Events
Muse Machine Dance Classes
Ages 13-20
Saturdays 11:00am-12:30pm, April 6 — May 18, 2024 (7 classes)
Muse Studio, Metropolitan Arts Center (next to the Victoria Theatre)
Fee $10/class ($70 total)
It can be challenging to find tap training with the goal of rounding out the dance experience for someone who is interested in musical theatre. We also receive requests for training in general dance technique and alignment. This series of classes is intended to help develop those aspects of dance that are not always the focus of other classes. Life-long dancer Beth Wright, formerly of renowned dance troupe Rhythm In Shoes, will provide beginning/early tap training with a focus on musical theatre and dance technique/alignment!
Register via the link below. Space is limited.
Register for Muse Dance Classes
Muse Musical Auditions
Beginning September 27, 2023
Metropolitan Arts Center (next to the Victoria Theatre)
Be a part of one of the largest student productions in the state! The Muse production has opportunities for actor/singer/dancers, musicians and behind-the-schenes production assistants. Complete details and online audition appointments available here!
Free Student Workshop: Express Yourself Through Music
Monday, September 25, 4:00-5:30pm
Northmont MS (4810 National Rd, Clayton, OH 45315
Free (lunch provided)
Michael helps participants examine the nature of music, inspire one another and nurture the music maker within. He shares his ideas about the power of music and demonstrates his approach to guitar, songwriting and performing. Discover a deeper understanding of music! Accessible to all levels of ability — no instruments required.
Event has occurredIn-School Performances
Below are the performances that will tour participating schools in the 2023-24 season. Your Muse Machine advisors select which performances will appear at your school (all performances may not appear at all schools). Additional links related to the performances will be available below, added throughout the year.
Kick-Off Performance
THINK LIKE A COMPOSER
Presented by musician Michael Kelsey
Michael Kelsey breaks down the process of turning sounds into compositions and helps students understand the nature of music and the keys to songwriting. With his “on the spot” recording equipment, he can quickly construct sound sculptures using elements in the room. Students offer ideas for lyrics and found objects for instruments to contribute to the performance. The audience comes away knowing more about how they can make music part of everyday life!
Think Like a Composer Performance Guide
ATTEND THE TALE: OPERATIC GHOST STORIES
Presented by Dayton Opera
With extreme drama, thrills and emotion, let opera transport you to a world that lies in your imagination and beyond. From Mozart to Andrew Lloyd Webber, operatic and musical theatre is filled with narratives based on myth, mystery and phantoms. Students will join in the storytelling as the Dayton Opera Artists in Residence go on a spooky voyage to explore the elements of drama and how the human voice can inspire awe and shivers.
Attend the Tale Performance Guide
BEYOND ‘THE CAGED BIRD SINGS’
Presented by Dayton Contemporary Dance Company
“While one may encounter many defeats, one must not be defeated.” DCDC presents a moving tribute to the legacy of Maya Angelou, the iconic author, poet, civil rights activist and humanitarian. Students will gain insight into the life of this extraordinary woman beyond her writings while also learning about her literary impact on American society.
Beyond ‘The Caged Bird Sings’ Performance Guide
FROM OHIO WITH LOVE
Presented by musicians Brother Hill & Benya Stewart
When folk musicians and songwriters Brother Hill and Benya Stewart began collaborating with Ukrainian musicians in 2019, they had no idea of the humanitarian mission that lay ahead. In a whirlwind of original and traditional music featuring guitar, mandolin, drums, and plenty of audience participation, they share enthralling stories of using folk music as a tool to bridge cultures and bring people together.
From Ohio With Love Performance Guide
THE COMEDY OF ERRORS
Presented by Cincinnati Shakespeare Company
This adaptation of Shakespeare’s most slapstick comedy is bursting at the seams with hilarious mishaps, toe-tapping music and head-over-heels love. When two sets of twins are separated at birth they grow up in Ephesus, completely unaware their identical brothers are growing up just over in Syracuse. But an unexpected visit sets off a series of unfortunate events — brother gets mistaken for brother, servant serves the wrong master and hearts may break if they don’t set the twins straight!
The Comedy of Errors Performance Guide
Out-Of-School Performances
Below are the performances that Muse Machine members may attend with discounted tickets in the 2023-24 season. Your Muse Machine advisors select which performances are available for students at your school (all performances may not be available for all schools). See your Muse advisor if you’d like to see a specific show, for performance dates, other info or to purchase discounted tickets!
Muse Machine Musical: 9 to 5
• Presented by Muse Machine at the Victoria Theatre on Jan 11-14, 2024
• Recommended for ages: middle school and older
• Estimated run time: 2:30
When three workmates are pushed to boiling point by their egotistical boss, they concoct a plan to turn the tables. Will the women manage to reform their office – or will events unravel when the CEO pays an unexpected visit? Inspired by the hit movie, this hilarious musical is about teaming up, standing up and taking care of business!
“I am beyond thrilled to the response to 9 to 5 The Musical,” said composer and lyricist Dolly Parton. “The overwhelmingly positive fan reaction tickles every rhinestone on my body!”
