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Archives for March 2012

Lucky’s Celebrates 1st Anniversary with Tapstravaganza

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“Drew Trick had a vision: A comfortable place where people can enjoy a wide variety of draught beer and eat fresh food with their friends and family, as well as see couple-hundred model cars. On October 23, 2010, Trick made this dream a reality, purchasing what is now known as Lucky’

 Taproom and Eatery, located in the Oregon Arts District.”

Read the rest of this Sept 2011 article here/

Now a year later, there’s no doubt that  Lucky’s has established itself as a destination in the district for great craft beers!  And what better way to celebrate their first anniversary than by tapping specialty beers all day Saturday.  You can even  visit with brewery ambassadors like Clay Cooper from New Holland Brewing, Greg Pilch of Bell’s Brewing and Massie from Left Hand Brewing.

 

The celebration begins  at midnight Friday, March 9th with:

Bell’s Hell Hath No Fury Ale

Left Hand’s Week Sauce porter

 

Saturday Morning Tappings (10am)

 

New Holland’s Dragon’s Milk

New Holland’s Farmhouse Hatter

Bell’s Sparkling Ale

Founder’s All Day IPA

Founder’s Porter

Founder’s Double Trouble

Boulder’s Mojo Risin on Nitro

Plus a couple of others TBA

 

12 noon (Small Batch Beer ~ Only Keg in Ohio)

New Holland’s Who Ate My Cookie? Porter

 

2pm (Small Batch Beer ~ Only Keg in Ohio)

New Holland’s Golden Mean Trippel

 

4pm

Bell’s Third Coast Barleywine

6pm

Founder’s Curmudgeon’s Better Half

 

8pm

Left Hand’s Ambidextrous Imperial Oatmeal Stout

 

10pm

Left Hand’s Widdershins Barleywine

The crew  will be Brian (aka Pickle), Erin, Cortney, Kathy, Zach and Drew will probably walk around acting like he owns the joint (well-he does).  Stop on in and toast this little gem in the Oregon District! We’re sure glad to have you around!

DVAC Presents: The Cline Show

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By Ashley Malloris

The Dayton Visual Arts Center presents The Cline Show, an exhibition of bold new works by 17 art and design undergrads. DVAC established this annual program in memory of Barbara C. Cline, former DVAC staffer, who affected the lives of hundreds of student interns and emerging artists before her sudden passing in 2006.

Through the Cline Show program, art and design students are nominated by faculty from Central State University, Miami University, Sinclair Community College, University of Dayton, Wittenberg University and Wright State University. Nominated students are also eligible to interview for the program’s three mentorships, in which winners take on the roles of curator, registrar and preparator for the exhibition. DVAC provides specialized training to these artists through the process of organizing and participating in a professional gallery exhibition.
This year, DVAC visitors will enjoy prints, paintings, ceramics, sculpture, installation and video from students representing Sinclair Community College, University of Dayton and Wright State University. Maggie McCollum, Sinclair Community College, is represented by her richly-toned, cropped figurative portraits. Ashley Malloris, Wright State University, presents bright and playful still life prints. The Cline Show is one of DVAC’s most dynamic, diverse and anticipated exhibitions of the year — that our audiences enjoy tremendously and many times walk away as proud owners of art by emerging Dayton artists.

By Maggie McCollum

Exhibiting artists are: Suzanne Bock (Wright State University), Wesley Brown (Sinclair Community College), Jacob Compston (Sinclair Community College), Patricia Emerson (Sinclair Community College), Kate Ervin (Wright State University), Ben Girmann (University of Dayton), Megan Hague (Wright State University), Clayton Kindred (University of Dayton), Lisa Lorek (University of Dayton), Ashlee Malloris (Wright State University), Alicia Marshall (Sinclair Community College), Maggie McCollum (Sinclair Community College), Rebecca Roman (University of Dayton), Heather Sandy (University of Dayton), William Stauffer (Wright State University), Ali Stonerock (Sinclair Community College), and Kyle Wilkinson (Wright State University).

The Dayton Visual Arts Center provides art for the community and a community for artists. DVAC receives operating support from the Ohio Arts Council, Culture Works, Montgomery County and the Virginia W. Kettering Foundation.

When
Exhibition on View
March 2-24, 2012

Gallery Talk
Friday, March 10, 4 p.m.

Where
Dayton Visual Arts Center
118 N. Jefferson St.
Dayton, OH 45402

Gallery Hours
11 a.m.-6 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday Closed Sunday and Monday

Dayton Ballet’s “The Spring Series”

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Justin Koertgen and Erica Lehman Downey (photo by sskphoto)

The Spring Series, at Victoria Theatre from March 15 – 18, 2012, will feature four ballets in one amazing performance:  two world-premiere ballets:  one by Dayton Ballet’s Ballet Master, Justin Koertgen titled Violin Concerto and performed to Max Bruch’s Violin Concertos #2 and #3; 2011 New Music for New Dance choreography winner, Susanne Payne’s Parádeigma; and two ballet revivals:  Dermot Burke’s Interlude, performed to Dmitri Shostakovitch’s Piano Concerto No.2, Op. 102 and Gregory Robinson’s Hot Riffs and Blue Notes, performed to music by The Pointer Sisters.  For tickets visit TicketCenterStage.com or call 937-228-3630.

A feature on the program, Violin Concerto, is choreographed by Dayton Ballet’s 11 year veteran, Justin Koertgen, and is a return to the pure roots of classical ballet.  With tutus, tiaras, and tunics, Violin Concerto, is performed to Max Bruch’s Violin Concertos #2 and #3 with the elegance, energy and glorious partnering of true ballet.

Dayton favorite, GregoryRobinson, presents his popular revival, Hot Riffs and Blue Notes, performed to the melodically-layered music of The Pointer Sisters.

Dermot Burke, former Executive and Artistic Director of Dayton Ballet, returns with his revival, Interlude. This Neo-Classical ballet is danced by two couples to the romantic Piano Concerto No. 2, Op 102, by Dmitri Shostakovitch.

Grant Dettling and Halliet Slack (photo by sskphoto)

The Spring Series program concludes with a contemporary ballet choreographed by Dayton native, Susanne Payne.  Susanne is the 2011 Choreography winner of New Music for New Dance.  Her world premiere ballet, Parádeigma, pushes the company dancers to explore their limitations both physically and mentally.  Parádeigma challenges the dancers and audience to move beyond their perceptions of what traditional ballet should be.  The goal is for all is to experience the freedom achieved by breaking loose from the routine.

