Request for Proposals

DanceWorks 2017

Deadline for submissions is August 1, 2016.

DanceWorks 2017 is an important part of Cleveland Public Theatre’s 2016-2017 Season. DanceWorks offers Northeast Ohio dance companies and choreographers the opportunity to have world premiere works presented in a series with other local dance companies.

Through a submission process, CPT hopes to select 2 – 4 dance companies to be part of DanceWorks 2017 in the James Levin Theatre. This year CPT is only accepting submissions for groups to perform half of a double bill. Groups that share an evening will share revenue, rehearsal time and technical time.

Each pair of groups will have access to the James Levin Theatre for one week: Monday through Wednesday for load-in and rehearsal, and Thursday through Saturday for performances.

We are accepting submissions for four weeks that will feature local companies: May 8^th – 13^th, May 15^th – 20^th, May 22^nd – 27^th and May 29^th – June 3^rd.

The James Levin Theatre will be set-up with a repertory lighting plot suitable for dance. Companies may alter that set-up; however, they then take full responsibility for implementing the alterations and restoring the space to its original state directly following their final performance.

It is up to each project to provide its own artistic collaborators and additional technical staff as needed. CPT will provide a series stage manager, as well as box office and house management staff.

CPT produces a direct mail brochure advertising the DanceWorks series. However, it is up to the individual companies to promote their own show. CPT will do what we can to assist dance companies’ marketing efforts.

Each selected group will receive a minimum guarantee of $750 against a box office split of 30% for the dance company. For example if a project makes $2000 at the box office, the project will keep the $750 guarantee. If the box office is $4000, the project will get a total of $1,200, an additional $450 over the original $750. Ticket prices for DanceWorks range from $12 – 30.

Selection:

The purpose of DanceWorks is to serve new work by established and emerging dance companies and choreographers in Cleveland. DanceWorks seeks to represent a diversity of forms, genres and aesthetic values. We want to create an environment where companies can boldly experiment and stretch beyond their past repertory. Performances should be comprised of at least 50% world premiere work. DanceWorks performances should be high quality work and be well thought-out, rehearsed and prepared.

Major factors in selecting works are capability, impact and quality. Companies should demonstrate that they have experienced personnel capable of independently managing your production needs, including sound, lighting and stage needs. CPT is looking for companies that can organize their needs and resources in an effective way that allows them to be fully prepared.

CPT expends a great deal of resources to make DanceWorks happen, and we are looking for projects for which DanceWorks will provide a significant impact both on the company that is performing and on our audience.

DanceWorks 2017 APPLICATION

Deadline: August 1, 2016

Materials will not be returned to applicants.

If you would like to be considered for DanceWorks 2017, please complete the attached application form and submit to New Play Associate, Caitlin Lewins via email at clewins@cptonline.org.

Click here for a Microsoft Word version of the application.
Click here for a PDF version of the application.

Pandemonium ’16; The Fire Within is
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10

Deadline for artist proposals is Monday, JULY 4TH, 2016.

On Saturday, September 10, 2016 CPT will present its annual fundraising extravaganza and “Party of the Year” – Pandemonium ’16: The Fire Within. Featuring dozens of area theatre, dance, visual and performance artists and with fabulous food and drink, Pandemonium ’16 is a benefit like no other and an opportunity for you to be a featured artist.

The Pandemonium production team is seeking proposals from extraordinary theatre, music, performance poetry, dance, visual and multimedia artists.

Pandemonium ’16 is a benefit event and all proceeds go to support Cleveland Public Theatre’s mission on stage and in the community: creating and presenting challenging and inspiring performance work, ensuring that emerging artists and small performance companies have opportunities to participate in the arts, and sustain CPT’s work with youth and with adults in transition. In its 30+ years on Cleveland’s near westside, CPT has been a catalyst for economic activity, job creation, private-sector investment in the community and led to the area’s designation as an arts district.

Read below to find out how you can be a part of the magic.

How Pandemonium Works

Over 800 Pandemonium guests will be invited to explore the CPT campus and create their own artistic adventure. With more than 60 performances to choose from, a guest may encounter a band in the balcony, giant puppets outside, an art installation in a hallway, and a 10 minute play in a garage – all in the span of 20 minutes.

Each year, the success of Pandemonium is due to the generosity of over 200 volunteer artists performing throughout the CPT campus. This year, by tapping into Northeast Ohio’s amazing arts community, we’re committed to making this the best Pandemonium to date.

