Commonwealth Artists Student Theatre
"This made me realize this is what I want to do! I want to make a career out of technical theatre and teaching others.”
- Jack, Highlands High School -
" To put on a top-notch show that properly prepares students for theatre outside the classroom, and provide the level of education technical theatre students need to receive prior to going into their chosen field, they need some experience with a professional, and Theatre SMRT helps provide that and bridge the gap...It is our job to reach them where they are at...The theatre program, and the students that encompass it, are better and far richer for it."
- David Derringer, Milford Drama Director -
“I just have to say thank you because, like I told you before, I did not know what I was going to do…I wanted to break down and cry. And I have all these freshmen and sophomores on my crew. If I had told them I don’t know what we’re going to do, they would have cried with me. They have such potential and so much creativity. They were so excited to learn the light board. So, thank you for creating that program that gave them that opportunity. A lot of them tried out for the cast and didn’t make it and then they decided to do lights. And now, I have them competing for who is going to be the head of the crew next year. So, thank you!”
- Jaelin, Colerain High School -
Student Mentor Resource Team -
THEATRE SMRT
What is Theatre SMRT?
Theatre SMRT (Student Mentor Resource Team) pairs students who excel in technical theatre areas of design, set construction, lights, and sound with students at participating schools to help those students grow their individual skills and the theatre program as a whole. The mentors are not doing the design work, but rather teaching other students best practices and troubleshooting techniques to set them up to run their technical theatre elements independently.
Who can participate?
Students who have participated in the summer CAST productions in areas of design are eligible to serve as mentors
for participating schools. Each student is assigned an area of focus at the participating school that is an area in which they have experience. Each school could have up to 3 mentors. Participating schools must have an educator or director to oversee the mentorship program and the student involvement. Any school in the tristate area is eligible to participate. There is no cost to the schools and CAST coordinates the management of the mentors.
When does Theatre SMRT begin?
Applications are available NOW for interested schools, educators, and mentors. Once schools are selected and mentors hired, schools and mentors will be notified who is paired with which school. The program lasts the duration of the school year, or the length of the school's theatre season.
What are the anticipated outcomes?
We expect that Theatre-SMRT team members will ultimately report higher self-confidence levels in the following 21st century skills:
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Communication skills
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Creativity
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Problem solving
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Collaboration
Theatre-SMRT Partner School Directors will report improved technical execution in the planning and presenting of productions over the course of the school year and will provide an impact assessment of the consulting team, including anecdotal information on the impact the consultation had on both their own students and the quality of the productions.
Made possible through the support of
AUDITIONS / CREW INTERVIEWS
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest and Urinetown
audition requirements
FOR THE MUSICAL
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32 measure excerpt from a Broadway show or the genre of music like the show that showcases your vocal talents
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An accompanist and iPod/phone connection will be provided. If you intend on using the accompanist, please provide a clearly marked score that is either hole-punched or placed in a three-ring binder. A cappella singing is strongly discouraged.
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A memorized 45 second to 1 minute comedic monologue from a play/musical.
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Review and learn the dance from the video (video available here).
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***Please remember that the dance audition is an assessment of your dance ability, comprehension, acting while dancing, and most of all, your willingness to have fun.
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There will be a voluntary dance workshop to brush up on the video for anyone interested for 30 minutes prior to auditions starting on both days of auditions.
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FOR THE PLAY
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60 second serio-comedic monologue.
If you are interested in auditioning for both the play and the musical, please prepare your song according to the directions above for the musical and prepare your monologue according to the directions for the play. Also, please learn the dance.
INTERNSHIPS
The Internship Program is for current students or early-career professionals looking for an introduction to arts administration or production. This program provides direct interaction with and access to Commonwealth Artists Student Theatre.
Internships are available in the following departments:
ADMINISTRATIVE
Interns could assist the CAST management team with operations, personnel management, daily financial duties, fundraising (such as grant applications and proposals, executing special events, donor interactions, etc.), marketing & public relations (such as electronic media, execution of marketing strategies, preparing and submitting press materials, social networking, media and web site editing and maintenance, assisting with media inquiries and interviews, photo calls, grassroots marketing, etc.), patron services (such as assisting in phone sales and ticketing systems, scheduling and communicating with volunteers, interacting with patrons, etc.) and photography/media.