Performances of The Spring Series are at theVictoria Theatre, March 15, 16, & 17 at 8:00 pm, and March 17 and 18 at 3:00 pm.

Tickets are on sale now! Call Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630 or (888) 228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.  Ticket Center Stage hours are Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday Noon-4 p.m. and two hours prior to each performance.

TICKET CONTEST

We have four pairs of tickets to give away for this show, courtesy of the Dayton Ballet!  Simply likethis article to share with your FB friends, and then comment below.  We’ll announce winners Wednesday March 14th at 2pm – good luck!

SHAME “The Sex Addiction Film” Starts Friday at THE NEON!

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Hello Everyone,

A SEPARATION performed just well enough for it to stick around a second week.  If you haven’t seen this film yet, I hope you’ll hurry out to see it!   Across the boards, A SEPARATION was one of the very best reviewed films of last year (far better than any of the nominees for “Best Picture”).  Professor Charles Derry recently sent me a note regarding the film.  In it, he wrote, “I think the most perceptive way of looking at this film is by comparing it to some of the great films by Jean Renoir, who famously said, in a variety of different versions: ‘The real hell of life is that everyone has their reasons.’  And this film shows exactly that: everyone, in their own way, is right, and because of that, we empathize with everyone, and yet all that results is conflict and separation.”  Derry also mentioned that Woody Allen recently stated that he considered A SEPARATION to be the best film of the year.

If you still haven’t seen it (or need to see it again), THE ARTIST is on its way out.  Today (March 8) will be your last chance to catch it at THE NEON.  On Friday (March 9), we will begin a limited engagement of the new film starring Michael Fassbender – SHAME.

Synopsis for SHAME: “Brandon is a New Yorker who shuns intimacy with women but feeds his desires with a compulsive addiction to sex. When his wayward younger sister moves into his apartment stirring memories of their shared painful past, Brandon’s insular life spirals out of control.”  This film stars incredible performances by both Michael Fassbender and Carey Mulligan (Mulligan’s performance of “New York, New York” is one of the best vocal performances I’ve seen in a film for quite some time).  Click on this LINK to visit the official site.  (You might recall Fassbender from FISH TANK or the recent JANE EYRE…and Carey Mulligan from AN EDUCATION and NEVER LET ME GO.)  Note:  This film is rated NC-17 for explicit sexual content.  THE NEON will be carding anyone who appears to be under 18 for admission to this film.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Op9iQiB_ANI’]

Here’s a second trailer – different in tone – that features Mulligan’s performance.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJQmqfzYjDw’]

On Thursday, March 22 at 7:30, Keener Farm has rented our space for a special screening of the acclaimed documentary AMERICAN MEAT.  “The film explains our current industrial meat system and shows the feedlots and confinement operations – not through hidden cameras but through the eyes of the farmers who live and work there. The film then shifts to the burgeoning sustainable, local-food movement made up of farmers, food advocates, chefs and everyday folks who could change everything about the way meat reaches the American table…Sustainable farming is expanding exponentially as Americans learn more about their food and how to connect with local farmers…”  (taken from press notes)  The screening will be preceded by a meet and greet with appetizers provided by Olive: An Urban Dive (beginning at 6:30), and a panel discussion with the filmmaker as well as local farmers & restaurateurs will follow the screening.  Admission is free (first come, first serve), but donations will gladly be accepted to help offset costs.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=knNLZvphhfs’]

For this week’s remaining showtimes, please visit our official site.

Thanks for your continued support.

We hope to see you soon,

Jonathan

 

P.S.  We now have TWITTER.  If you use this application, we hope you’ll follow us – @neonmovies

SHOWTIMES for Fri. March 9 – Thur. March 15:

A SEPARATION (PG-13) 2 Hr 03 Min

Friday, Saturday, Sunday:  1:30, 4:00, 7:00, 9:30

Monday – Thursday:  2:40, 5:10, 8:00

 

SHAME (NC-17) 1 Hr 41 Min

Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:40, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:30

Monday – Thursday: 2:50, 5:10, 7:30

COMING SOON:

As always, all dates are tentative.  Many of these dates will change.

TBD   THE HEDGEHOG

TBD   PARIAH

TBD   BEING FLYNN 

March 23   IN DARKNESS

March ?   WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN

April ?  FOOTNOTE

Spring   SALMON FISHING IN THE YEMEN

Spring  BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL

Food Adventures Get Lucky at Dunaway’s Beef and Ale

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Summer Shandy and a Brooklyn Lager

With St. Patrick’s Day right around the corner, Dunaway’s Beef and Ale in Troy, Ohio is gearing up for their annual event.   With huge crowds and outdoor tents, Dunaway’s  hosts one of the biggest St. Patty’s Day parties in the Dayton area.   Big Ragu and the Food Adventures Crew visited the pub recently and was impressed with the menu and drink offerings.  Since 1991 owners Brenda and Sandy have offered good food and spirits to the Troy faithful.   Known for their roast beef, the friendly staff is always eager to share the daily specials and 11 draft beer choices.  Dunaway’s is a mom and pop place.  It is in an old house facing main street, and is big on personality.

We were seated at our table and promptly ordered a couple of pints.  The Big Ragu grabbed a Brooklyn Lager, which is brewed in Utica, NY, then we went for a Wisconsin favorite, Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy.   We decided to order some cheese and crackers to match our beers.   We grabbed a jalapeno stuffed hot pretzel, because pretzels go well with beer.. right??

Our favorite appetizer of the day was the peel and eat shrimp.  The shrimp were like our own personal pot of leprechaun gold at the end of the rainbow.  Served cold and with Cajun spice on the shells, they were downright addicting and to die for.  The fresh shrimp sparked our taste buds, and paved the way to try some more specialties.

Dunaway’s Pastrami Sandwich

Dunaway’s menu is heavy on sandwiches and pizza.  We ordered an incredible looking pastrami sandwich which was enormous!  This huge, flavorful sandwich was pure heaven.  The Big Ragu ordered a burger with everything on it.  Plenty of toppings adorned the perfectly cooked hamburger, which was more than a handful.

Your Food Adventurers sampled other items like fish, and the very tasty pizza.  The pizza sauce has just the right amount of kick and will satisfy your cravings for a decent pie.  One special item offered on the menu is the “Garbage Truck Pizza.”  This pizza is loaded with toppings including fresh mushrooms, garlic, onions, tomatoes, sausage, pepperoni, ham, meatballs, black olives, green olives, ricotta cheese, banana peppers, and you can request jalapenos!  How is that for a deluxe pizza?