Pandemonium is an opportunity to have an artistic platform and showcase your work to over 800 people. It will also give you a free backstage pass to the best party in town, a chance to meet and be inspired by some of the most extraordinary and innovative performing artists in the region.

Pandemonium is a huge production, so there is little technical support from CPT. While each space will have basic lighting and sound systems, it’s more about the performance and the art than technical spectacle. However, don’t confuse minimalism and resourcefulness with lack of style and quality. Artists are welcome to make elaborate plans for their space, but they must be ready to implement the plans themselves with little time in the space and technical support from CPT.

There will be a Stage Manager (if necessary) available for one rehearsal and the event, but it is up to each artist to provide their own artistic collaborators and produce their individual performance or installation.

Pandemonium performances should be no more than 10-15 minutes in length and involve no more than 5 artists. Most performances are presented multiple times throughout the evening. Art installations can range from large to small, depending on the individual needs and space available.

While CPT is not able to pay artists for their participation in Pandemonium, everyone is invited to enjoy the party of the year after their performances. We provide free food and beverages in the artist greenroom.

Pandemonium is just that – PANDEMONIUM! Flexibility is a must.

Who gets selected?

Proposals should be bold, inventive, entertaining and thought provoking. At Pandemonium, anything goes, so be creative and let this year’s theme inspire you!

We look for diversity in our artistic offerings at Pandemonium. Proposals can range from bands, dance companies of all varieties, short plays, art installations, poetry, performance art, wandering characters, comedians, etc. The sky is the limit, so we encourage you to think outside of the box.

In selecting works for this event we will be looking at a number of factors:

Has the artist/group demonstrated the ability to produce the proposed work? We want to feel confident that the artist/group has a clear understanding of what it takes to pull off a show, and they understand how to assess their own capacity.

Has the artist demonstrated artistic excellence? While all artistic enterprises require risk and there are no guarantees, it’s important that the artist has shown an understanding of artistry. This could be demonstrated in a work sample, resume of artist, script of past or current work, or in a project summary.

Is the work adventurous and new? CPT has a history of producing work that no one else in town will produce because it is somehow “outside the box.” The work doesn’t need to be experimental or weird (though that is fine, too), but it does need to be entertaining and compelling.

If you would like to be considered for Pandemonium’16, please complete the included application form.

Deadline for submissions is June 27th, 2016.

PANDEMONIUM ’16 APPLICATION

Deadline: June 27th, 2016

Thank you for your interest in participating in Pandemonium. Please complete the application and submit it electronically with your supplemental materials and a work sample (if available) to: New Play Associate, Caitlin Lewins at clewins@cptonline.org.

Materials will not be returned to applicants.

Click here for a Microsoft Word version of the application.
Click here for a PDF version of the application.

Cleveland Public Theatre is hiring a new full-time position, Physical Operations Manager. This role will function as a department head, will be 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 thru Friday, July 10^th,  2016.

Job Description

Cleveland Public Theatre is experiencing rapid growth and has created a new role, Physical Operations Manager (POM) This role requires a broad skill set, leadership and initiative and will be part of an intimate, resilient, team-driven staff. The role will work across production, facilities, front-of-house and administrative areas and will primarily report to the General Manager. CPT runs three flexible-seating performance spaces as well as using unconventional venues, as a result this position will work with the technical director, designers and front of house to construct and manage seating. The position will manage the day to day needs of the physical plant, facilities staff and vendors as well as small-scale improvement projects. The POM will also manage CPT’s outside I.T. vendor and respond to the staff & production department’s day to day I.T. needs. General office management will also fall into this position’s portfolio. Salary range: $29k to $35k.

Staff Description

Cleveland Public Theatre runs on inquisitive, ambitious and energetic staff. This team places high value on kindness, grace-under-pressure, and an unstinting commitment to work. CPT’s professional artistic work has a bold and innovative aesthetic. We are invested in issues of social justice and equity related to race, gender (including transgender), and sexual orientation. Our education programs are integral to what we do and are focused on giving voice to underserved communities. CPT values diversity on-stage, backstage and on staff.

Overall Responsibilities

• Provide the Best Possible Patron Experience

  • Work with Front of House staff to make CPT flexible performance spaces a unique, inviting and awesome experience for patrons.
  • Maintain building systems to maximize patron comfort.

• Partner with Production and Front of House staffs to manage flexible audience seating arrangements

• Support CPT Staff and Artists in Daily Work

  • Work with Production Department to ensure building systems support productions and theatre projects and upgrade capacity & services when possible.
  • Manage long-time and awesome IT vendor to maintain high quality IT infrastructure for staff and production.
  • Maintain office environment, systems, supplies and support for staff in their day to day work.
  • Prepare meeting spaces and manage CPT space calendar.

