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News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area

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Tag: theater

  • Watch Acts 4 & 5 of LSC Radio’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream!

    Watch Acts 4 & 5 of LSC Radio’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream!

    Loveland, Ohio – The classic A Midsummer Night’s Dream is directed by Jacqlyn Schott and produced by Jill Gornet, and Micheal Harris-Kiser.

    Acts 1 through 5 are now available for listening and watching.

    Theater is BACK!

    While the Coronavirus pandemic has closed down so many things, Loveland Stage Company found a way to keep theater alive – Radio!  While doing their best to keep social distancing and other good practices in place, the cast brings you Midsummer Night’s Dream, Radio Style!   

    The tradition of old-time radio.

    There are no tickets for sale for these events, so won’t you consider a donation to the Loveland Stage Company?

    A Midsummer Night’s Dream

    By William Shakespeare

    Recorded:  October 9, 2020
    Released:  October 30 (Acts 1 & 2), November 6 (Act 3), November 13 (Acts 4 & 5), 2020

    Synopsis:

    A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a comedy written by William Shakespeare in 1595/96. The play is set in Athens and consists of several subplots that revolve around the marriage of Theseus and Hippolyta. One subplot involves a conflict between four Athenian lovers. Another follows a group of six amateur actors rehearsing the play which they are to perform before the wedding. Both groups find themselves in a forest inhabited by fairies who manipulate the humans and are engaged in their own domestic intrigue. The play is one of Shakespeare’s most popular and is widely performed. (Courtesy of Wikipedia)

    Cast:

    Abby Kinnebrew Smith – Titania/Quince/Fairy
    Abby Kinnebrew Smith is new to LSC, although she is no stranger to the stage itself. Abby has been involved in theatre in just about every capacity possible for most of her life. Abby is a graduate of Florida State University’s theatre department, and is privileged to have had the opportunity to play a wide variety of roles throughout her life. Some of her favorite roles include, Viola in Twelfth Night, Sister Amnesia in Nunsense, Gretchen in Boeing Boeing and Suzi in Wait Until Dark. Abby is thrilled to be joining the talented cast of A Midsummer Night’s Dream and has so enjoyed getting to know each person involved. She would like to thank her kids for being quiet (it’s so hard) during Zoom rehearsals and her husband for his help and support. 
    Adrianna Boris – Helena/Hippolyta/Snug/ Mustardseed
    You may have seen Adrianna on the LSC stage as Philia in “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” or around town as Rizzo in “Grease” at Mariemont Players and Footlighters. Most recently, she voiced Jack Worthing in LSC Radio’s “The Importance of Being Earnest”. Other favorite roles have included Julia in “The Wedding Singer,” Cecily in “The Importance of Being Earnest,” and the Witch in “Into the Woods”. Off stage, Adrianna serves on the boards at Cincinnati Music Theatre and Footlighters; heads the Cincy/NKY chapter of the Shakespeare 2020 Project; and is a loving wife and dog mom. Adrianna holds a B.A. in Theatre Studies from NYU, where she took so many Shakespeare courses she accidentally completed a minor in Medieval & Renaissance Studies. Thanks to Jacqlyn and the whole team at LSC for bringing us together for this project, and thanks to our audience for continuing to support the arts during these weird times!
    Chris Ball – Lysander/Oberon/Flute/Peaseblossom
    Chris would like to thank LSC Radio for a wonderful opportunity! Most recent credits include: Algernon Moncrieff in The Importance of Being Earnest (Mason Community Players); Sky in Mamma Mia (Footlighters Inc.); Leo Frank in Parade (CenterStage Players); Sir Lionel/Dance Ensemble in Camelot (CMT); White Guy in The Toxic Avenger (Sunset Players); Robbie in The Wedding Singer (Sunset Players). Enjoy the show!
    David Reid Hatfield – Theseus/Egeus/Snout
    David proudly makes his Loveland Stage radio debut, following his recent area successes with Center Stage (The Hot L Baltimore) and Mariemont Players (All the Way and Three Bags Full). Favorite stage assignments over five decades include co-starring with John Lithgow in Harvard’s Iolanthe, and playing ‘Granddaddy’ in the world premiere of True Accents (Norfolk,Virginia). Recent film and TV credits include ‘The Author’ in Bright, ‘Pete Hill’ in Dogwood Pass, and ‘Grandpa’ in The Journey Home. A big thank you to director Jacqlyn Schott. David produces 2 radio programs a week for CABVI’S Radio Reading Service from his home studio. He dearly loves his wife Carol, his three children, and his four grandchildren.
    Jacqlyn Schott – Hermia/Mote – Director
    Jacqlyn could not be more thrilled to return to LSC Radio to direct this talented cast and crew in one of her favorite plays! After her first directorial debut with INNOVAtheatre’s multiple award-winning Ordinary Days, she was eager to find another passion project; and, after the cancellation of Little Shop of Horrors due to the pandemic, she’s so grateful for this opportunity. Currently studying Student Affairs at Miami University, Jacqlyn is extremely passionate about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; and she strives to bring color consciousness, meaningful representation, and safe/brave spaces to any project she is a part of–including her roles on the boards of both INNOVAtheatre and Cincinnati Music Theatre. Special thanks to her loved ones for their never-ending support. And of course, thanks to her beloved cast and crew for being a part of this dream of a show.
    Jazz McMullen – Demetrius/Puck/Cobweb
    Jazz is a Cincinnati Native and graduate of The School for Creative and Performing Arts, where he majored in Drama, Vocal Music and Musical Theatre. He is thrilled to be making his Loveland debut voicing one of his dream roles! Being no stranger to the stage, Jazz has appeared in such productions as; Dreamgirls (James “Thunder” Early), Parade (Newt Lee/Riley), Beauty and the Beast (Maurice), Little Shop of Horrors (Mushnik), The Whiz (Lion) and a host of others!
    “Give me your hands if we be friends and Robin shall restore amends.”
    Jill Gornet – Announcer