Another menu item worth mentioning is their “6-Pound Sandy-wich.”   They tout this challenge as “1 person, 45 minutes to eat it and it is free.”  This mountain of a sandwich is filled with beef, ham, turkey, corned beef, pastrami, cole slaw, American cheese, mayo, lettuce, tomato, onion, mustard, horseradish and fries.  It is probably easier to find a 4 leaf clover than beat this monster.

The Hamburger at Dunaways

Dunaway’s  also offers soups, salads and has a full catering service for your next party.  They pride themselves on using local meat markets and vegetable farms including Caven’s Meats, Bowman Landis, Fulton Farms, and Troy Meat Shop.

This place has everything you need for a fun, casual dining spot.  Locally owned, with good food, good drink in a unique atmosphere, it is everything we look for in a Food Adventure.  Just a couple of minutes off of Interstate 75 in Troy, put this place on your radar for good eats.  Don’t forget to grab a pint and toast to St Patty’s day, no matter what day it is!

“Like” Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking here and becoming an Official Food Adventure Fan !

Have you been to Dunaway’s Beef and Ale?  Please comment below!

[album: http://www.daytonmostmetro.com/wp-content/plugins/dm-albums/dm-albums.php?currdir=/wp-content/uploads/dm-albums/Dunaways Beef and Ale/]

Dayton Gay Men’s Chorus – Benefit Musicale IV

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The Dayton Gay Men’s Chorus has announced the fourth annual Benefit Musicale, “The Director’s Cut”, to be held on March 17th, in the beautiful cloister of the Dayton Art Institute.  The evening begins with a cocktail hour (cash bar) from 6-7pm, with hor’s d’oeuvres prepared by Elegant Fare.  Entertainment will be provided by the DGMC Ensemble, accompanied by Raymonde Rougier, and under the Artistic Direction of Jason Coatney-Schuler.  In addition, Dayton’s own RubiGirls will be on hand with their comedic drag interpretations and as accompaniment to the chorus, who will perform yet unheard selections from last season’s “Let’s Hear it For the Boys” concert.

There will be a Silent Auction, chock full of art items, experiences, and themed baskets, with additional live auction items, including a 6 day/6 night African Safari trip for two (Zula Nyala in South Africa) and opening night tickets to Carrie Fisher’s “Wishful Drinking” performance at the Victoria Theatre.

In the midst of its ninth performance season, the DGMC is preparing for a high-energy, fast-paced, “ExtrABBAganza” concert on June 2, 2012, at the Victoria Theatre, featuring the music of the iconic Swedish band ABBA.  Proceeds from the March benefit will be specifically earmarked to help to produce the June concert.  Board President, Allen Kimbrough notes, “the selection of music of ABBA for our Summer concert follows on the heels of the DGMC’s success from last year’s Let’s Hear it For the Boys performance at the Victoria.”  The DGMC, along with six other men’s choruses across the country, commissioned nationally recognized composer, David Maddux to arrange the music for this concert.  Kimbrough adds,  “it was our first venture at commissioning a choral work and the collaborative process proved to be a milestone in our history”.  The chorus will again bring Mr. Maddux’s talents to the Dayton Region, as he is the composer/arranger for the June ABBA tribute concert.

Though fast approaching a sell out, advanced tickets for “The Director’s Cut” Benefit Musicale are still available, $60.00 each, or a table of ten $600.00.  Tickets may be purchased through any chorus member, or by contacting tickets@daytongaymenschorus.org

Coming Up in Cincinnati Theatre: March 7-11

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…BLINK AND THEY’RE GONE

THE AFGHAN WOMEN’S WRITING PROJECT

Know Theatre of Cincinnati

The Story: THE AFGHAN WOMEN’S WRITING PROJECT is aimed at allowing Afghan women to have a direct voice in the world, not filtered through male relatives or members of the media. Many of these Afghan women have to make extreme efforts to gain computer access in order to secretly submit their writings, in English, to the project.
The Dates: March 8-11, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Know Theatre of Cincinnati | BTC listing

CELEBRITY OLD TIME RADIO SHOW

Xenia Area Community Theatre

The Story: Xenia celebrities and area actors perform old time radio favorites. Also presented for the first time is A ‘TIME’ FOR RADIO
The Dates: March 9-11, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Xenia Area Community Theatre | BTC listing

…NEW THIS WEEK

COLE

Mariemont Players Inc.

The Story: Follows Cole Porter’s life – from Yale to Paris to Manhattan to Broadway to Hollywood. This delightful musical tribute to the King of Musicals includes such hit tunes as I Love Paris, Take Me Back to Manhattan, “Love for Sale, Night and Day, and I Get a Kick Out of You.
The Dates: March 9-25, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Mariemont Players Inc | BTC listing

THE DINING ROOM

Lebanon Theatre Company

The Story: A mosaic of interrelated scenes—some funny, some touching, some rueful—which, taken together, create an in-depth portrait of a vanishing species of the upper-middle-class.
The Dates: March 9-18, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Lebanon Theatre Company| BTC listing

MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG

Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park

The Story: Stephen Sondheim’s remarkable Broadway fable of friendship and the high price of success opens in the present and moves backward in time. The triumphs and failures of a jaded composer and his two closest friends are traced from their estranged ending to their idealistic beginning. Directed by John Doyle, who led Playhouse’s Tony Award-winning production of COMPANY, the performers in this highly anticipated revival will play all of the instruments as they act and sing in one of Sondheim’s most melodic scores. Ages 13 and up.
The Dates: March 3-31, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park | BTC Listing

THE PRODUCERS

Loveland Stage Company

The Story: A fading producer, Max Bialystock, convinces accountant Leo Bloom to partner with him in producing a guaranteed flop and then running off with the money they’ve raised. “Springtime for Hitler” couldn’t possibly be a hit, right?
The Dates: March 9-18, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Loveland Stage Company | BTC listing

Burgess Byrd as Clairee Belcher & Christine Dye as Ouiser Boudreaux in CCPA’s STEEL MAGNOLIAS.

