PORTFOLIO

RECENT WORK: 2020-2021 SEASON

NANCY BREW ZOOMDUNNIT

Written by Margot H.G. Manburg

Directed by DAUNIELLE RASMUSSEN

NOVEMBER 11-12, 2020 | ZOOM

FEBRUARY 12-20, 2021 | ZOOM

Nancy Brew is a security officer on the graveyard shift at the River Heights mall. Tonight, she’s training a team of new hires — the audience. During her shift, there is a slew of robberies and vandalism throughout the mall! Nancy and the new recruits take the case and start investigating. With strange encounters and a string of mistaken identities, can Nancy and the new recruits crack the case?

CREATIVE TEAM:

Becca Armstrong: Associate Producer Valerie Perez: Audience Engagement Manager

Ariana Moses: Assistant Director Andrew Homan: Technical Coordinator

BEAUTY AND THE BOURBON TASTING

THE SNOWY DAY AND OTHER STORIES BY EZRA JACK KEATS

Script by Jerome Hairston
Based on the books by Ezra Jack Keats

Directed by Daunielle Rasmussen

FEBRUARY 8-28, 2021| VIRTUAL STREAMING

The artistic world of beloved author Ezra Jack Keats unfolds onstage! Follow the adventures of Peter and his friends through heartwarming stories about the wonder of a fresh snowfall, the delight of whistling for the first time, the awe in finding a special treasure and the excitement of sending the perfect letter to a friend. Written with whimsical spirit, this imaginative play with music celebrates the tiny moments of joy within a child’s world.

CREATIVE TEAM:

Trey Tatum: Sound Designer Kenton Brett: Scenic Designer

Melanie Mortimore: Costume Designer Becca Armstrong: Associate Producer / SM Piper N. Davis: Cultural Director

THE CHILDREN OF THE CORN MAZE

Written by Trey Tatum

Directed by DAUNIELLE RASMUSSEN

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2020 | BURGER FARM AND GARDEN CENTER

Strange things are happening in the corn fields of Burger Farm…
Journey down a dark wooded path in this self-referential comic horror that throws it back to the '90s. Four friends reunite at a Halloween haunted farm afterhours for a night of revelry and reminiscing. But strange encounters lead the four to suspect that something may have come with more sinister plans. Filled with tricks and treats and a few scares, Children of the Corn Maze takes you back to that final Halloween before adults started asking, “Aren’t you a little old for this?”

CREATIVE TEAM:

Trey Tatum: Sound Designer Andrew Homan: Technical Coordinator

Becca Armstrong: Associate Producer

THE MIRACULOUS JOURNEY OF EDWARD TULANE

THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS

Written by Toby Hulse
From the Book by Kenneth Grahame

Directed by DAUNIELLE RASMUSSEN

OCTOBER 5- NOVEMBER 8, 2020 | VIRTUAL STREAMING

This classic tale of four animal friends in the English countryside comes to life! In this witty and magical adaptation, humble and friendly Mole leaves behind his spring cleaning to explore the Thames riverbank. There, he makes fast friends with loyal and brave Ratty, who introduces Mole to impulsive Toad and wise Badger. Together they embark on thrilling and daring adventures throughout the Wild Wood. Recommended for ages 5 and up.

CREATIVE TEAM:

Trey Tatum: Sound Designer Kenton Brett: Scenic Designer

Melanie Mortimore: Costume Designer Becca Armstrong: Associate Producer / SM

THE AVIATORS: IMMERSIVE POD PLAY

Written by Trey Tatum
Directed by Daunielle Rasmussen
Performed by Jo Garcia-Reger and Julia GomezWritten by Trey Tatum

Location: Alms Park — 710 Tusculum Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45226

Story: The Aviators follows Kaylan and Cece, who form an unlikely friendship after working through the trials of a school project about flight. Their journey includes an exploration of Alms Park and all of its hidden gems, as well as an exploration of the history of aviation.

The Pod Plays Project makes creative use of technology, storytelling and outdoor space. When listeners tune in to the audio file and begin the play, they’ll be guided through the location as the story unfolds, interacting with the same views, spots and markers as the characters in the story they’re streaming. Pod Plays are free to the public, and can be listened to at any time.