• Maintain and Improve CPT Facility and Develop Underlying Procedures

  • Build deep and engaging partnerships with facilities vendors to support artists, staff and mission.
  • Train and manage custodial staff or vendor
  • Lead small-scale building improvement projects as opportunities to execute arise.
  • Expand and maintain documented procedures for building system maintenance and repair.
  • Expand and maintain documented procedures for custodial activities.

• Manage rental inquiries for recurring and occasional one-time rentals.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate the following:

Skills

• Exceptional vendor management skills, i.e.: ability to assess, select, motivate, manage and negotiate with outside vendors to do their best possible work and feel as if they are part of organization mission.
• Computer “Power User,” i.e.: great comfort with trying new software, messing around with operating systems and experimenting with network devices.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Excel
• Ability to lift and carry up to 70 lbs.
• Knowledge around managing expenses and budgets
• Very basic plumbing, electrical and carpentry skills

Experience

• Previous live theatre experience is strongly preferred.
• 1 to 2 years previous administration or management experience.
• Professional (or personal) experience interacting with construction trades or theatre carpentry, e.g.: worked on house rehabs or technical direction.
• Previous IT management is preferred, but not required. (IT responsibility revolves around managing a great vendor and an IT savvy staff.)
• Some staff management and/or administrative experience preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in performing arts, humanities or related fields

Qualities & Personality

• A genuine interest in the arts and knowledge of live theatre
• Natural curiosity in how things work
• Able to work efficiently and calmly in a fast paced environment
• Ability to multi-function/prioritize and keep busy at all times
• Energetic, enthusiastic and always willing
• Deep and abiding love for all kinds of office supplies and equipment

Interested candidates should send a resume and a letter of interest to Denis M. Griesmer, General Manager at careers@cptonline.org or via mail to 6415 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, OH, 44102 by end of day, Friday, July 10, 2016.
No phone calls, please.

Cleveland Public Theatre (CPT) is a nationally recognized center for contemporary performance and new plays, with an annual budget of $1.9 million and a full-time staff of sixteen. A non-profit with a culture of staff collaboration, our mission is to raise consciousness and nurture compassion through ground-breaking performances and life-changing education programs. CPT is the place to discover original, adventurous and relevant theatre. Each season CPT produces world premieres of cutting edge theatre, utilizing mostly local artists, and addressing vital community issues. CPT’s education programs serve hundreds of disadvantaged youth and vulnerable men and women.

Cleveland Public Theatre is seeking extraordinary individuals to volunteer for ROAD TO HOPE at METROHEALTH MEDICAL CENTER.

ROAD TO HOPE is one of a series of free, neighborhood-based community arts events produced by Cleveland Public Theatre and community partners from January – June 2016, in celebration of hope and honoring current day struggles for freedom and justice.

The public event will feature live music, food, chalk artists, short theatre & spoken word performances by Northeast Ohio artists. Inspired by hope and Cleveland’s social justice heritage, this family friendly event invites visitors from across Northeast Ohio to celebrate hope and address some of the most important issues of our time. Volunteers are an important part of making this event work!

We are looking for volunteer:
* ushers
* greeters
* runners
* general hands-on-deck

Road to Hope will take place at the MetroHealth Medical Center, Outpatient Plaza, 2500 MetroHealth Dr., Cleveland, OH 44109 (Enter via W. 25th or Scranton Rd). We will have two shifts available on June 17 for volunteers who would like to take part. One is from 4:30-7:00pm. Another one is from 6:30-9:00pm.

Volunteers are required to attend one volunteer orientation session in order to familiarize them with the unique nature and layout of Road to Hope. Volunteer orientation will take place on Wednesday, June 15^th from 6:00pm-7:00pm.

Interested volunteers can contact Caitlin Lewins at clewins@cptonline.org or by phone at 216-631-2727 ext. 211.

Thank you for playing a part in celebrating hope and making possible an extraordinary gathering of community!

FRIDAY, JUNE 17TH – ROAD TO HOPE AT METROHEALTH MEDICAL CENTER –

ROAD TO HOPE is one of a series of free, neighborhood-based community arts events produced by Cleveland Public Theatre and community partners from January – June 2016, in celebration of hope and honoring current day struggles for freedom and justice.