STEEL MAGNOLIAS

Covedale Center for the Performing Arts

The Story: Welcome to Truvy’s beauty salon in Chinquapin, Louisiana, where all the ladies who are “anybody” come to have their hair done. Filled with hilarious repartee and not a few revealing verbal collisions, the play invokes knowing laughter and certain tears when the spunky Shelby risks her life for a child of her own. The realization of mortality affects the others, but also draws on the underlying strength—and love – in these uniquely American women.
The Dates: March 8-April 1, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Cincinnati Landmark Productions | BTC listing

…CONTINUING

Sara Clark as Marianne Dashwood, Giles Davies as Colonel Brandon, Kelly Mengelkoch as Elinor Dashwood & Brent Vimtrup as Edward Ferrars. Photo by Jeanna Vella.

Jane Austen’s SENSE & SENSIBILITY

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company

The Story: When a lack of luck makes for difficult marriage prospects, the Dashwood sisters set sail on the volatile seas of courtship. The sisters soon discover that neither reserved Elinor’s common sense nor impulsive Marianne’s passion offer the key to happiness. Scandalous secrets, burning betrayals, and suave (and some not-so-suave) suitors line the path to true love in this fresh adaptation.
The Dates: Through March 18, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Cincinnati Shakespeare Company | BTC listing

…ENDING THIS WEEK

THE BIG PICTURE

Beavercreek Community Theatre

The Story: It’s the summer of 1962, college freshman Billy Carson is spending his first summer home with his mom and best friend. With only a few items to provide clues, Billy sets out with a renewed interest in discovering the father he never knew – B-Movie script writer and war hero, Jack Carson. But when old wounds are opened and new loves are discovered, Billy realizes that coming home is more difficult and ultimately more enlightening than he ever imagined and the sleepy town of Pine Springs, Illinois may never be the same. With script and lyrics by Troy native David Brush and music by Jim Farley of Piqua.
The Dates: March 2-11, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Beavercreek Community Theatre | BTC Listing

Don Volpenhein as Ray & Ashley Hail as Una in BLACKBIRD.

BLACKBIRD

The Story: Fifteen years ago, she was twelve and he was forty. Their relationship put him in jail and changed their lives forever. Now she has found him living a different life, under a different name. Will either person ever come to terms with the past? Or will the past consume them both? Ages 18 and up.
The Dates: March 2-11, 2012
Tickets and More Information: BLACKBIRD blog | BTC Listing

THE DINING ROOM

Stagecrafters

The Story: The play is set in the dining room of a typical well-to-do household, the place where the family assembled daily for breakfast and dinner and for any and all special occasions. The action is comprised of a mosaic of interrelated scenes – some funny, some touching, some rueful – which, taken together, create an in-depth portrait of a vanishing species of the upper-middle-class.

The Dates: March 3-11, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Stagecrafters | BTC Listing

Michael Shooner as Man. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

ST. NICHOLAS

New Edgecliff Theatre

The Story: A burned-out theatre critic becomes infatuated with a young actress. Leaving his wife and children in Dublin to pursue his obsession, things become complicated in London when he finds himself in the employ of a coven of vampires. This wicked and riveting one-man show is sure to captivate audiences. Intended for mature audiences only.
The Dates: Through March 10, 2012
Tickets and More Information: New Edgecliff Theatre | BTC listing | BTC review

TALLEY & SON

The Drama Workshop

The Story: The time is Independence Day, 1944, the place the parlor of the Talley homestead in Lebanon, Missouri. As World War II rages across the seas, the Talleys are beset with crises of a different sort. Commenting on the action, unseen by the others, is the “ghost” of the second son, Timmy, already a casualty of the Pacific war, although the family has not yet learned of his death.
The Dates: March 2-10, 2012
Tickets and More Information: The Drama Workshop | BTC Listing

Mike Moskowitz as Mr. Green in VISITING MR. GREEN. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

VISITING MR. GREEN

Falcon Theatre

The Story: After his car narrowly avoids an elderly man wandering into traffic,bright young professional Ross Gardiner has been sentenced to community service;he must visit his almost victim,Mr. Green,once a week for the next six months. Curmudgeonly Mr. Green resists Ross’s help,still overwhelmed with the death of his wife and harboring a deep and painful secret. But Ross has a secret of his own,and together the unlikely companions learn to understand each other and themselves in a humorous and touching story of forgiveness and compassion. This two-man play features real-life grandfather and grandson, Mike Moskowitz & Joshua Steele
The Dates: March 3-11, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Falcon Theatre | BTC Listing

Evy Ortiz as Maria and Ross Lekites as Tony in the First National Tour of WEST SIDE STORY. Photo © Carol Rosegg 2011.

WEST SIDE STORY

Broadway in Cincinnati

The Story: More than fifty years ago one musical changed theater forever. Now it’s back, and mesmerizing audiences once again. From the first note to the final breath, West Side Story soars as the greatest love story of all time. Directed by David Saint, using Tony Award-winning librettist Arthur Laurents’ Broadway direction, West Side Story remains as powerful, poignant and timely as ever. The new Broadway cast album of West Side Story recently won the 2010 Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album. The Bernstein and Sondheim score is considered to be one of Broadway’s finest and features such classics of the American musical theatre as “Something’s Coming,” “Tonight,” “America,” “I Feel Pretty” and “Somewhere.”
The Dates: Feb. 28-March 11, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Broadway in Cincinnati | BTC Listing | BTC Review

…COMING SOON

EDGE WALKING

Cincinnati Playwrights Initiative

The Dates: March 13, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Cincinnati Playwrights Initiative | BTC listing

TIME STANDS STILL

Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati

The Dates: March 14-April 1, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati | BTC listing

NIXON’S NIXON

Middletown Lyric Theatre

The Dates: March 15-17, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Middletown Lyric Theatre | BTC listing

A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE

Rivertown Players Inc.

The Dates: March 15-17, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Rivertown Players | BTC listing

TIGERS BE STILL

Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park

The Dates: March 17-April 15, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park | BTC listing

Women in Business Networking to Recognize Miami Valley’s 2011 Top Women to Watch Nominees

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Miami Valley’s most influential women—as named February 2011 by Women in Business Networking as the Top 25 Women to Watch—will be honored during an awards ceremony and gala this Saturday, March 10. The Oscars-themed event will take place starting at 6:30 p.m., Dayton Country Club, 555 Kramer Avenue, Oakwood, Ohio.

Entering its fourth year, WiBN’s Top 25 Women to Watch program recognizes women from a notable list of candidates. This includes women who are exceptional in their roles, respected in their field, and causing more than a ripple in the public arena and in their communities. The ‘watchables’ are influential women who stand out for leadership, community service, and professional achievements.