    Jill is excited to be one of the Producers/Founders for LSC Radio. Jill is a multiple Orchid winner for Producing Gypsy, Bugsy Malone Jr, The Drowsey Chaperone and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. She also won an Orchid for Costuming Bugsy Malone Jr. Jill was last seen on-Stage at LSC in Memphis (Clara/ensemble), White Christmas (quintet/ensemble), Will Rogers Follies (quartet) and Fiddler on the Roof (Rilke/ensemble). Her favorite role was Vera in Smoke On The Mountain with Sharonville Fine Arts. Retired from the USPS, she sings with Sharonville Chorus at retirement/assisted living homes. Jill would like to thank her family and friends for their love and support.
    John Nixon – Incidental Music
    John’s musical experience stretches over a wide range of styles and eras from directing a Renaissance choral group in his native England to performing and recording on digital electronic instruments for modern-day musicals. John has worked with many of Cincinnati’s community theater groups as music director and orchestra member and is the recipient of numerous Orchid awards at local, regional and state levels. He directed the music and vocals for “Miss Saigon”, “Anything Goes”, “The Producers” and “A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum” and most recently “Cole” for Loveland Stage Company.
    John Sloan – Bottom/Starveling/Philostrate
    John is thrilled to be performing one of his dream roles in this production. Having been a mainstay at LSC for almost ten years now, he has performed in 14 LSC shows and directed 2. He would like to thank Jacqlyn, Micheal, and Jill (hi Mom!) for this opportunity and would like to emphasize the importance of continuing the arts during these strange times. Your donations to LSC will not only be very much appreciated, but will also ensure that we can continue to bring quality theatrical entertainment to Loveland and the rest of the Cincinnati area.
    Micheal Harris-Kiser – Foley
    Micheal is a multiple award-winning director, actor, and set designer. Studying acting at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Micheal has pursued his passion for theatre in various fields. He is co-founder of Stage and Steel in Pittsburgh, PA. He has performed with many groups throughout the city. His set designs have graced many a stage. He currently serves as President of LSC, as well as secretary for The Greater Cincinnati ACT board.
    Crew: 
    Bob Kessler – Tech Director
    Bob works as both a Director of Photography in the regional video community, and as an artist at Kessler Studios, a Loveland-based stained glass and mosaic firm. Bob has served as the Lighting Chair for the Loveland Stage Company since 2013, and has volunteered as Lighting Director on many plays at LSC: Cole: An Entertainment, Memphis, 9 to 5, Jekyll & Hyde, Fiddler On The Roof, I Remember Mama, Oklahoma!, and The Producers. 
    Dave Bauer – Audio Director
    The webmaster of LSC’s award-winning website, Dave brings a lifetime of passion for all things music, sound and photography.  By day, Dave works in schools in Southwest Ohio maintaining computer systems and making sure teachers have the technology they need.  By nights and weekends, Dave is the owner of Technology Concierge Services and is the sound designer for two local bands.  This is Dave’s second involvement in an LSC production.
    Greg Smith – Lighting Design
    An Orchid award-winning Lighting Designer, Set Designer and Producer, Greg always enjoys doing lighting design for a musical at LSC.  The opportunities for creativity are endless when working with such a talented cast and crew. 
    Nancy Hartman-Downing – Camera Operator
    Nancy has been Owner/President of Cleveland Specialties Company since 1986, which designs and manufactures paperboard and plastic packaging products for the food and dairy industry. Her experience is in administration, sales, accounting and computer technology. She holds a B.A. in Business Administration from Baldwin-Wallace College. She currently serves as President for Loveland Woman’s Club. Nancy has been involved with LSC since 2006 doing fundraising, photography, publicity, ticket sales, program ad sales, as well as serving on the Board of Directors as Treasurer. She enjoys working with such a talented group and looks forward to continuing her involvement into the future.
    Thomas Cavano – Camera Operator
    Tom has been involved with community theater in the Cincinnati area for over 30 years. He first performed with LSC in 2008 (The King and I). Since then, he has performed in numerous LSC productions, directed three award-winning shows (Spelling Bee, The Producers, and Young Frankenstein), co-produced many shows, the most recent being Memphis, and has taken an active role in off stage work including set construction, design, decor and stage crew.
  • Act 3 of the Importance of being Earnest

