- 9:45 AM*,
October 22, 2026- 9:45 AM, 1 PM
October 23, 2026- 9:45 AM, 12:15 PM, 7 PM*
October 24, 2026- 2 PM, 5 PM
October 25, 2026- 2 PM, 5 PM*
*Performances marked with an asterisk (*) denote potential added performances.
SEEKING THE FOLLOWING:
* [MARY POPPINS] Jane and Michael Banks’s new nanny. She is extraordinary and strange, neat and tidy, delightfully vain yet particular, and sometimes a little frightening but always exciting. She is practically perfect in every way and always means what she says. A mezzo soprano with strong top notes, she should be able to move well. Vocal range Gb3-C6
* [BERT] The narrator of the story, is a good friend to Mary Poppins. An everyman, Bert has many occupations, including hurdy-gurdy player, sidewalk artist and chimney sweep. He has charm, speaks with a Cockney accent and is a song-and-dance man. Strong singer/dancer/actor, Baritenor, Vocal Range: B2-F#4
* [GEORGE BANKS] The father to Jane and Michael Banks, is a banker to the very fiber of his being. Demanding “precision and order” in his household, he is a pipe-and-slippers man who doesn’t have much to do with his children and believes that he had the perfect upbringing by his nanny, the cruel Miss Andrew. Strong actor, a baritone, George may speak-sing as necessary.
* [WINIFRED BANKS] George’s wife and Jane and Michael’s mother. A former actress, she is a loving and distracted homemaker who is busy trying to be the model wife and mother. She suffers from the conflicting feelings that she’s not up to the job of “being Mrs. Banks,” yet, she is, and more. Vocal Range: A3-D5
* [JANE] The high-spirited 11-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mr. Banks, is bright and precocious but can be willful and inclined to snobbishness. Vocal Range: A3-F#5
* [MICHAEL] The cute and cheeky 9-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Banks. Excitable and naughty, he adores his father and tries to be like him. Both he and Jane misbehave in order to get the attention of their parents, Vocal Range: A3- E5
* [BIRD WOMAN] An elderly woman covered in a patchwork of old shawls, with her pockets are stuffed with bags of crumbs for the birds. She tries to sell her crumbs to passersby, who ignore her as if she doesn’t exist. Sings “Feed the Birds.” There can be a gruff, folksy quality to her voice that reflects the hardness of her life. Vocal range: Gb3-C5
* [MRS. CORRY] Owns a magical gingerbread shop. She is a mysterious woman of great age who speaks with a Caribbean accent (or any accent that would make her seem exotic).
* [MISS ANDREWS] George’s overbearing and scary nanny. With her bottle of nasty-tasting brimstone and treacle to keep naughty children in line, she is a bully who only knows one way of doing things – her way. A soprano with an alto belt, there can be some heaviness to her voice along with range. Vocal range: Gb3-F5
* [KATIE NANA] Jane and Michael’s nanny at the beginning of the show. Overwhelmed and upset, she has absolutely had her fill of the Banks children.
* [POLICEMAN] A neighborhood fixture who is respected by and observant of households on his beat.
* [BANK CHAIRMAN] The head of the bank where Mr. Banks is employed, is an Edwardian stuffed-shirt. Vocal range: C3-D4, He can speak/sing his lines if necessary.
* [MRS. BRILL] The housekeeper and cook for the Banks family. Overworked and harassed, she’s always complaining that the house is understaffed. Her intimidating exterior is a cover for the warmth underneath. Mrs. Brill doesn’t have a high opinion of nannies in general and Mary Poppins in particular. Vocal Range: F#3-D#5
* [ROBERTSON AYE] The houseboy to the Banks family. Lazy, sleepy and grumbling, he never gets things right and believes himself to be useless. Vocal range top: F3-G#4
* [PARK KEEPER] Uniformed and officious, he makes sure no one breaks park regulations. His life is defined by rules, but he secretly hankers after his childhood.
* [NELEUS] The statue of a young boy posed with a dolphin in the park. Neleus was separated from his father, Poseidon, and misses him very much. A small and lonely being, he is very happy to befriend Jane and Michael. Extremely technical dancer.
* [MISS SMYTHE] The Bank Chairman’s humorless secretary.
* [VON HUSSLER] A businessman seeking a loan from the bank for a shady business deal. He speaks with a German accent.
* [JOHN NORTHBROOK] An honest businessman seeking a loan to build a factory for his community. He speaks with an accent from Northern England.
* [MALE & FEMALE ENSEMBLE] 4 male, 4 female, to portray various characters in the ensemble, including Chimney Sweeps, Parkgoers. Seeking extremely strong singer/dancer/actors. Tumbling is a HUGE plus!
Director & Choreographer: Maddie Jones
Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical is based on the book by the same name.
Book & Lyrics: Timothy Mason
Music: Mel Marvin
Additional Music & Lyrics: Albert Hague and Dr. Seuss
ABOUT THE SHOW: A heart-growing holiday classic comes to life as the Grinch schemes to steal Christmas from the joyful Whos of Whoville. Directed by TCT Associate Artistic Director, Maddie Jones, and filled with festive spectacle, whimsical costumes, imaginative staging, and timeless lessons about kindness and community, this beloved book-to-stage seasonal classic will be sure to become a cherished holiday experience for the entire family.
REHEARSALS AT RED BANK RD FACILITY: November 2 – November 25, 2026.