BEAUTY AND THE BOURBON TASTING

RICHIE AND BLANCE IMMERSIVE POD PLAY

Written by Isaiah Mikel-Reaves
Directed by Daunielle Rasmussen
Performed by Piper N. Davis and Je’Shaun Jackson

Location: Purple People Bridge — Newport on the Levee

Story: In Richie and Blanche, a mother and son find themselves at a crossroads. Their relationship had taken a turn after Richie came out to his parents, setting off five years of estrangement. Their emotional journey includes a walk across the Purple People Bridge as they take in the beautiful sites and views of the Ohio River and Cincinnati Skyline.

THE COUNT OF MONTE PESTO

Written by Ethan Graham Roeder

Adapted from the book by Alexandre Dumas

Directed by DAUNIELLE RASMUSSEN

FEBRUARY 25-27, 2020 | KATE'S CATERING AND PERSONAL CHEF SERVICES

Celebrity chef Dante Cristo lives with a secret he’s harbored for 15 years — a secret that ripped him away from his family and Mercedes, the girl he loved, when he was betrayed by his best friend. With his identity hidden from those who once knew him, Dante uses his celebrity status and wealth to enact a plot of revenge. The time comes to put the plan in motion when Mercedes hosts a charity fundraiser and Dante agrees to teach an exclusive cooking class in support of it. As Dante leads participants through this interactive, theatrical cooking class, he’ll bring secrets to bear and delicious food to eat, along with a reckoning of the past. After all, revenge is best served with a tasty plate of pasta.

RECENT WORK: 2019-2020 SEASON

BEAUTY AND THE BOURBON TASTING

Created and Directed by DAUNIELLE RASMUSSEN

Adapted from the story by Gabrielle-Suzanne de Villeneuve

Developed in 2019 with Bruce E. Coyle Acting Interns at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2019 | NEW RIFF DISTILLERY

Bailey Sinclair is a quirky, independent photographer who prefers to keep to herself. But when her ailing father’s medical bills become too expensive, she takes a second job at New Riff Distillery to help cover costs — despite her aversion to bourbon and the distillery owner’s reputation for being rather beastly. Determined to help her father, she does her best to deal with the pressures of her new job, beastly boss and all. Join Bailey on this interactive bourbon tasting as she finds that there may be more to the bourbon and the beast than meets the eye.

THE WAR OF THE MALLS

Created and Directed by DAUNIELLE RASMUSSEN

Adapted from the book by H.G. Wells

Developed in 2019 with Bruce E. Coyle Acting Interns at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2019 | TRI-COUNTY MALL

The Martians have landed at the Tri-County Mall! On a mission to destroy the earth, they’re leaving no person in their path alive. In this interactive escape room/laser tag adventure, teams of brave humans will undertake the task of tracking down the Martians and eliminating the threat before they destroy every living thing on the planet!

THE MIRACULOUS JOURNEY OF EDWARD TULANE

Adapted by DWAYNE HARTFORD
Based on the book by KATIE DiCAMILLO

Directed by Daunielle Rasmussen

SEPTEMBER 28- NOVEMBER 1, 2019 | OUTREACH TOUR- Cincinnati Playhouse

Edward Tulane is an expensive toy rabbit, and he is loved by a little girl named Abilene. But Edward, who is made of china, is rather self-centered. On an ocean voyage, he is accidentally thrown overboard and sinks to the bottom of the sea. So begins his miraculous journey home, in which he learns the meaning of love and loss, and how to find the courage to love again.

CREATIVE TEAM:

Trey Tatum: Sound Designer Kenton Brett: Scenic Designer

Melanie Mortimore: Costume Designer Becca Armstrong: Associate Producer / SM

RECENT WORK: 2018-19 SEASON

20,000 LEAGUES UNDER THE SEA

by RYAN UNDERBAKKE and NICK RYAN
Adapted from the book by JULES VERNE

Directed by DAUNIELLE RASMUSSEN

FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2019 | NEWPORT AQUARIUM

A one-night only production! Immerse yourself directly in the action for a one-night-only, theatrical adventure! Follow a thrilling, top-secret mission to infiltrate an enemy submarine and capture a deadly foe. The audience will be part of all the action, twists and difficult choices that must be made to carry out the mission, all while receiving exclusive access to the aquarium’s animal exhibits, hallways, backways and hidden spots.