The public event will feature live music, food, chalk artists, short theatre & spoken word performances by Northeast Ohio artists. Inspired by hope and Cleveland’s social justice heritage, this family friendly event invites visitors from across Northeast Ohio to celebrate hope and address some of the most important issues of our time. Volunteers are in important part of making this event work!

This is not the typical volunteer experience. This is Guerilla Haiku. That’s right, Haiku, the ancient Japanese form of verse. You will work in teams to offer guests an opportunity to artistically reflect on what they have seen and experienced by writing their own haiku on the sidewalks and butcher paper throughout the event.

We are looking for volunteers that are interested in this unique opportunity. Road to Hope will take place at the MetroHealth Medical Center, Outpatient Plaza, 2500 MetroHealth Dr., Cleveland, OH 44109 (Enter via W. 25th or Scranton Rd). We will have two shifts available on June 17 for volunteers who would like to take part. One is from 4:30-7:00pm. Another one is from 6:30-9:00pm.

Volunteers would need to attend one haiku volunteer orientation session for engagement and haiku training. There are two training sessions available; the first on Wednesday, June 15th 5:30pm-7:30pm and the second on Thursday, June 16th 5:30pm-7:30pm.

Interested volunteers can contact Caitlin Lewins at clewins@cptonline.org or by phone at 216-631-2727 ext. 211. Please be sure to mention that you would like to be involved in the Haiku experience.

More info about Guerilla Haiku:

Biography & Photos. http://www.ghm575.com/?page_id=2

Video Guerilla Haiku’s event in 2013 at CPT: http://www.ghm575.com/?page_id=364

Cleveland Public Theatre is holding general auditions for our 16/17 season. (Check out our season announcement on Cleveland.com.) All Northeast Ohio actors interested in working with CPT are encouraged to audition. CPT has a history of multicultural casting and is committed to representing our community on stage. There are many ethnically specific roles available for Latino, African American and Arab American actors. A casting breakdown for each show is below.

General Auditions

When: Sunday, June 12^th 12pm-4pm and Monday, June 13th from 6:30pm-9:30pm
Where: Cleveland Public Theatre (6415 Detroit Ave. Cleveland, OH 44102)

Auditions are by appointment only and will be scheduled in five minute increments. Actors should prepare no more than two minutes of material which can include 1-2 brief monologues and/or a short a cappella song. (Please note: auditions will be stopped at 2 minutes.)

AEA contracts will be considered throughout the season.

When scheduling your audition, please provide your preferred date, time and phone number. Interested actors should schedule an appointment by emailing CPT New Play Associate, Caitlin Lewins (clewins@cptonline.org.)

Casting Breakdown

44 PLAYS FOR 44 PRESIDENTS
Written by Andy Bayiates, Sean Benjamin, Genevra Gallo-Bayiates, Chloe Johnston and Karen Weinberg.
Co-Directed by Dan Kilbane & Caitlin Lewins.
Previews October 6 – 8 & 13, Runs October 14 – 29. James Levin Theatre
5 females of a variety of ages and ethnicities  

LIGHT THE LIGHTS, OL’ MOSES CLE!  (A WILD HOLIDAY ROMP)
Created by Raymond Bobgan & Beth Wood and ensemble.
Previews November 25 –27 & December 1, Runs December 2 – December 17. Gordon Square Theatre
multiple actors of a variety of ages, genders and ethnicities

I CALL MY BROTHERS
By Jonas Hassen Khemiri. Translated by Rachel Willson-Broyles. Directed by Evren Odcikin, 2015 National Directing Fellow.
Previews February 9 – 11 & 16, Runs February 17 – March 4. James Levin Theatre.
1 Arab-American man (AMOR)
1 man of color (SHAVI, AMPLIFIER, BULLY, THE SALESMAN)
2 woman—1 of color & 1 of any ethnicity (multiple characters)

BARBECUE
Written by Robert O’Hara. Directed by Beth Wood.
Previews February 16 – 18 & 23, Runs February 24 – March 11. Gordon Square Theatre
4 African-American women, 25 – 40
1 African-American man, 30 -40
4 Caucasian women, 35 – 55
1 Caucasian man, 40 – 50 

CLEVELAND PUBLIC THEATRE’S 2016-2017 SEASON:

ATTENTION: TENSION: INTENTION

“Attentiveness, the act of being present in the moment, takes effort and sometimes courage. When we look and see, it is often not pleasant at first. This tension, this friction, is the fuel that makes theatre so exciting and interesting – conflict and dynamism wakes us up to this present life and leads us to act with clear intention. We can decide for ourselves.”