“There are now 100 remarkable women on WiBN’s ‘watchable’ list, including the new group of 25 (named February 10, 2012). Many of these individuals will be attending the 2011 awards ceremony. WiBN is known for building relationships so women will achieve career and personal success through education, resources, and recognition”, says Jeanne Porter, WiBN founder and president.

Sponsors for the 2011 Top 25 Women to Watch gala are Deck the Walls, Kettering, and Windward Design Group LLC, Dayton/Eaton. Celebrity MC for the event is Michelle Kingsfield, WDTN-TV. Photography is being provided by Easterling Studios, Dayton. Live entertainment is planned for the evening.

Honorees from Top 25 Women to Watch 2011:

  • Debbie Agnew, Owner, Bella Garden Florals
  • Shondale Atkinson, CEO and Founder, The Mustard Seed Foundation
  • Regina Bier, Detective, Kettering Police Department / Scuba Program Coordinator, Adjunct Faculty Wright State University
  • Molly Bordonaro Hall, School Secretary, Fairborn Digital Academy
  • Sarah Carter, Principal, Pickrel, Schaeffer & Ebeling
  • Melissa Cutcher, Director of Business Development, Better Business Bureau
  • Shana Douglas, Global Marketing Digital Brand Strategist, La Senza
  • Amy Gantt, Owner, Lula Bell Designs
  • Lyn Hogrefe, Executive Director, Happy Hormone Cottage
  • Barbara Johnson, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Miami Valley Hospital
  • Iris Juergens, Development Director, St. Vincent DePaul
  • Michelle Kaye, Vice President & Community Relations Director, PNC Bank
  • Yvette Kelly-Fields, Executive Director, updayton / Owner and President, FundSource
  • Katrina Kittle, Author
  • Elizabeth Lenon Van Dine, Founder, Dayton Love 146
  • Jennifer Mason Andrade, Owner, Luv Bug Pet Nanny
  • April Mescher, Vice President of National Accounts, Excellence In Motivation
  • Cheryl Oliver, Executive Director, Oasis House
  • Beth Redden, Legacy Partnership Development Officer, The Dayton Foundation
  • Marta Rey, Owner/President, Marta Rey European Skin Care
  • Jennifer Reitz, Voice Pathologist, The Blaine Block Institute
  • Susan Sparks, Chief Business Development Officer, American Red Cross
  • Sasha VanDeGrift, Litigation Associate, Coolidge Wall
  • Marcia Venus, Owner/Principal, Venus Leadership
  • Teresa Zumwald, Owner/President, Zumwald & Company

About Women in Business Networking (WiBN)

WiBN—the leading organization for women in business—provides forums for building relationships so women will achieve career and personal success through education, resources, and recognition. WiBN’s circle of influence and frequent programs have reached more than 1,500 women living and working in the Greater Dayton, Ohio, region. Women from all walks of life participate in WiBN: leaders and employees of corporate, nonprofit and community organizations; entrepreneurs and small-business owners; and women in career transition. Founded in 2008, WiBN currently offers ten programs:

  • a weekly e-newsletter, Monday Morning Moments;
  • a weekly club of Toastmasters International, Downtown Morning Toasters;
  • a monthly Lunch N Learn with a featured speaker;
  • a monthly “Hot Topic” Koffee Talk with a facilitator;
  • monthly roundtables for small-business owners, Entrepreneur Groups;
  • a bimonthly social event, After5 Business Showcase, at a local venue;
  • a quarterly Leadership Series workshop, Winstitute;
  • an annual 25 Women to Watch recognition program;
  • an annual, daylong professional development conference; and
  • an annual, optional membership for event and member-to-member discounts, Status +Plus.

Bach Society of Dayton Joins with the Central State University Chorus “For the Joy of Singing”

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The Bach Society of Dayton, under the direction of John Neely, will join forces with the renowned Central State University Chorus, under the direction of William Henry Caldwell, for two inspiring concerts on March 10 and 11.

The combined choirs will perform Schubert’s Mass in G, as well as a selection of contemporary and traditional works by African-American composers. The Bach Society will perform Bach’s Lobet den Herrn, alle Heiden (Praise the Lord, all the nations). Lee Hoffman, assistant professor at Central State, will be the soprano soloist. The choirs will be accompanied by a chamber orchestra and organist R. Alan Kimbrough.

“The Central State University Chorus is recognized as one of the finest choral ensembles in the region, and we are excited to perform on stage together for the first time,” said John Neely, music director, Bach Society of Dayton.

March 2012 marks the 125th anniversary of Central State University. The Central State University Chorus will begin a tour of China shortly after the March concerts.

For the Joy of Singing

March 10, 7:30 p.m.
Central State University, Wilberforce
Paul Robeson Performing Arts & Cultural Center

March 11, 4:00 p.m.
Kettering Adventist Church
3939 Stonebridge Road, Kettering
3:00 p.m. Concert preview by Dr. James Arthur Williams, University of Dayton

Tickets
Adults $15; Students free with ID on March 10 and $10 on March 11; 12 and under free
Available at the door or call to reserve: 937-294-2224

Dayton Invades Austin: SXSW

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Several Daytonians are headed for adventure this March in Austin, Texas. We’re going to the South by Southwest Interactive Conference (SXSW), one of the biggest music, film, and interactive design conferences in the country. If you’re into web design, development, social media, or mobile technology, SXSW is an exhilirating experience.

Last year, I attended and immersed myself in a buzz of information –  all the latest interactive technology and trends. At SXSW, you never stop learning. I reveled in this culture where my fellow attendees, some of the brightest in the industry, were just as passionate about design and interactivity as I am.

This year, I’m excited to join the roster of SXSW speakers, representing the team at Real Art. On Friday, I will speak on a panel called It’s Alive: Interactive Machines that Captivate, along with fellow Daytonians Justin Bayer, founder of WelcometoCollege.com, and Arundi Venkayya Cox, editor of the Dayton B2B. Joining us are two accomplished creatives, Nathan Martin from Deep Local, and FK Funderburke from Sapient Nitro. We will each present our projects that mash together digital media with physical machines, creating completely new types of experiences for people. For example, at Real Art, we built the world’s largest arcade claw game and invited the world to play over the internet. Arundi, our moderator, will lead our discussion on why these projects have been so successful for brands, the steps involved in a project like these, and what’s coming in the future for this interactive niche.