CREATIVE TEAM:

Trey Tatum: Sound Designer Marly Wooster: Lighting Designer

Tracy Hoida: Associate Producer Julie Locker & Katie Baskerville: Assistant Directors

FRIGHT NIGHT 2.0

Created and Directed by DAUNIELLE RASMUSSEN

Developed in 2017 with Bruce E. Coyle Acting Interns at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12 and 19, 2018 | CINCINNATI ART MUSEUM

It seems that certain objects come to life when visitors and staff are not looking at the Cincinnati Art Museum. It has been reported that Frank Duveneck’s wife haunts the Cincinnati Wing, an inoperable clock chimes throughout the night and ghostly Civil War soldiers wander the galleries. Take a guided tour through one of the country’s most haunted museums during Fright Night, an event in partnership with the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park Off the Grid program, that brings together real accounts of ghosts and spookiness over the years.

*NEW this year* Monster Mash: While the adults scream, the kids will play. During your Fright Night tour time, send your little monsters to their own Halloween party!

The Jungle Book

By GREG BANKS
Adapted from the book by RUDYARD KIPLING

Directed by DAUNIELLE RASMUSSEN

SEPT. 29 – NOV. 2, 2018 | OUTREACH TOUR - Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park

Mowgli is rambunctious, curious and silly in this new adaptation of the beloved Rudyard Kipling story. Lost in the wilds of the Indian jungle, Mowgli is adopted by Baloo the bear, Bagheera the panther and all the beasts who call the mysterious wilderness home. This fast-paced retelling keeps you perched on the edge of your seat as young Mowgli comes face-to-face with sneaky monkeys, noisy vultures and his mortal enemy: the tiger, Shere Khan.

CREATIVE TEAM:

Trey Tatum: Sound Designer Kenton Brett: Scenic Designer

Tracy Hoida: Stage Manager Melanie Mortimore: Costume Designer

MOTHER NIGHT

By BRIAN KATZ
Adapted from the book by KURT VONNEGUT

Directed by BRIAN KATZ

Movement/Physical Intimacy by DAUNIELLE RASMUSSEN

October 05 - November 03, 2018 | 59e59, NYC

A tale of duplicitous spies, bumbling white supremacists, and an anti-hero that served "evil too well and good too secretly." In true Vonnegut fashion, Mother Night pieces together the story of Howard W. Campbell, an American-born Nazi propagandist and double agent, and expertly fills in the jigsaw puzzle of a life that mirrors the great events of the last century, and ones we are living with today.

CREATIVE TEAM:
SCENIC DESIGN: DANIEL BILODEAU MOVEMENT CHOREOGRAPHY: DAUNIELLE RASMUSSEN
COSTUME DESIGN: ZOË ALLEN ORIGINAL MUSIC & SOUND DESIGN: JULIAN EVANS
LIGHTING DESIGN: ADAM GEARHART FIGHT CHOREOGRAPHY: ANDREW BALDWIN
PROPERTIES DESIGN: STEPHANIE DITTBERN ASST STAGE MANAGER: ELIZABETH RAMSAY
PRODUCTION STAGE MANAGER: ALIYAH NISSIM

OFF THE GRID

APRIL 2018 – APRIL 2019 | VARIOUS LOCATIONS- Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park

Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park goes off the grid each season to bring you interactive, creative experiences created for you, by you and with you. Follow us on Facebook to stay up-to-date about Off the Grid. Off the Grid is supported by the generosity of the thousands of young professional contributors to the ArtsWave Campaign. Full list of past events listed at: https://www.cincyplay.com/tickets/off-the-grid

CREATIVE TEAM:

ARTISTIC PRODUCER: DAUNIELLE RASMUSSEN

Directors: Daunielle Rasmussen, Carolyn Guido Clifford, Julie Locker, Cait Robinson

Stage Manager: Tracy Hoida

Actors: Kevin Renn, Robert Carlton Stimmel, Hannah Jones Diaz, Psacoya Guinn, David Lopez, James Stringer, Jr., Damien Boykin, Maya Jayem, Madison Rengli, Julie Locker, Gabrielle Kogut