Cleveland Public Theatre’s 2016-2017 season invites us to awaken to the present moment and to ourselves. With theatre, we experience the heart and the mind acting as one. The actor asks “what’s my intention?” – but it’s a question that we can all ask all the time. It’s not simple, it’s a process – that’s the kind of theatre CPT excels at – the layered, the nuanced, the dynamic. Whether it’s about celebration and fun, deep reflection, or a fantastical exploration, we are seeking a path from awareness through conflict into action… Attention: Tension: Intention.”

RAYMOND BOBGAN
EXECUTIVE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, CLEVELAND PUBLIC THEATRE

PANDEMONIUM 2016: THE FIRE WITHIN

One Night Only. Saturday, September 10, 2016; Cleveland Public Theatre, various locations; 7:00 pm; Tickets $150 ($85 tax deductible)

Cleveland Public Theatre’s annual fundraising extravaganza transforms the CPT campus into a labyrinth of theatre, dance, visual and performance art in every corner. Ticket is all-inclusive with fabulous local food and complimentary drinks served all night long. A feast for the eyes, mind, appetite and imagination – proceeds benefit CPT’s groundbreaking artistic work and life-changing education programs.

Pandemonium. Photo by Steve Wagner.

44 PLAYS FOR 44 PRESIDENTS

Previews October 6 – 8 & 13. Runs October 14 – 29, James Levin Theatre.

Written by Andy Bayiates, Sean Benjamin, Genevra Gallo-Bayiates, Chloe Johnston and Karen Weinberg. Co-Directed by Dan Kilbane & Caitlin Lewins.

High-energy, absurdity, delight and poignancy drive this chronological, biographical survey of the lives and presidencies of each of the 44 men who have held the office so far – featuring a singing, dancing all-female cast. An exuberant collection of short plays, 44 Plays for 44 Presidents was originally developed and performed by Chicago’s Neo-Futurists and features live music, farce, wicked satire and rapid-fire storytelling. Audience members consider their role in shaping the history they’ve just witnessed, as they are left to ponder where the presidency has gone since its fall from paradise… and where it will go next. “[a] zany, clever, ambitious and often surprisingly moving historical catalogue.” – Chicago Sun Times

TEATRO PUBLICO DE CLEVELAND (TITLE TBD)

Previews October 6. Runs October 7 – 15, Gordon Square Theatre.

Now in its fourth year, CPT’s resident Latin American theatre ensemble returns to the stage with their sixth major production. Performed primarily in English (and some Spanish), and featuring bilingual supertitles.
The Teatro Publico de Cleveland ensemble. Photo by Steve Wagner.

Y-HAVEN THEATRE PROJECT

Runs November 3 – 6, Gordon Square Theatre.

The one-weekend only production at CPT is followed by a community-wide tour.

Cleveland Public Theatre’s annual collaboration with Y-Haven, a transitional housing facility for homeless men recovering from substance abuse and mental health challenges. Since 1998, CPT and Y-Haven, a branch of the Greater Cleveland YMCA, have annually collaborated to create an original theatre production, performed by the men and based on their life stories.

LIGHT THE LIGHTS, OL’ MOSES CLE! (A WILD HOLIDAY ROMP)

Previews November 25 -27 & December 1. Runs December 2 – 17, Gordon Square Theatre.

Originated by Raymond Bobgan & Beth Wood. Multiple short works created, directed and performed by Northeast Ohio artists.

Ring in the season CPT-style with a vaudeville-inspired evening of holiday folly, mischief and merry-making. Staged in the round at cabaret tables in CPT’s historic Gordon Square Theatre, the show will feature a rollicking evening of holiday-themed sketch comedy, live music and larger-than-life antics by an assorted cast of characters. Originated by Raymond Bobgan (Fire on the Water) and Beth Wood (The Loush Sisters LOVE Dick’ns). World Premiere.
Holiday antics from one of the creators of ‘The Loush Sisters LOVE Dick’ns’ (pictured). Photo by Steve Wagner.

THE SANTALAND DIARIES

December 1 – December 18, Outcalt Theatre at Playhouse Square.

Written by David Sedaris, adapted by Joe Mantello. Directed by Cathleen O’Malley.

Join CPT at Playhouse Square for David Sedaris’ acclaimed holiday comedy. The Santaland Diaries follows the story of “Crumpet,” a jaded and out-of-work actor who takes a job as a Macy’s Christmas elf.

ENTRY POINT – NEW PLAY DEVELOPMENT

January 12 – 21, CPT Campus, multiple venues.

