Blogs

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.

Curtain up! March was an exciting month for JumpStart Theatre schools because the teachers attended the third and final Bootcamp of the year and the students were finally able to perform. All of the schools put on stellar productions and were rewarded with enthusiastic applause from large audiences. 

Followed by Gamble Montessori High School with Annie JR. 

Felicity-Franklin Middle School performed Honk! JR. 

Last chance!  Finneytown Middle School performs The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley JR. on March 30 and 31 at 7:00pm, stop by and catch one of these fantastic productions!

Visiting from California: Dr. Sherry Kerr with the Centers for Research on Creativity (CRoC), the California-based organization managing the research component of our program, was able to visit several JumpStart Theatre schools and talk to teachers, students and parents. Below are a few quotes from her report:

"I can be myself in Jumpstart. I love my teachers, they inspire all of us and they believe in us. The teachers make me want to do my best. Acting in a play helps me understand stories and being in a play helps me to write a better story." Student

"I love singing! I like to be in the spotlight. I feel comfortable on stage singing. I also like being with the kids in the play. Being in a play helps me understand characters. I can make up a good story because I understand how to tell a good story." Student

"Before being in this program, my daughter was very shy and introverted. She really didn't have any friends at school. When I see her now, on stage singing and dancing... I'm amazed! She has made friends through this experience. This program has made a big difference in terms of her self-confidence and ability to interact with others." Parent

JumpStart Theatre Showcase

Please make plans to join us on May 2 at 6:00pm in the Jarson-Kaplan Theater at the Aronoff Center for the Performing Arts to celebrate another successful year. The Showcase will feature performances from all six JumpStart Theatre schools, along with returning hosts, Bob Herzog and Jen Dalton of local CBS affiliate Channel 12. Admission is free, but reservations are required. Additional information to follow in early April. Contact Ginny Butsch with questions, gbutsch@schooltheatre.org. 

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

• James and Lauren Miller

• 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