During the rest of the conference, I’ll gather as much information and inspiration as I can. The worlds of interactive design and social media move very quickly, so SXSW has a lot of ground to cover. With the SXSW Accelerator series, attendees can hear from the founders of new sites and apps, some of which haven’t even been launched yet. Last year, a few hot topics were the metrics and ROI of social media, geolocation apps, mobile payments, and augmented reality. This year, I’m hoping to hear about more things that haven’t even hit the major blogs yet. With increased smartphone usage and the mainstream expansion of social networks, there’s a lot of magic on the horizon.

Several other Dayton interactive developers are attending, this year, and Rob Tarr from Dayton firm Sparkbox will also be speaking. In addition, I’ll get to watch Dayton band The Motel Beds perform in a showcase. (I should mention that I’m especially excited for this since my husband, Tod Weidner is their bass player). The mix of music, film, and interactive gives SXSW a unique, creative energy.


Music news

I plan to share what I learn at SXSW as it happens on Twitter and through posts on Real Art’s blog. Follow @patricehall or @realart for the play-by-play.

 

Cincinnati Sour Beer – Rivertown Pestilence Review

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Rivertown PestilenceRivertown Brewing Company recently released their first beer of their Brewmaster Reserve Limited Release Series, and the beer is Pestilence. Pestilence is a sour brown ale brewed with 7 varieties of malted barley and wheat. The beer also has has Hibiscus flower, and has gone through the process of sour mashing. You may remember that Rivertown has dabbled in sour beers before.

Rivertown is from the great state of Ohio, and are located in Cincinnati.

From the Rivertown press release:

Rivertown Brewing Co.’s Brewmasters Reserve Limited Release Series is set to kick off next month.

We are pleased to announce the 2012 Brewmasters limited release series starting with the introduction of “Pestilence”. Pestilence is a sour brown ale brewed with 7 varieties of malted barley and wheat, organic whole Hibiscus flower pedals and spicy hops from the Hallertau growing region of Bavaria. The name Pestilence is derived from the ancient biblical term for infection or plague. Through a natural process called sour mashing, we expose the mash to airborne elements for a period of 48 hours allowing for a natural infection to arise causing the beer to sour. After this process is complete, we collect the sweet, sour runnings and introduce the spicy hops. We then boil it for a period of 1 hour and steep it with fresh hibiscus flower pedals. The end result is a wonderfully aromatic blend of fresh botanical herbs and mouth puckering sourness.

Pestilence will be the first of four brews released in 2012 centered around the ancient Mayan apocalypse of 2012 which signifies the world’s end on December 21st. Pestilence holds significance as being one of the Four Horseman set loose upon the world acting as a harbinger of the last judgment charging through at worlds end carrying wheat and a fist full of barley.

Release Date: Early February 2012
Alcohol by Volume: 5.4%
Color: 20 SRM (Brown)
Style Guideline: Wild/American Sour Ale/Brown Ale
Availability: 12 oz bottles 24-loose case/ 1/6bbl keg
Malts Used: Pilsner, Pale, Carabelge, White Wheat, Chocolate, Dark crystal, Munich
Hops: Hallertau Perle
Specialty Ingredients: Organic Hibiscus Flower Pedals
Serving Temp: 55F

P.S.- Save one bottle to enjoy as a vertical on December 21st 2012

APPEARANCE

The beer pours a Coca-Cola brown, with just the slightest amount of deep red light poking through. There was a tiny white head when first poured, but it went away fast and left nothing remaining. There was little visible carbonation. Overall, it looks somewhat like a clear Belgian dark – nice looking beer.

SMELL

There’s some interesting aroma coming from this beer. There is some nice dark fruits, such as plum and raisin. There is a bit of Greek yogurt, which is followed by a bit of stomach acid… Not exactly unpleasant, but definitely different. There’s a good amount of sweetness on the nose as well, bringing some nice maltiness and maybe a bit of caramel. The hop character is on the spicy side, bringing some floral and honey-like aromas. Overall, pretty complex but not the most pleasant smelling brew.

Rivertown Pestilence Label

TASTE

 

The taste is fairly different than the aroma. There is a surprising amount of cocoa in this beer, which I was not expecting. There’s a big amount of nutty flavor that reminds me a lot of cashews, which was also unexpected. There is a decent sour twang to it, but it’s not a jaw-locking sourness. More like a pretty solid tartness throughout. The first few sips brought that stomach acid flavor, which reminded me of… well, puke. As it warms up, though, that flavor is replaced with more of a Greek yogurt flavor. There’s a lot of dark fruits in here, as well as some hop spice and floral flavors. This is a pretty complex beer on the tongue!

MOUTHFEEL

This has a bit more body than I had anticipated. There is a nice, dry finish and the tartness creates a crisp mouthfeel. There is a lingering oily feeling that reminds me of the leftover oil from a cashew. It’s pretty easy drinking, but the sort of wild flavors keep this from being a beer you can chug. Nice mouthfeel on this brew.

OVERALL

An unusual beer to say the least. It’s not a sour to end all sours, but it is a unique experience to drink this beer. There’s some interesting funky things going on that makes you want to keep drinking, but it’s not so wild that it’s off putting. Admittedly, the stomach acid aroma and taste frightened me at first, but it smoothed out as the beer warmed. I would definitely recommend trying this beer. It’s fairly cheap for a sour ale, so grab a few bottles and age’em until after the end of the world.

Cheers.

This review can also be found at Snobby Beer.

SCORE: ★★★ 3/5

It’s Super Tuesday…Are You Ready To Vote?

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Super Tuesday is finally here and Dayton Fashion Week WANTS YOU to exercise your right to vote!  That’s right–our candidates stand firm in their beliefs on job creation (after all there’s only 1 position open and they each want it), environmental issues(they would love to walk for our eco-friendly designer), and they support small business(each of them are rallying up support for DFW!).  They have diverse backgrounds from a Broadway Actress, to a professional Ballroom Dancer, and yes we even have a career politician on the our ballot–but I’m not talking about the Republican Candidates or the Ohio Primaries–I’m talking about the 12 candidates that Dayton Fashion Week has selected to participate in the Cover Model Competition!  There’s no need to register to vote all you have to do is log onto Facebook starting March 6, 2012, go to the Dayton Fashion Week FB fan page, click on our photo album “2012 Cover Model Competition” and “Like” your favorite photo and that will count as your vote.  Unlike the Ohio Primaries you can vote for more than one candidate and on Tuesday April 24, 2012 the model with the most “Likes” of their photo will become the first model ever to grace the cover of Dayton Fashion Week Magazine along with other great prizes.  So without further ado, it is my pleasure to introduce to you the 2012 Candidates for Dayton Fashion Week’s Cover Model Competition–I’m Caressa Brown, and I approve this message!