Northeast Ohio creators.

Entry Point is a new platform for artists to develop their work in the early stages of creation, then share that work with the public in a festival forum. CPT will connect projects to mentors who can help offer feedback and guidance.

I CALL MY BROTHERS

Previews February 9 – 11 & 16. Runs February 17 – March 4, James Levin Theatre.

By Jonas Hassen Khemiri. Translated by Rachel Willson-Broyles. Directed by Evren Odcikin,National New Play Network 2015 National Directors Fellow.

Something has happened. A car. An explosion. And a city is paralyzed with fear. But Amor has an important errand to run. He walks the city streets with his backpack and his cell phone, doing his best to blend in. But what looks normal? In this funny and fierce showdown with paranoia, I Call My Brothers offers an intense 24-hour journey inside one young man’s head. What happens when the lines between reality and fantasy, love and fear, criminal and victim, become increasingly blurred? Regional Premiere.

Crowded Fire Theatre’s production of ‘I Call My Brothers.’ Photo by Pak Han.

BARBECUE

Previews February 16 – 18 & 23. Runs February 24 – March 11, Gordon Square Theatre.

Written by Robert O’Hara. Directed by Beth Wood.

In this hilarious and devastating dark comedy by Robert O’Hara (Bootycandy, Antebellum), the O’Mallerys have gathered in their local park to share some barbecue and straight talk with their trainwreck of a sister Barbara, whose spiral of drugs and recklessness has forced her siblings to stage an open-air intervention. But the event becomes raucous and unpredictable as familial stereotypes collide with hard realities, and racial politics slam up against the stories we tell-and maybe even believe-about who we were and who we’ve become. “Fearless” – The New York Times. Regional Premiere.

Playwright Robert O’Hara. Photo by Brian McConkey.

TEST FLIGHT – NEW PLAY DEVELOPMENT

March 23 – April 22, James Levin Theatre.

Test Flight is the mid-point of CPT’s New Play Development program. An evolution of the popular Big Box series, Test Flight offers artists the keys to the theater and the opportunity to self-produce works-in-progress, presented as part of a multi-week workshop series at CPT. In addition to serving local artists, Test Flight will also be open to national and international artists who wish to come to Cleveland to develop their original pieces.

DANCEWORKS 2017

Runs May 11 – June 3, Gordon Square Theatre.

Featuring Northeast Ohio choreographers.

Each year, Cleveland Public Theatre welcomes Northeast Ohio’s most adventurous contemporary dance companies to the Gordon Square Theatre stage for four weeks of single and double bill performances.

RED ASH MOSAIC

Previews May 25 – 27 & June 1. Runs June 2 – June 17, Gordon Square Theatre.

Devised by Raymond Bobgan and the CPT Ensemble. Directed by Raymond Bobgan (Cleveland Arts Prize recipient 2014/Theatre, Creative Work Force Fellow 2014/Music Composition and 2010/Theatre).

Red Ash Mosaic is an experiment in theatrical form, with interwoven and contradictory narrative threads, powerful physical action, chanting and poetic texts – designed not to show, but to invoke; not a presentation, but a transmission. Beginning in the daily doldrums of a video game store, Red Ash Mosaic erupts into a fracturing of quotidian realities and parallel lives before launching into an otherworldly land of dreams, spirits and the awakening of one man as he confronts his own death. World Premiere.

The CPT ensemble. Photo by Steve Wagner.

NEW PLAY DEVELOPMENT AT CPT

The 2016-2017 season will feature the next evolution of CPT’s New Play Development.

In addition to the Entry Point and Test Flight series detailed above, an ongoing fellowship program throughout the 2016-2017 season, Catapult, is intended to help artists move their projects to a “production ready” stage through multiple readings, rehearsal time at CPT, workshop productions and/or invitational showings. Catapult playwrights and creators will be awarded a Nord Family Foundation Fellowship and play an active role in the life of the theatre while they are developing their work.

And, as always, The Dark Room open mic for playwrights continues the second Tuesday of every month (7:30pm at The Church at CPT), pairing playwrights with actors to perform (mostly) cold readings of scripts-in-progress in a fun, low-risk atmosphere.

BOX OFFICE, TICKETS & LOCATION

Cleveland Public Theatre is located at 6415 Detroit Ave, Cleveland, OH 44102, in the heart of the Gordon Square Arts District on Cleveland’s near west side. Unless otherwise noted, all performances take place in venues inside the CPT campus.

