Leaders have a gift for seeing our world as it could be, and the best leaders have the passion and dedication to bring that future into being. Deb Janik has dedicated over 35 years to transforming Greater Cleveland and Northeast Ohio through her extensive work in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. Her career is marked by a range of leadership roles that have shaped the region’s growth and development. 

Deb recently launched CivicPoint Development Partners LLC, where, as President and Founder, she continues her lifelong commitment to advancing real estate, business, and workforce development investments both within Ohio and across the country. 

Prior to founding CivicPoint, Deb was Senior Vice President of Business Development for Bedrock, overseeing the implementation of the company’s Cleveland real estate development projects and programs. At Bedrock, she led major initiatives such as the Cuyahoga Riverfront Master Development and the Rock Block property in the Gateway District, drawing upon her longstanding cross-sector relationships to propel Bedrock’s developments in Cleveland’s central business district and contributing significantly to the city’s growth and prosperity. 

Before joining Bedrock, Deb served as Senior Vice President of Real Estate and Business Development at the Greater Cleveland Partnership. She managed the organization’s real estate, business, and economic development programs, spearheaded regional collaboration efforts, and facilitated catalytic economic development projects throughout Greater Cleveland. 

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Cleveland Public Theatre and Teatro Público De Cleveland

Announce Auditions for “Jardín Salvaje”

By Karen Zacarías

Translated into Spanish by Gustavo Ott

Directed by Juliana Frey-Méndez

AUDITIONS…

Thursday, 6/25 — 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Saturday, 6/27 — 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Monday, 6/29 — Callbacks from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Auditions are by appointment only and will be scheduled in individual 10-minute slots.

LOOKING TO CAST THE FOLLOWING ROLES…

CHARACTERS:

NOTE: The show will be performed in Spanish. Actors who are interested in speaking roles will need to have Spanish language proficiency. Actors cast in the ensemble roles will need to be familiar with, but not necessarily be fluent in, Spanish.

Tania Del Valle– female, early thirties, intelligent, friendly, positive, passionate, brimming with energy, doctoral student, 8 months pregnant and a gardener. Comenzando los treinta. Inteligente, simpática, positiva, apasionada, en forma, con mucha energía, candidata a doctorado. Embarazada y jardinera.

Pablo Del Valle– male, early thirties, intelligent, likable, ambitious. Junior lawyer hoping to make senior partner. Comenzando los treinta. Inteligente, simpático, ambicioso, inteligente. Joven abogado

Virginia Butley– female, 60’s-mid 70’s, an engineer—intelligent, likable, assertive, direct, and sensible. Entre sesenta y mediados de los setenta. Ingeniera, inteligente, simpática, asertiva, directa y sensata.

Frank Butley– male, 60’s-mid 70’s. Retired Federal employee. Gardener. Intelligent, likable, excitable, affectionate, and thoughtful. Entre sesenta y mediados de los setenta. Empleado federal jubilado. Jardinero. Inteligente, simpático, excitable, cariñoso y detallista.

Ensemble (2-4 actors/actores) Additional actors to play the silent roles of landscapers, the surveyor, building examiner, additional neighbors etc., creating theatrical vignettes between scenes. They are the witnesses and the transformers of the play and of situations, helping bring the world of the story to life.

Los extras desempeñan papeles silenciosos del TOPÓGRAFO, PAISAJISTAS, e INSPECTOR. Hay breves viñetas teatrales entre escenas que pueden ayudar a transformar el jardín. Estos actores exudar personalidades únicas mientras trabajan. Son los testigos, y los transformadores, tanto de la obra como de las situaciones.

ABOUT THE PLAY…

Tania, a pregnant doctoral student who loves natural landscapes, and her husband Pablo, a high-powered junior lawyer, are realizing the American dream when they purchase a house next door to community stalwarts Virginia and Frank. But a disagreement over a long-standing fence line soon spirals into an all-out war of taste, class, privilege, and entitlement. The hilarious and heart-warming results invite us to think about the nature of border wars, the cost of assimilation, and what it means to be a good neighbor.

Tania, una estudiante de doctorado embarazada y apasionada de los paisajes naturales, y su esposo Pablo, un ambicioso abogado en ascenso, parecen haber alcanzado el sueño americano al comprar una casa junto a Virginia y Frank, una respetada pareja que son los pilares de la comunidad. Sin embargo, un desacuerdo en torno a los límites de una cerca que ha delimitado ambas propiedades durante años pronto desencadena un conflicto cada vez más intenso, en el que afloran cuestiones de gusto, clase social, privilegio y sentido de pertenencia.

Esta guerra entre vecinos resulta en situaciones tan divertidas como conmovedoras, invitándonos a reflexionar sobre las causas de las disputas fronterizas, el precio de la aculturación, y lo que realmente significa ser un buen vecino en la sociedad contemporánea.

ABOUT THE PROCESS…

Rehearsals are 5-6 times a week, with evening weekday rehearsals and some daytime weekend rehearsals. Rehearsals will take place in Spanish and English. This production will adhere to the CLEan House Standards. This is a paid opportunity.