 

Model: Kayla Essex

Model: Jessica Ennis

Model: Heather Bonifield Photographer: Barbara Mendez

Model: Lauren Hunter Photographer: JP Ball Photography

Model: Nyaina Robinson

Model: Catherine Baumgartner (Photo Credit: Roy Stephen)

Model: Lisa Golembiewski Photographer: Elite Photography

Model: Robin Mobley

Model: Elizabeth Weis Photographer: Digital Joint Production

Model: Chelsea Anderson

Model: December Brewster

Model: Ceili Fitzpatrick Photographer: DZQ Photography

Model: India Harris

Model: Meredith Rivera

Model: Enjae Leonard Photographer: Paul Ferrera

 

Model: Megan Krug

Chain Reaction

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The social life of a dining etiquette professional is a lonely one.  And let me tell you why.

It doesn’t matter what the event, the minute someone finds out a person trains dining tutorials they say, “Oh, no, and she’s sitting with us!?” As if the Grim Reaper were sitting down next to them, or, another classic, “Do you have to sit here?”

Unless I am teaching a dining tutorial, I am officially off the clock.  That means that I do not have a ruler taped to my side, ready to pull out to smack someone’s hand for picking up the wrong fork.  I promise!  Here are just a few of the great questions that I get when I train Dine Like A Diplomat.

 

What if I don’t like what I am served?  Do I have to eat it?

  • The answer is:  Remember when your mother told you to never play with your food?  Well, forget all that.  You are now allowed to play with your food!  If there is something on your plate that you do not like, move it around. If someone else has been kind enough to cook this wonderful meal for you, or is treating you to this wonderful meal, then by all means move it around on the plate.  Unless you are allergic, please try it.  You never know–you just might like it.

 

What if they are serving wine and I don’t drink?

  • The answer is: If you do not drink, just place your hand over the glass when the wine is being served to you.  The server will know to pass you by.

 

I always hear you aren’t supposed to toast with water.

  • The answer is: You can absolutely toast with water. Many people do not drink, especially if it is a business luncheon or dinner.  The days of the two-martini lunch are long gone.  I don’t know how those Mad Men got any work done in the afternoon.

 

What if I drop my fork or knife on the floor?

  • The answer is: Leave it where it is.  In better restaurants, the wait staff will pick it up. Quietly ask your server or wait staff for another utensil.

 

How do I know when it is okay to start eating?

  • The answer is: If there is a host at your table, please wait for the host to drink before you drink and wait for them to eat before you start eating.  If there is not a host, then wait for everyone at the table to be served and then you may start.  If you are sitting at a very large rectangular table at a large event, please wait for approximately 6 – 8 people to be served around you before eating.

 

What if a man wants to seat a woman in a business setting?

  • The answer is: A woman never expects a man to seat her. She seats herself.  However, if a man offers, she should accept with a gracious “thank you.”

 

What do I do with the napkin if I leave the table?

  • The answer is: The napkin goes in your seat when leaving for a moment.  If the meal is finished, it goes to the left of your plate.

 

Is there a right and wrong way to sit at the table?

  • And the answer is:  Yes! You enter the chair on your right side, and exit the same way.  Sit with both feet flat on the floor with good posture.

 

Two bonus tips:

  • If you need to go to the restroom, please, don’t tell everyone at the table!  No one wants to know what you are about to do.  That is the one time that you do not
    need to explain anything.  Just quietly say excuse me, get up, leaving your napkin in the chair, signaling that you are returning, then leave.
  • If someone has taken your fork, or your bread plate as their own, do not correct them!  Simply ask the wait staff to bring you a new
    one.

Example:  I was attending a business lunch.  It was round table-seating with 10 at each table, so you can imagine that the place settings were very close together.  I reach for my fork to eat my salad.  It is gone!  I look confused, yet ask the wait staff for another fork. Meanwhile, the person to the left of me is giving me the eyeball signal to her left.  I couldn’t figure this out.  Now it’s time for me to have some of that wonderful bread on my bread plate that, I know, I had because I put the bread on it myself.  I go to reach for my bread and it is gone!  The person to my left, again, gives me the eyeball signal to the person to her left.  Oh, yes, she had been taking all of my silverware and my bread plate.  Not because she didn’t know better, but because the person to her left had done the same to her.  We, in the dining etiquette world, call this the Chain Reaction. 

So, to wrap this up, don’t let a Chain Reaction happen at your table.  And, please, sit next to me –I don’t bite!!!  Bon Appétit.

Enjoy this hilarious video clip.  As shown, you should always wait for the host to start dining.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8ysuIOfTM4&feature=youtu.be’]

 

Huber Heights to host Rehabarama 2012

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Okay, so officially it’s “Eco-Rehabarama”, not just “Rehabarama”, but the concept is the same: Older homes that have been rehabilitated, are open to the public. Rehabaramas and Citiramas have been in Dayton since 1993, when the very first Rehabarama was held in McPherson Town Historic District. What a treat it was to see those historic homes restored and updated. The whole neighborhood was energized, which was an added benefit. It’s true that once one neighbor starts to fix up their home, there is often a ripple effect throughout the neighborhood. It’s not so much keeping-up-with-the-Jones, but more seeing possibilities that we couldn’t see before. Enter Eco-Rehabarama.

For the first time in Rehabarama history, the tour will be held in a neighborhood outside the Dayton city limits. This year Eco-Rehabarama is in Huber Heights. Yes, that’s right, the brick ranch finally gets to strut its stuff. Before you roll your eyes, consider why this style home was chosen. From Home Builders Association of Dayton (HBA) Executive Director, Walt Hibner: “All those years ago, we gave Charles Huber grief. But he had something there that we couldn’t appreciate until 50 years later.”

The Huber brick ranch is a size and scale of home that lends itself to affordable rehabbing. The ranch home means no stairs, and the brick exterior is a low maintenance construction material, these are important issues for today’s home buyer. But as Hibner says, “These are not your father’s Huber Homes.” With renewed interest in Mid-Century Modern style, these classic, but affordable MCM homes fit that bill. Eco-Rehabarama is a builder’s showcase. Seven residential construction professional members of the HBA of Dayton took over the 10 homes that are on this tour. Eco-Rehabarama is a builder’s showcase. Each home was stripped to bare studs and the builders created a unique theme for each home. The focus is on energy efficient upgrades, hence Eco-Rehabarama, but floor plans have been altered, sometimes dramatically, and the upgrades are visually stunning. On this tour, Hibner says, visitors “will be able to see and touch the HGTV finishes.”