The Cleveland Public Theatre campus is comprised of two primary venues – the historic Gordon Square Theatre and James Levin Theatre. Both mainstage venues are fully ADA-accessible, featuring a newly-installed patron elevator and the addition of gender-neutral, wheelchair-accessible restrooms.

In addition to CPT’s primary spaces, the campus includes three auxiliary venues, the Storefront Studio, The Church at CPT and Parish Hall, the latter two of which are located on the east end of the CPT campus. Due to the historic nature of the Church and Parish Hall, these venues are not handicap-accessible at this time.

Unless otherwise noted, shows at the Gordon Square Theatre begin at 7:30 p.m. and shows at the James Levin Theatre and other venues begin at 7 p.m. For special venues and event times, check the website for details.

Single tickets are $12-$30, with premium pricing for CPT’s holiday show and other special events. Student and senior discounts are available for Friday and Saturday nights.

For more information, call the CPT box office at 216-631-2727, ext. 501.

CPT’s mission is to raise consciousness and nurture compassion through ground-breaking performances and life-changing educational programs.

CPT’s programming agenda is to produce work that is outside the mainstream offering a much broader range of work available to the Cleveland public and expanding the impact and originality of theatre across the country.  CPT strives to make work that is excellent, extra-ordinary, and nationally competitive.

Our NEW New Play Development is based on our years of experience, community input, and key principles of:

• focusing on artists;
• valuing diversity of approach, aesthetics, and perspective; and
• balancing impact with investment.

We envision CPT as a nationally recognized hub for the development of new theatre that is extraordinary, edgy, and relevant. We hope to be a model for nurturing local talent in similar sized markets, the most regarded cultivator of new theatre for Cleveland audiences, a laboratory for promising research and investigation, and a launcher of nationally significant new plays.

Our approach is to combine:

• efficient programs that can stretch our limited resources to include many artists and
• highly customizable approaches that directly serve specific needs of projects with extraordinary potential

The Dark Room: 
An “open mic” for playwrights, a gathering of artists interested in new work, and an insider view of early creation. The Dark Room pairs playwrights with actors to perform (mostly) cold readings of short segments of scripts-in-progress in a spontaneous, low-risk, fun atmosphere. The Dark Room provides a space for informal feedback and is a great way to meet allies and potential mentors.

Entry Point:
Every project is unique and has unique needs. Some playwrights need a producer to develop a staged reading, others just need time in the rehearsal room with their ensemble, help in gathering the right team together, or a way to share a short fragment and get feedback. Entry Point is a platform for artists to develop their work in the early stages of creation. CPT will customize its support of projects and provide a festival forum to share that work with the public. We imagine, for example, audiences/artists together seeing a staged reading in one space, then seeing a short devised work in a studio, and then hanging out in a feedback session.  Feedback at Entry Point will be low-risk and focus on nurturing projects. CPT will connect projects to mentors who can help offer feedback and guidance.

Test Flight:
Based on CPT’s success with our Big Box series, Test Flight offers opportunities to artists who are interested in co-producing works with us. Test Flight is a multi-week series where artists are given the keys to the theatre to develop their projects to a workshop level. In addition to serving local artists, Test Flight will also be open to national and international artists who wish to come to Cleveland to develop their pieces. Feedback for this series will be specific to each project, developed by the artist, and vetted/approved by CPT. CPT will suggest potential allies/mentors for each selected project.
Local Requests for Proposals
Non-Local Requests for Proposal

Catapult:
The most extensive of CPT development programs, Catapult focuses on select projects that we believe have a high likelihood to be fully produced by CPT in the future. This program is intended to move projects from whatever point they are a, to being “production ready.” Each process will be totally customized to the work. Projects may receive a series of readings, significant rehearsal time, workshop productions, and/or invitational showings. Playwrights/Creators of Catapult projects will receive the Nord Family Foundation Fellowship and, while developing their work, will play an active role in the life of the theatre.

Feedback methodology will be customized, focusing on the direct relationship between CPT and the Playwright/Creators. One CPT staff member will function as producer and ally of the project and one additional ally/mentor will be selected for each project.

The application process for Catapult will engage nationally recognized artistic leaders.

Full Productions:
In the past 10 years, CPT has fully produced more than 42 world premieres, 35 of which were by local artists. CPT will continue to fully produce new plays, and investing extra rehearsal time, dramaturgical support, and production time. CPT is well-positioned to build national allies around these productions and help make connections to other theatres.