    Act 3 of the Importance of being Earnest

    Loveland, Ohio – Act 3 of The Importance of Being Earnest recorded live at the Loveland Stage Company by LSC Radio in beautiful Historic Downtown Loveland, Ohio is now ready for your viewing pleasure.

    If you want to watch Act 1 & 2 first:

    Loveland Stage Company presents Act 1 of “Old-time Radio Shows”

    Watch Act 2 of The Importance of Being Earnest by the…

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    Watch Act 3 of The Importance of Being Earnest by the…

    Cast

    Adrianna Boris – Jack
    You may have seen Adrianna on the LSC stage as Philia in “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” or around town as Rizzo in “Grease” at Mariemont and Footlighters.  Other favorite roles have included Julia in “The Wedding Singer,” Cecily in “The Importance of Being Earnest,” and the Witch in “Into the Woods”. Thanks to Micheal and the whole team at LSC for bringing us together for this project!
    Carissa Griffith-Sloan – Foley Artist
    Carissa is no stranger to the LSC stage. She has appeared onstage in a number of LSC productions including The Drowsy Chaperone (u/s Drowsy), White Christmas (Martha), Young Frankenstein (Frau Blucher), and many others. Another favorite role was Grempkin in Peter and the Starcatcher at Footlighters.  Carissa would like to thank her husband, John, for always being her favorite scene partner, and everyone involved with putting this production together.
    David Taylor – Composer, Piano
    David is a keyboard player who enjoys the challenge of creating great sounds and performing.  He has performed for many community theatre companies and high school drama productions in the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky areas including several CMT productions.  Favorite shows he has performed in and created the sounds for include The Producers, Young Frankenstein, The Toxic Avenger, Seussical the Musical, Big Fish, and Shrek.  By day, David is a Financial Analyst for Coesia managing the forecasts and budgets for all of the North America, Mexico, and South America regions.
    Jacqlyn Schott – Algernon
    There’s magic in the number three and Jacqlyn couldn’t be more elated to return to Loveland’s stage for the third time as a part of such a fun trio! Three of her favorite past credits include Spider (James and the Giant Peach), Caroline Bramble (Enchanted April), and directing Ordinary Days. This fall, Jacqlyn will be reprising the role of director for Little Shop of Horrors and hopes you’re already planning on return visits to LSC so “you too can be a star!” As always, she thanks her loved ones for their never-ending support.
    Jill Gornet – Lane/Merriman
    Jill is excited to be co-producing Gypsy, which is one of her favorite musicals. She was co-producer for Bugsy Malone, Jr., Don’t Drink the Water and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. Jill won an Orchid as the producer of The Drowsy Chaperone. She was last seen on-stage at LSC in Memphis (Clara/ensemble), White Christmas (quintet/ensemble), Will Rogers Follies (quartet) and Fiddler on the Roof (Rifke/ensemble). Retired from USPS, she sings with Sharonville Chorus at retirement/assisted living homes. Jill would like to thank her family and friends for their love and support.
    John Sloan – Gwendolen
    John is back once more at Loveland Stage Company.  He has appeared in too many LSC shows to list them all, but favorites include: Young Frankenstein (Igor), Oklahoma! (Jud Fry), Thoroughly Modern Millie (Ching-Ho), and The Producers.  He last appeared in The Drowsy Chaperone (Gangster #1) which was directed by his lovely wife, Carissa, and has directed the recent LSC productions of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum and Don’t Drink the Water.  Thanks to Micheal for this opportunity.  Enjoy the show and thank you for supporting the arts!
    Joshua Marcus – Miss Prism
    This is Joshua’s first performance with Loveland Radio, but has previously been seen on stage in, The Drowsy Chaperone (George) and Cole, An Entertainment (Performer). He is excited to be a part of another amazing Loveland production. Joshua would like to thank his wife, Leah, and his children, Hanna and Samuel, for their love, support.
    Melinda Murray-Hubbard – Chausible
    Melinda is glad to be back once again with LSC after performances in Cole, An Entertainment and The Drowsy Chaperone. She has also recently been seen as Sponge in Bart’s Bards’ James and the Giant Peach, and was a costume assistant for the LSC production of Bugsy Malone, Jr. Dr. Hubbard is always up for something new, and this show fits the bill! She thanks her incredible family for supporting her and the amazing folks at LSC for this opportunity. Ya’ gotta get a gimmick!
    Thomas Cavano – Lady Bracknell
    Tom has been involved with community theater in the Cincinnati area for over 30 years. He first performed with LSC in 2008 (The King and I). Since then, he has performed in numerous LSC productions, directed three award-winning shows (Spelling Bee, The Producers, and Young Frankenstein), co-produced many shows, the most recent being Memphis, and has taken an active role in off stage work including set construction, design, decor and stage crew.
    Vincent Eldridge – Cecily
    Vincent has thoroughly enjoyed being a part of this genderswapped version of The Importance of Being Earnest. He has been seen on stage as Gangster #2 in The Drowsy Chaperone at LSC, as part of the Octet in Sweeney Todd with Queen City Productions, as was in the Gender Bender last October with Mason Community Players. When he’s not on stage, he enjoys learning the art of lighting and was the lighting designer for The Little Mermaid and Sorry, Wrong Number/The Hitch-Hiker. Outside of theatre he spends his free time painting and trying his best at woodworking. He’d like to give a shout out to the rest of the cast, the crew, and the director for making this a wonderfully fun experience!

