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A program designed to build sustainable musical theatre programs in underserved middle schools that currently have none.

This is a series of monthly updates about the JumpStart Theatre pilot program launched in Cincinnati, Ohio. To view previous updates, click here.

Last call to join Class III: If you know a Cincinnati-area middle school who would want to be part of the JumpStart Theatre program, the deadline is tomorrow, February 1. The application is available here.

Bootcamp 2: Our second Bootcamp of the 2016-17 school year was held last Friday, January 27, at the Aronoff Center for the Performing Arts. Teachers from all six JumpStart Theatre schools joined master educators, Marty Johnson and Dee Anne Bryll, to learn about all of the technical elements of a production.

Dee Anne and Marty

They learned budget-friendly ways to produce costumes, sets, props and more. Insider tips: Can't afford elaborate scenery? Use actors!

Teachers from Holmes and Dater serve as a "bench."

Tough-to-find costumes? Focus on using color and texture to convey their character.

 Teachers use fabric swatches to costume the characters in Suessical.

Teachers were thrilled to learn exercises and activities that not only would help their cast and crew, but could also be applied directly to their classrooms on a variety of subjects.

Audition/Rehearsal Updates:  JumpStart Theatre Mentors, Dee Anne Bryll and Becca Kloha Strand, visit the schools regularly, providing feedback, guidance and support. These are a few of their observations from this month's rehearsals.

Students and teachers from the JumpStart schools rehearse for their upcoming productions.

Holmes: There are quite a few students with learning, behavioral, and emotional challenges and it's very encouraging to see them shine in their roles.

Dater: At one of their first meetings, Dater students learned how to read their script and score, and the necessity of bringing a pencil to each rehearsal (never a pen!) so that you can properly mark your script.

Finneytown: Teachers have laid out a clear plan for communicating with the students and parents. It seems there will be excellent parent involvement, judging from the number that attended their "Parent Meeting." A number of parents have volunteered to help with props, sets, making programs, etc.

Felicity-Franklin: Students learned all about blocking and the importance of working on lines at home. The school has a wonderful small town feel. Everyone is friendly and enthusiastic!

Gamble: The students were all very attentive and working hard. There were even a few students already running lights and the stage curtain!

Aiken: The team is very well prepared and specific about what their goals and objectives are for each class/rehearsal. Students have a very good understanding of the show and move confidently from one song to the next.

Thanks to all of our partners and supporters on JumpStart Theatre:

• Allstate Foundation

• Eleanora C.U. Alms Trust, Fifth Third Bank, Trustee

• ArtsWave

• Barnes Dennig

• Benefits Network Insurance

• Community Arts Initiatives

• Duke Energy

• The Greater Cincinnati Foundation

• The Donald C. and Laura M. Harrison Family Foundation

• Hilton

• iTheatrics

• The Austin E. Knowlton Foundation

• Music Theatre International

• Ohio Arts Council

• The Daniel and Susan Pfau Foundation

• William O. Purdy, Jr.  Foundation Fund

• Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP

• All of the individual donors