Regular rehearsals typically take place Mondays-Thursdays, 6:30 – 9:30 PM and Saturdays, 10 AM – 4 PM.
TECH AT THE EMERY THEATER: November 29 – December 3, 2026.
Tech rehearsals typically take place Sundays, 11 AM – 9 PM, and Monday – Thursday, 5 – 9:30 PM.
PERFORMANCES:
December 4, 2026- 9:45 AM, 12:15 PM, 7 PM
December 5, 2026- 2 PM, 5 PM
December 6, 2026- 2 PM
December 9, 2026 – 9:45 AM, 1 PM*
December 10, 2026- 9:45 AM, 12:15 PM
December 11, 2026- 9:45 AM, 12:15 PM
December 12, 2026- 11 AM, 2 PM
December 13, 2026- 2 PM, 5 PM*
December 16, 2026- 9:45 AM*
December 17, 2026- 9:45 AM, 1 PM
December 18, 2026- 9:45 AM, 12:15 PM, 7 PM*
December 19, 2026- 2 PM, 5 PM
December 20, 2026- 2 PM, 5 PM*
*Performances marked with an asterisk (*) denote potential added performances.
SEEKING THE FOLLOWING:
* [THE GRINCH] Male Identifying, Should be able to portray age 30+. Should be at least 5’10 or taller. Our main protagonist. He has spent years living in seclusion. He is fed-up with Christmas and ingeniously decides to steal it. A beastly, charming, often silly curmudgeon. He is hilariously scary but with a softy’s heart underneath — think more Wile E. Coyote than Voldemort. He fancies himself a Vaudeville superstar with “champion-stock” DNA and has a personality that outsizes everybody else in Whoville. The Grinch is a real triple threat. Baritone (A2-D4) with strong falsetto. Seeking understudy only.
* [OLD MAX] Male Identifying puppeteer, the oldest soul on stage. Our storyteller who unexpectedly has a final memory that inspires him to celebrate the night of the Grinch’s transformation with the audience. A wise and somewhat weary old soul on the last legs of a spectacular life. He is trustworthy and charming and can “spin a yarn” like the best of them. Sings You’re a Mean One. Bass-baritone (G2-E4).
* [YOUNG MAX] Male Identifying puppeteer, plays much younger. Misery loves company, but this peppy new pup refuses to succumb to the Grinch’s negativity and pessimism. He is lovable, charming, and always eager to please. He is indefatigably positive and fun. Everything the Grinch tries to destroy, Max catches before it breaks, never tiring of the Grinch’s antics. Tenor (C3-A4).
* [CINDY-LOU WHO] Female identifying, 6-10 years old to play younger. Visibly the smallest person on stage. She is the youngest child of the central Who family. She is the one person with a genuine heart of gold that can find and express love to the Grinch. She is still young enough to be guided by her sense of wonder and empathy and believes in the possibility for goodness in the Grinch. Soprano (A3-F5).
* [ANNIE WHO] Female Identifying, 8-13 years old to play 10. She is the second youngest child of the central Who family. Soprano (A3-F5).
* [PAPA WHO] Male Identifying, 30s. The Father of the central Who Family. He is the calm eye of the storm, goodness and confidence pours out of him. He accidently indoctrinates the children of Whoville with the story of the boogeyman Grinch. Tenor (B2-G4).
* [MAMA WHO] Female Identifying, 30s. The Mother of the central Who Family. She is overwhelmed by the Christmas hysteria, and she is unsuccessfully struggling to maintain control of both her children and Grandpa and Grandma Who. Adorably annoying, funny, and a loving mother. Soprano with belt (C4-F5).
* [GRANDPA WHO] Male Identifying, 50s. The eldest of the central Who family. He is gruff, comically grumpy, and enjoys antagonizing Mama Who and trying to scare the children with ghost stories. He loves Christmas and his grandchildren but is driven batty by both. Baritone (Bb2-E4).
* [GRANDMA WHO] Female Identifying, 50s. The matriarch of the central Who family who can solve any problem, a peacemaker. She is loving and warm. The children respect and listen to her, and she has the patience to calm both them and Mama Who. Mezzo Soprano (C4-E5).
* [WHO FAMILY CHILDREN] Any gender, Roles include Danny Who, Boo Who, and Betty-Lou Who. The rest of the children from the central Who family. They are the life and pulse of the Holidays: loud and filled with energy. Looking for dancers who are skillfully acrobatic and/or gymnastic. The specific “tricks” for each track will be tailored to the skills of the performers. Tricks can include splits, balancing, juggling, skating with Heely’s, etc.
* [YOUNG WHO ENSEMBLE] Any gender, The Children of Whoville. They are the life and pulse of the Holidays: loud and filled with energy. Should be dancers who are skillfully acrobatic and/or gymnastic. The specific “tricks” for each track will be tailored to the skills of the performers. Tricks can include splits, balancing, juggling, skating using Heely’s, etc. Young Who Ensemble will cover Who Family Children Tracks.
* [ADULT WHO ENSEMBLE] Any gender, 20s-40s. The Adults of Whoville. They have a bright optimism and radiate joy and enthusiasm. They are all different from one another and get much joy in celebrating the holiday, the community, and their differences. Should be dancers who are skillfully acrobatic and/or gymnastic. The specific “tricks” for each track will be tailored to the skills of the performers. Tricks can include splits, balancing, juggling, skating using Heely’s, etc. Adult Ensemble will cover principal and featured roles — see character descriptions.