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Test Flight RFPs are due june 26, 2026

Test Flight, our multi-week play development series — a unique blend of education and creative incubation — returns, offering artists the opportunity to take bold risks and elevate their work like never before.

This year, we’re continuing our innovative cohort model, where you’ll learn from and be inspired by fellow artists and experienced producers in a supportive environment. In an attempt to try to better serve our artistic community, we’ll open Test Flight applications twice this season! This will be the first. Another application round will open after Pandemonium. Whether you’re looking to refine your self-production skills or explore fresh ideas, Test Flight is the perfect launchpad for your creative journey.

Participants will enjoy a full week in the vibrant James Levin Theatre, splitting time between rehearsals and performances, ensuring your project gets the spotlight it deserves. Plus, all the beloved elements of Test Flight remain — intimate workshops, engaging audiences, and the thrill of bringing your vision to life!

Encouraging entrepreneurial spirit, Test Flight includes workshop performances of theatre, dance, performance art, and genre-defying performances.

A Few Test Flight Artist Perks

• On-site rehearsal space for one week, prior to the load-in to James Levin Theatre
• Assistance from Tech Director/shop staff during your load-in, if you need it
• Some programming time with a lighting technician.
• A stage manager.
• Front-of-house and box office support.
• Some marketing support.
• A $1,200 advance to each single-bill, plus an additional 50% of the gross box office revenue or $500, whichever is greater.

Click to apply

Three-Day “Poetic Theatre Research” Workshop with Raymond Bobgan May 15–17

This Spring, Executive Artistic Director Raymond Bobgan will hold a free, three-day Poetic Theatre Research Workshop to share his process, further develop his ongoing creative work, and broaden the pool of artists for future projects. This workshop will serve as an introduction (or reintroduction for past collaborators) to Raymond’s unique approach to physical, experimental theatre—what he calls “Poetic Performance.” Read More ›

Pandemonium 2026 Request for Proposals:
Deadline May 22

On Saturday, September 19, 2026, Cleveland Public Theatre will open its campus into a labyrinth of theatre, dance, visual arts, music, and performance for Pandemonium 2026: Under Construction! We’re seeking self-producing artists and creators to help us make the best party of the year a roaring success!

For the 24th year, Pandemonium builds up, featuring local food, free valet, and complimentary drinks served all night long. A feast for the eyes, mind, appetite, and imagination—Pandemonium proceeds benefit CPT’s groundbreaking artistic work and life-changing education programs.

This year’s theme—Under Construction—is a special (literal) one for us! Pandemonium will hit this year as we’re wrapping up our renovation. Some spaces will be newly finished, while some are still in-progress. However, we’re thinking about this theme organically, as it relates to the natural world—think beehives, a chrysalis, etc. We look forward to your interpretations of nature’s builders! Read More ›

On May 29, 2026, Cleveland Public Theatre presents a community arts festival at Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority’s Lakeview Terrace! Join the young artists in our CMHA CAN program and members of the Lakeview community in a celebration of creativity with food, performances, and interactive experiences. The event runs 2:30–5pm at the Lakeview Terrace Community Center.

CPT’s Student Theatre Enrichment Program (STEP) is a rigorous arts-based program that provides hands-on job training and engages youth from Cleveland families in a powerful learning experience that develops job skills, academic achievement, and interpersonal skills. As part of this eight-week summer program, youth ages 14–19 work together to create, produce, perform, and tour their own play. This program is the longest-running arts-based workplace development program in Cleveland and is an international model for engaging youth. Since its beginning in 1994, STEP has received multiple awards and recognitions including those from the City of Cleveland, The President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities, and the National Endowment for the Arts. Through STEP, teens see themselves as a positive and inspirational force and watch as their work has an impact on the larger Cleveland community.

STEP is a paid artistic opportunity. This year’s program will run June 8–August 2, Monday–Friday, 11am–5pm. Performances are scheduled during afternoons and evenings on weekdays and weekends from July 23 through August 2. Read More ›

Cleveland Public Theatre (CPT) is hiring Teaching Artists for our nationally recognized Student Theatre Enrichment Program (STEP) 2026. Available roles are temporary, full-time positions beginning June 1, 2026 and ending no later than August 5, 2026. Exact start dates depend on the role. The STEP Technical Assistant earns $650/week, the STEP Teaching Artist earns $685/week, and the STEP Technical Director and Lead Teacher earns $850/week. Set salaries are based on candidate experience and range of skills.  Read More ›

Cleveland Public Theatre (CPT) is hiring a Manager of Grants and Municipal Relations which is a core part of the CPT staff and will make a meaningful contribution to life at CPT and its success. CPT will be accepting applications for this position until the role is filled.

To apply for the position, send an email to Melissa Waddell, Director of Development, at careers@cptonline.org. Subject line should read: [LAST NAME], GRANTS MANAGER. The email should include two attachments: a resume and a two-page cover letter describing your history, passion, why you are interested in this position, and what you have to offer. Candidates selected for an interview will be asked to provide writing samples and may be asked to provide additional materials. No phone calls, please.  Read More ›