    Crew
    Bob Kessler – Tech Director
    Bob works as both a Director of Photography in the regional video community, and as an artist at Kessler Studios, a Loveland-based stained glass and mosaic firm. Bob has served as the Lighting Chair for the Loveland Stage Company since 2013, and has volunteered as Lighting Director on many plays at LSC: Cole: An Entertainment, Memphis, 9 to 5, Jekyll & Hyde, Fiddler On The Roof, I Remember Mama, Oklahoma!, and The Producers.
    Charlie Rader – Camera Operator
    Dave Bauer – Audio Director
    The webmaster of LSC’s award-winning website, Dave brings a lifetime of passion for all things music, sound and photography.  By day, Dave works in schools in Southwest Ohio maintaining computer systems and making sure teachers have the technology they need.  By nights and weekends, Dave is the owner of Technology Concierge Services and is the sound designer for two local bands.  This is Dave’s first involvement in an LSC production.
    Greg Smith – Lighting Design
    An Orchid award-winning Lighting Designer, Set Designer and Producer, Greg always enjoys doing lighting design for a musical at LSC.  The opportunities for creativity are endless when working with such a talented cast and crew.
    Micheal Harris-Kiser – Director
    Micheal is a multiple award-winning director, actor, and set designer. Studying acting at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Micheal has pursued his passion for theatre in various fields. He is co-founder of Stage and Steel in Pittsburgh, PA. He has performed with many groups throughout the city. His set designs have graced many a stage. He serves as secretary for the LSC board, as well as secretary for The Greater Cincinnati ACT board. He is extremely happy to bring this great musical to you.
    Nancy Hartman-Downing – Camera Operator
    Nancy has been Owner/President of Cleveland Specialties Company since 1986, which designs and manufactures paperboard and plastic packaging products for the food and dairy industry. Her experience is in administration, sales, accounting and computer technology. She holds a B.A. in Business Administration from Baldwin-Wallace College. She currently serves as President for Loveland Woman’s Club. Nancy has been involved with LSC since 2006 doing fundraising, photography, publicity, ticket sales, program ad sales, as well as serving on the Board of Directors as Treasurer. She enjoys working with such a talented group and looks forward to continuing her involvement into the future.

    The Covid-19 pandemic has hit all of us very hard. Among those most impacted have been the people of the entertainment industry – actors and actresses, musicians, performing artists of all types. Also affected, those behind the scenes, riggers and stagehands, lighting and sound designers, makeup and costume designers, carpenters, electricians and all those who make the art of live performance possible.

    Their desire to “get back at it” is fierce. They love doing what they do.

    Everyone involved in Loveland Stage Company counts ourselves among those mentioned above. And while our “day gig” may or may not have been as seriously impacted, our desire to “get back at it” is strong.

    Out of the lemons of the Covid-19 pandemic, Loveland Stage Company proudly brings you LSC Radio! While we can’t be on stage performing live for you right now, we can bring performances that hearken back to the “good old days” of radio broadcasts. In addition, we’ll have video cameras rolling so you can see our “broadcast” as it happened. We can continue to maintain social distancing and other best practices required these days and still perform for you!

    Loveland Stage Company will bring you a new production in both audio only and video with audio approximately once a month. But we’re not doling it all out at once! Oh, no. Each Act of our production will be released once weekly (we anticipate on Friday) for your weekend viewing/listening pleasure! All productions will be listed below and accessible from here or the main menu above (under LSC Radio).

  • [Coming July 12] Loveland Stage Company’s Bugsy Malone Jr

    [Coming July 12] Loveland Stage Company’s Bugsy Malone Jr

    Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland Stage Company has begun production of its summer children’s musical Bugsy Malone Jr which begins on July 12 and continues for two weekends.

    The award-winning members of the Loveland Stage Company that are teaching and coaching the actors and technical crew include Producers Jonathan Eckman, Jill Gornet and Charlie Rader along with Musical Director Stephanie Mackris and Choreographers Marjory Clegg and Alex Rader.  