This position offers a great opportunity to understand the administrative side of theater and not-for-profit management through participation in the day-to-day operations of theatre.
This could include Administration/General Management, Development/Fundraising/Special Events, Marketing & Public Relations, Patron Services, and/or Photography/Media
ARTISTIC & EDUCATION
Interns could work directly with the Artistic Director or the Directors of productions.
Responsibilities include daily administrative tasks, observing rehearsals, research and dramaturgical work, learn numerous teaching methodologies, etc. In addition to administrative and management-related duties, creative opportunities are available depending on the Intern’s experience and talents.
This could include Artistic/Casting, Directing, Dramaturgy/Education
PRODUCTION & DESIGN
Based on area of expertise/strength/interest, interns work alongside CAST’s professional staff creating for all productions. Interns are heavily involved in the planning and coordinating of the technical element they are placed.
Interns assist with management and communication within that department(s), as well as coordinate with designers and other departments.
This could include Costume Construction & Design, Lighting Tech & Design, Production Management, Props, Scenic Construction & Design, Scenic Painting & Design, Sound Tech & Design, Stage Management, Technical Direction
IMPORTANT DATES
Please read this information carefully:
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The 2025 Internships will run from May 12 - July 31, 2025. In special circumstances, these dates can be flexible depending on the needs of the candidate.
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All internship applications require a completed application, resume, two references and one letter of recommendation.
ELIGIBILITY
Applicants must:
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Be at least 18 years old
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Currently be a student or have equivalent professional experience
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Be able to commit to a three-month program
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Reside in, or be able to relocate to, Cincinnati over the summer
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Have a strong desire to work in one of the departments offered for the internship and express this interest in the application
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Carefully read through the instructions and submit a thoughtfully completed application
COMPENSATION
Pay: Summer interns can volunteer, apply for academic credit (and we are happy to accommodate academic credit requirements) or potentially be a stipend position.
Perks: Professional Development and networking opportunities, free tickets to CAST productions, and more
We're always looking for passionate, energetic people to help us do the best work we can! Our needs are constantly changing and evolving, so check back regularly as we update our immediate needs and ongoing roles. If your skill set matches any positions below, please contact us! We want you!
VOLUNTEER
What do you need to volunteer with CAST? All you really need is heart (and a little bit of time)!
HIGH SCHOOL BOARD POSITION
CAST is seeking a student enrolled in high school to spend a year serving on our board of directors! Learn about serving on a non-profit board, hone your skills in arts administration or theatre management, share a fresh perspective, and build your resume!
REQUIREMENTS:
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Currently enrolled in high school or a GED program
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Available to serve from October 18, 2022 through August 31, 2023
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Attend board meetings once a month (typically the third Tuesday of each month at 7pm)
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Participate in all CAST sponsored activities as needed
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No board dues or soliciting of funds will be required
Applications due by September 15, 2023.
We're always looking for passionate, energetic people to help us do the best work we can! Our needs are constantly changing and evolving, so check back regularly as we update our immediate needs and ongoing roles. If your skill set matches any positions below, please contact us! We want you!
DONATIONS
Your gift to Commonwealth Artists Student Theatre is the key to our storytelling power and impact in the lives of teens. We strive to continually challenge teens through problem solving, diversity of thought, and artistic excellence. But without donations from generous people like you, we would not be able to offer our foundational opportunities for the next generation.
No amount is too small. Each dollar donated is like it's own little story--it tells a tale of hard work, a proud parent, a song of love and honor, or an appreciation of the arts. We are incredibly honored that you would entrust your story to be told by us!
Commonwealth Artists Student Theatre is a 501(c)(3) non profit organization. Our Federal ID number is 82-0957190.
Questions or concerns? Please contact Amy Burgess at amyburgess@caststages.org.
SPONSORSHIP
By sponsoring the C.A.S.T. program with a donation, you enable us to continue to provide quality entertainment and community programs that support our mission.
In return, you will be prominently promoted in the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky area as an official sponsor.
Participants support C.A.S.T. and want to spend their money with businesses that do, as well.
Sponsorship Levels
Season Show Sponsor I $2500
Executive Director l $1000
Artistic Director l $500
Designer l $250
Corporate Sponsor Benefits
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