Themes for the homes run from “Breathe Easy” an “Allergy Friendly” home, to “Young. Hip. Fresh!” with a modern interior that is a little more edgy, to “Home for Life” with renovated space with an eye for ease of movement, convenient for someone in a wheelchair.

The Eco-Rehabarama Home Builders Association of Dayton, in partnership with CountyCorp’s The Housing Source is presenting Eco-Rehabarama, held in May- dates and times can be found here, and in up-coming posts, I’ll take you inside the homes, discuss what CountyCorp and The Housing Source are and what they do, and talk to the builders about what it takes to rehab a home, and how they created their unique themes.  All homes will be for sale through CountyCorp’s The Housing Source Signature Homes, for occupancy at the conclusion of the show. Meanwhile, if you are looking for inspiration and a sneak peek, take a look at the descriptions for the ten homes, here.

 

Images: CountyCorp The Housing Source.

HOLIDAY AT HOME SEEKS 2012 GRAND MARSHAL

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While the annual Kettering Holiday at Home festivities is still six months away, the committee is already seeking nominations for a south-area resident to serve as grand marshal of the annual Labor Day events. Nominees should be outstanding community citizens for the cities of Beavercreek, Bellbrook, Kettering, Miamisburg, Moraine, Oakwood, or West Carrollton, or from the townships of Beavercreek, Miami, Sugarcreek, or Washington. The ideal candidate is one having current strong community involvement as well as a history of volunteerism. Past nominees may be nominated again. Letters of nomination must provide a brief biography and include lists of accomplishments and involvement in the community. Mail nominations to Amanda Hoying, PO Box 292564, Kettering, OH 45429 or e-mail to [email protected] . Deadline is April 20th.

About Holiday at Home

The Holiday At Home celebration began on Labor Day, 1959, under the sponsorship of the Kettering YMCA. It was known then as “Kettering Day.” From this well-organized beginning, Holiday At Home was refined and enlarged to the present Labor Day weekend festival that is now enjoyed by thousands of south suburban residents and visitors.  Kettering is used in the name to indicate the location; however, the festivities are intended for all of the communities south of Dayton. All southern communities and townships are invited to share in the Holiday At Home activities and to become part of the organization. The theme for 2012 will be Holiday at Home Puts on The Glitz.

DFW’s Casting Call for Children: Cute and Adorable Kids Are Welcomed…No “Stage Moms” or “Talent Scouts” Allowed!

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This will probably be one of my bluntest blogs ever so lets get straight to the point–I hate the shows Toddlers & Tiaras, Dance Moms, and every other show that has to do with talentless parents forcing their children to live out their failed dreams on national television. With that being said–on March 10, 2012 Dayton Fashion Week will be hosting a casting call for children ages 4-14 at De’lish Café located at 139 N. Main St. in Downtown Dayton from 10a-1p. We are asking that participants bring at least one can good or non-perishable food item with them to the Casting Call for the Dayton Food Pantry—this is not required to be seen but it will be highly appreciated.

When we first thought about adding a children’s runway show to Dayton Fashion Week both Junda Morris-Kennedy(the CEO of DFW) and I cringed at the notion of having to deal with the parents—so much so that we actually decided against the show at one point and opted to do a Hair Show instead. But then we were introduced to Dayton based designer Cheree Cantrell and her kids clothing line Cupcake Couture which made me want to run out and have a baby so that they could wear her clothes! Long story short we decided against doing the Hair Show and on Thursday July 26, 2012 Dayton Fashion Week will present a Kids Fashion Collection Show featuring designs by Cupcake Couture and AM Victorious! Here are a few tips on how to prepare for this casting call.

Act Your Age

This is a kids casting call, I want to see kids acting like kids, dressing like kids, and looking like kids in there photos. Again the photos DO NOT need to be professional we will need a clear head shot and a body shot in their everyday clothes. This is open to children ages 4-14 the only requirement is if your child shows up with false eyelashes, “flippers” or false teeth, spray tans, more makeup than Tammy Faye Baker, hair bigger than Dolly Pardon’s, pant to their ankles like Lil Wayne,and dressed like Beyoncé—your child WILL NOT be allowed to participate in our casting call.

During this casting call not only will the kids be in the spotlight but we will also be watching the parents as well—Parents if you come in with a bad attitude–your child WILL NOT be allowed to participate in our casting call because we will be working closer with the parents then we will be with the children and we don’t have time to deal with problematic parents—so in the words of Prince– parents “act your age not your shoe size”. We want this to be a fun and playful environment both during the casting call and the actual runway production.

Safety First

All participants must have this signed release form http://​library.constantcontact.com/​download/get/file/​1101602765664-514/​DFW+model_agreement.pdf.(Please Disregard the height and all black attire requirement we did not have time to update this form from our adult casting call). All participants for the kids casting call MUST BE ACOMPANIED BY A PARENT OR A LEGAL GUARDIAN THAT IS AT LEAST 18 YEARS OF AGE! There will be NO exceptions made to this rule. This is not us trying to be mean or single anyone out THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE!

Another safety issue that I must address is this—During our first casting call for adult models. We had several “scouts” for other “agencies” show up to our casting call unannounced and uninvited to do some recruiting. Not only does this show a lack of professionalism on their part by piggy backing off of our event but it also poses as a safety risk for participants. So to avoid this from happening again during this casting call we are not allowing spectators in the building—ONLY PARENTS/LEGAL GUARDIANS AND THE PARTICIPATING CHILD WILL BE ALLOWED IN THE BUILDING—no aunts, cousins, neighbors, and etc will be allowed. Parents if anyone approaches you outside of the building about signing up your child to an agency or gives you a card for you to call them about some great opportunity for your child to model please report this to us immediately. Last year I took my little sister Portia to the America’s Next Top Model Casting Call at The Greene and there was an Escort Service handing out cards to participants. Let’s face it there are some sick people in the world and We CAN NOT guarantee anything to you about these “scouts” but I will ask you to ask yourself this question. If this person is representing a reputable agency why do they need to lurk outside of another casting call to find talent? If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to email us at [email protected].