    Director Pia Rader is using her experience to skillfully unify a young (ages 8 to 18 years) and talented cast which is delightfully frolicking through this hilarious musical. In addition to coaching the young performers, award-winning members of the Loveland Stage Company are teaching children hands-on technical skills in producing and presenting a stage show. Bugsy Malone is a musical for kids by kids to be enjoyed by kids at heart!

    Bugsy Malone Jr is based on the hit 1976 movie film, starring Scott Baio and Jodi Foster, and featuring a catchy, swinging score by Paul Williams, the composer of The Muppet Movie.  Our story, written by Alan Parker, is about the rivalry of two gangs in a fictitious New York borough in the 1920’s gangster era.

    As the curtain raises, the hero, Bugsy Malone (played by Rowan Nelson) walks to center stage and comments on the scene in the voiceover style of the 1940’s noir films. The Hoods gang, who work for Dandy Dan (played by Seth Patterson), is hunting down members of rival mobster Fat Sam’s gang (Fat Sam is played by Brandon Ressler). The Hoods splurge Roxy the Weasel (played by Marco Cramer) who works for Fat Sam with a mysterious new device that fires a lethal dose of silly string! After Roxy is splurged and carted off stage, Bugsy tells the audience that “something fishy is going on” but assures the audience that “by the final curtain I’m thinking everything will turn out A-OK”.

    The Chorus Girls introduce Bugsy to the audience with the tune “Bugsy Malone”, and he invites the audience into Fat Sam’s speakeasy, The Grand Slam. Bugsy is immediately smitten with Blousey Brown (played by Nicole Stocks), a new girl auditioning to be a singer at the club. The Hoods break into The Grand Slam and pandemonium resumes. Bugsy, hiding under a table, talks Blousey into a dinner date. Bugsy continues to woo her and to avoid the gangland wars. In the following scenes, Blousey auditions at the Bijoux Theatre competing with headliner Lena Marelli (played by Grace Guthrie) and back at The Grand Slam competing with Fat Sam’s girlfriend, Tallulah (Carissa Palazzolo). Bugsy tells Blousey that she is a sensational singer and “New York is all washed up. Hollywood is where you should be.”

    The cast of Bugsy Malone Jr was in the recent July 4th parade.

    Fat Sam meets with his gang and explains that they need to get their hands on a splurge to defeat their rivals and leaves his gang to figure out how to get a splurger. Just then, Dandy Dan’s gang enters and wipes out the rival gang with silly string. In desperation Fat Sam hires Bugsy to find a new gang. Bugsy succeeds in recruiting men from the docks and arming them with highjacked splurgers. The gangs face each other, and a standoff occurs but Bugsy convinces the two gangs that they’re more powerful as friends than enemies with the song “You Give a Little Love.” Bugsy presents Blousey with the tickets to Hollywood, the two embraces and everything turns out A-OK as the curtain falls.

    Don’t miss enjoying this hilarious comical musical. Don’t even be late because the laughter begins when the curtain rises on Bugsy Malone Jr.

    Tickets are on sale for evening performances at 7:30 PM on July 12, 13, 19, 20 or matinee performances at 3 PM on July 14 and 21.  To order tickets visit this website at www.lovelandstagecompany.org or call 513-443-4LSC (4572).  All performances are held at the Loveland Stage Company Theatre, 111 Second Street, Loveland, Ohio 45140.

    The Loveland Stage Company is dedicated to bringing quality theater to the Loveland community. We select plays and musicals which are both instructive to our members and entertaining to our audiences. With on-stage quality as a goal, we strive to keep a friendly, healthy atmosphere in our productions. Our members, volunteers all, are then afforded the best opportunities to exercise their interests and talents, while our club provides the best amateur theater our community can produce.

