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What is Running to Places?

Running to Places is a non-profit theatre company for middle and high school-aged artists to explore and hone their craft onstage and off. In addition to producing several big musicals and other theatrical pieces each year, we seek to provide opportunities for collaboration across all of Tompkins County - rural & city; public & private & home schooled. While excellent theatre is the desired product of Running to Places, it is also a vehicle by which individuals and communities grow. It was created by Joey Steinhagen to provide more theatre opportunities in and around Tompkins County, NY.

Why "Running to Places"?

When a stage manager calls "Places!" - it's time to do the show. You go to the spot from which you start - quickly (and quietly) – and eagerly wait for the curtain to rise. We hope the name captures the youthful, raw excitement of that moment. Not to mention that, since we don't have a permanent home, we literally will be running to places in the community to rehearse and perform. We're decentralized by design to emphasize the inclusive philosophy of our mission.

Who is involved in leading it?

Joey Steinhagen is the Artistic Director and Resident Stage Director. Ross Mizrahi is the Resident Musical Director. Todd Peterson is the Resident Choreographer. Gail Belokur is the Producer and Executive Director (and mentor coordinator, occasional designer, etc.). Learn more about them.

Additionally we are frequently joined by mentors from Ithaca College theatre program who work on productions and train middle and high school students on their respective crafts.

What does Running to Places do?

We produce a full season of shows – musicals, plays and variety shows with big casts, productions numbers, striking sets, complete orchestras, the works! They are performed, crewed, designed, and stage managed by young artists from across our area. Imagine a school musical that isn't limited to participation by the students of one school – plus the added artistry of professional theatre that our mentors bring to the mix.

Who is eligible to participate?

Our company members are middle and high school-aged (grades 6-8 and 9-12, respectively) performers, designers, technicians, pit musicians and stage managers. Shows are cast via a selective audition process. Other participants are accepted via an interview process. Get in touch to find out more.

How much does it cost to participate?

Nada. Zippo. Zilch. It is free of any mandatory fees for participants. This is not a "pay-to-play" company. If you have what it takes – which includes the commitment to the rehearsal/production process – you'll be a part of Running to Places. Find out how you can get involved. (Of course, all this won't happen without ticket sales, grants, donations, sponsorships, program ads, cookies sold at intermission, etc.)

When will auditions happen?

Auditions are coming at the beginning of October. If you miss them, join our mailing list so you'll be sure to hear about upcoming announcements. We're also looking for designers, technicians, stage managers, and pit musicians, too, so let us know how you'd like to get involved.

When will productions happen?

Here's the schedule for our 2009 season:

  • Once Upon A Mattress: January 9-18 (High school only)
  • The Man Who Came to Dinner: February 20-22 (Middle and high school)
  • Spring Showcase: April 17-19 (Middle and high school)
  • Honk!: June 12-14 (Middle school only)
  • Footloose: August 7-16 (Middle and high school)
  • Little Shop of Horrors: September 18-20 (Middle and high school)

The rehearsal process is significantly shorter than your typical school show. Check out the production calendar to see what we mean.

Will I still be able to do the shows at my school?

We try to time our productions to be complimentary to the most common school production schedules. We don't want to compete with school shows for casts, crews, etc. Rather, we want to support those productions by providing additional opportunities during the year for young theatre artists to practice their craft. However if, in spite of our best efforts, you must choose between one of our shows and one at your school, we recommend you choose your school's show. There'll be another Running to Places thing to do soon enough.

Where will rehearsals and performances take place?

By design, we don't have a permanent home. As a community endeavor, we will rehearse in various locations – schools, community centers, etc. Performances take place at school auditoriums and other venues throughout the county.

Will there be any training provided?

Running to Places isn't designed to be a "program" or a class. It is good old fashioned on-the-job training. Casts receive training in acting, singing, and dancing as part of the rehearsal process from the director, musical director, and choreographer. Designers, technicians, and stage managers have skilled mentors to advance their knowledge of their respective crafts. This aspect is coordinated by Gail Belokur, Managing Director of Running to Places.

Is Running to Places Productions a non-profit organization?

Yes, we are a registered not-for-profit organization. This is what allows you to make a tax-deductible contribution to help keep participation free of any mandatory fees.