Other Opportunities:
CPT will continue to explore other opportunities to support new work and the growth of artists. CPT’s creation class offered by Raymond Bobgan has spawned projects leading to many performances on CPT stages and has spurred many collaborations that have been very fruitful for the community. We plan to continue to offer this class. The Joan Yellen Horvitz Fellowship for Directors provides critical growth opportunities for early-career directors. The Kulas Theatre Composer program will continue to support entry-level and early-career composers/sound-designers in working on new plays.

Rigor and enjoyment are at the core of the process leading to risk, surprise, delight, and discovery as we deepen the ongoing work of our craft—to explore the human condition while championing consciousness and compassion.

For information about General Submission, check out this link.

***Interested in submitting a proposal? Join us for a free workshop to hone your proposal and application skills.

The CPT Artistic team will lead workshops on:

• Saturday, May 14^th from 7pm-9:30pm
• Sunday, May 15^th from 1pm-2:30pm
• Location: Cleveland Public Theatre, 6415 Detroit Ave. Cleveland, OH 44102 – there will be signs to direct you to the correct location

To attend one of the workshops, RSVP to New Play Associate, Caitlin Lewins at clewins@cptonline.org. Please specify which workshop date/time you prefer.

Cleveland Public Theatre Announces a New Staff Position:  EDUCATION ASSOCIATE

Cleveland Public Theatre (CPT) produces groundbreaking performances and life-changing educational programs to raise consciousness and nurture compassion. CPT seeks an Education Associate willing to join its hard-working team with the ambitious goals of growing the organization and changing the community. CPT is committed to reviewing a diverse pool of applicants for this position.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Education Associate works closely with and reports directly to Education Manager/Brick City Theatre Program Director. This position is a year-round, salaried, staff position.  Salary range: 26,000-30,000/annually, with benefits.

The position requires a highly motivated and organized individual who will take on administrative, creative and teaching responsibilities in support of the continued expansion of Brick City Theatre and CPT’s Family Collective, the family component of Brick City Theatre and CPT’s other core education programs. The successful candidate will bring their talent and discipline to the Brick City Theatre and the Family Collective, proposing and implementing programming that supports the greater goals and vision of the program.

The successful candidate will be collaborative, eager to learn, obsessed with working in the theatre, and have experience in administration, education and performance. Ideal candidates will have experience in program management, curriculum planning, and teaching theatre to children and adults with little or no previous exposure to the arts.  Candidate must possess excellent logistic skills, and have the desire and creativity to create warm, exciting, empowering community experiences for our program’s participants and families.

CPT cares passionately about reflecting our community and pursuing diversity at all levels of the organization. CPT has a demanding working environment with long, intense hours, but we have fun and love what we do. We value hard work, kindness, generosity, passion, and grace-under-pressure. For applicants considering relocation to Cleveland: our city is an excellent community to live in, with top-notch arts and culture, a vibrant theatre scene, beautiful public parks, a great lake, and VERY affordable housing.

Responsibilities

The Education Associate will be responsible for assisting, inventing and facilitating Brick City Theatre and Family Collective programming. This includes – but is not limited to – family workshops; guardian-teacher conferences; teaching and creating curriculum for Brick City classes; facilitating and teaching adult-only workshops for CMHA residents; organizing and managing family field trips; conducting program evaluations; and providing teaching and administrative support to CPT’s other core education programs. The Education Associate will also be expected to maintain their own artistic work at Cleveland Public Theatre, while also contributing their skills, energy and talents to the larger organization. This includes – but is not limited to – production assistance on community events: Station Hope, Road to Hope, Test Flight Fall Fest, Pandemonium; audience engagement planning; technical support on mainstage productions; performance and artistic opportunities on mainstage productions.

Competitive applicants will have a strong desire to be fully engaged in the Cleveland Public Theatre environment.

CPT’s core Education programs:

Brick City Theatre A partnership with Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority that offers afterschool and summer theatre arts activities for children 5-14 who live in public housing.

Student Theatre Enrichment Program (STEP) Arts education and job training for teens, who create and perform an original play that is toured to public parks across Cleveland.

Y-Haven Theatre Project A theatre program for residents of Y-Haven, a transitional facility for homeless men in recovery. The men learn performance and technical theatre skills and create an original play based on their life experiences.

Deadline to Apply is May 15th.

Review of candidates begin immediately and will continue until position is filled. To apply for the position, send email to careers@cptonline.org  Please put your last name as the subject header followed by Education Associate. The email should include two attachments: a resume and a cover letter describing your history, passion, why you are interested in this position, and what you have to offer (up to two pages).