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  • Loveland High School’s production of Into the Woods

    Loveland High School’s production of Into the Woods

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    We are proud to announce Loveland High School’s production of the Broadway hit, Into the Woods, presented in the high school auditorium on April 11-14th at 7 pm. There will be a special Happily Ever After matinee on Saturday at 2 pm, accompanied by a meet and greet for the children who want to step into their favorite fairy tales.

    This musical entails the story of a baker and his wife, who are sent on a wild goose chase into the woods to break a curse placed upon them by a vengeful witch. Meanwhile, Cinderella longs to go to the royal festival while Red Riding Hood is off to visit her grandmother.  Many other fairy tale characters, including Snow White and Jack with his beanstalk, interweave their stories throughout this riveting show. Despite what you believe will happen midway through, the main characters end up realizing that you need to be careful of what you wish for… 

    Tickets are $10 for students and senior citizens, $12 for adults if bought ahead of the show time. Tickets at the door are $11 for students and senior citizens, $13 for adults. Children 4 and under are free. 

    Tickets are available at our website:  http://lovelandhstheater.wixsite.com/lhsdrama

    We hope to see you in the woods!

  • LHS senior Stone Taul wins Best Director at All American High School Film Festival

    LHS senior Stone Taul wins Best Director at All American High School Film Festival

    Taul’s film was selected from more than 2,000 entries

    Taul’s film tells the story of a young man struggling with the loss of his mother, and the added responsibility of caring for his brother with special needs while battling drug addiction.

    Stone Taul and Sam Smith

    Loveland High School (LHS) Senior Stone Taul has earned the title of Best Director at the All American High School Film Festival Sunday on Oct. 8, in New York City for his drama, Viceroy, which Taul wrote, acted in and directed. Taul’s film – which tells the story of a young man struggling with the loss of his mother, and the added responsibility of caring for his brother with special needs while battling drug abuse – was selected for the 2017 festival from over 2,000 national and international entries.

    “I was shocked when my name was called,” said Taul. “There were so many talented directors and filmmakers from all over the world. I feel honored that I was selected.”

    “We could not be prouder of the creative endeavors Stone has been a part of during his tenure at Loveland High School,” said LHS Principal Peggy Johnson. “He is a stand-out talent, and this recognition he earned is well deserved.”

    LHS Senior, and Loveland Magazine writer, photographer, and videographer, Sam Smith, was the cinematographer and assistant director for Viceroy.

    In addition to winning Best Director, Taul’s movie Viceroy, was nominated for Best Drama and Best Overall Film. LHS Senior Sam Smith was the cinematographer for Viceroy, and other LHS contributors included: co-starring Jon Parker (2017 grad), audio Dean Parker (2016 grad), and crew members and current students Sam Sauer and Tommy Blair, with a cameo by Jonah Smith. Taul traveled with Sam Smith, Tommy Blair and Sam Sauer to New York to participate in the film festival events (screenings, networking events, college fair), and attended the red carpet awards event held at the historic Kings Theater in Brooklyn, New York. Viceroy is Taul’s major directorial debut.

    Dean Parker (2016 LHS grad), a former intern at Loveland Magazine and current Ohio University student, produced the audio for Viceroy.

    “There is so much hidden talent in Loveland,” said Taul. “I was able to pull together a small, but super talented team of filmmakers and a couple of friends who just wanted to help. Sam Smith was there for me throughout the whole project. I couldn’t have done it without him and I’m grateful to my friend, Dean Parker, for all of his encouragement along the way.”

    The All American High School Film Festival is the world’s largest high school film festival with submissions from over 40 countries and all 50 states.  The festival’s judges are made up of directors, producers, actors and writers from some of the biggest names in Hollywood. Taul had two films (Viceroy & Tunnels) officially selected. The films were screened at the Times Square AMC 25 theater in New York.

    Taul has also received filmmaking accolades from the Cincinnati Teen Film Challenge, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and charitable/community organizations, and he is the co-founder of the LHS Film Club. Taul plans to study film in California after graduation.

    Watch Viceroy

    Watch Highlights from the All American High School Film Festival

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