One of the largest musical productions in the state stars an enormous cast of young people from across the Miami Valley. The Muse Machine musical has been praised by The Dayton Daily News as “a performing arts all-star effort,” while The Oakwood Register has called it “an evening of true theatrical joy…”
Enrichment Guide
In Good Company
• Presented by Dayton Contemporary Dance Company at the Victoria Theatre on Sat, Oct 14 at 7:30pm and Sun, Oct 15 at 4:00pm.
• Recommended for ages 7 and up
• Estimated run time: TBA
Know us by the company we keep… DCDC combines forces with Cleo Parker Robinson Dance from Denver for a special performance that includes Jacob’s Ladder by hip hop legend, Dr. Rennie Harris!
To Kill A Mockingbird
• Presented by Dayton Live at the Schuster Center on Tues, Oct 17, 2023 and Wed, Oct 18, 2023
• Recommended for ages 12 and up with parental discretion: contains racially explicit language and discussion of violence.
• Estimated run time: 2:35
Aaron Sorkin’s acclaimed new adaptation of the coming-of-age story of two children as they grow to understand their father — Atticus Finch — a lawyer defending a black man falsely accused of a crime.
The Black Violin Experience Tour
• Presented by Dayton Live at the Schuster Center on Tues, Oct 24, 2023 at 7:30pm
• Recommended for ages 6 and up.
• Estimated run time: TBA
This violin duo combined their classical training and love for hip-hop music, establishing a genre-bending sound that is described as “classical boom”. The Impossible Tour spreads the message that anything is possible and there are no limits to what one can achieve, regardless of circumstance!
Dracula: Bloodlines
• Presented by the Dayton Ballet and Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra at the Victoria Theatre on Fri, Oct 27, 2023 at 7:30pm
• Recommended for ages 7 and up
• Estimated run time: TBA
In 15th-century Transylvania, the merciless Vlad the Impaler transforms into the infamous Dracula. Eerie choreography and an original score set the scene for a ghastly Halloween weekend!
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street
• Presented by Dayton Opera and Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra at the Victoria Theatre on Sat, Nov 4, 2023 at 7:30pm
• Recommended for ages 12 and up with parental discretion; contains stylized scenes of violence and assault.
• Estimated run time: 2:45
Sweeney Todd, a man with a mysterious past, returns to dark and gritty London and joins forces with Mrs. Lovett, the unhinged proprietress of a failing pie shop. Together they develop a spine-tingling plot to exact revenge. When the lights go down and the curtain goes up, you won’t dare look away. Students are invited to dress in Halloween costumes for this special Muse Night on the Town!
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
• Presented by Cincinnati Shakespeare Company at the the Otto M. Budig Theatre, 1195 Elm St., Cincinnati 45202 on Sat, Nov 11, 2023 at 7:30pm
• Recommended for ages 11 and up
• Estimated run time: TBA
Love is magic and mayhem. Two young lovers flee to the forest, where feuding fairies surprise them with love triangles, potions, a troupe of bumbling thespians and a donkey head! A midwinter twist brings whimsical warmth and adventures to this tale perfect for the whole family.
Mozart’s Jupiter Symphony
• Presented by Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra at the Schuster Center on Sat, Nov 11, 2023 at 7:30pm
• Recommended for ages 7 and up
• Estimated run time: TBA
Mozart’s “Jupiter” Symphony is widely celebrated as the peak of his instrumental music. The program also includes Beethoven’s Leonore Overture from Fidelio, Strauss’ Second Horn Concerto and Schubert’s Entr’acte No. 3 from Rosamunde.
How The Grinch Stole Christmas: The Musical!
• Presented by Dayton Live at the Victoria Theatre on Wed, Nov 15, 2023 at 7:30pm and Thurs, Nov 16, 2023 at 7:30pm
• Recommended for ages 5 and up
• Estimated run time: 1:00
The Grinch discovers there’s more to Christmas than he bargained for in this heart-warming holiday classic. Max the Dog narrates as the mean and scheming Grinch, whose heart is “two sizes too small,” decides to steal Christmas away from the holiday-loving Whos. Celebrate the holidays with the show The New York Times calls “100 times better than any bedtime story!”
Straight No Chaser: Sleighin’ It Tour
• Presented by Dayton Live at the Schuster Center on Tues, Nov 28 at 7:30pm
• Recommended for ages 6 and up.
• Estimated run time: TBA
Not your traditional male a cappella group, Straight No Chaser is the real deal, the captivating sound of nine unadulterated human voices coming together to make extraordinary music that moves people in a fundamental sense… and with a sense of humor!
The Magic Flute
• Presented by the Metropolitan Opera: Live in HD on Sat, Dec 2, 2023 at Cinemark Dayton South (West Carrollton)
• Recommended for ages 8 and up
• Estimated run time: 1:32
Prince Tamino and the bird-catcher Papageno are on a quest to rescue Princess Pamina. They use musical instruments enhanced with magical powers on their path toward a deeper understanding of true love and happiness! This family-friendly production of Mozart’s dazzling fairy tale is sung in English and run just an hour and a half.
Miracle On 34th Street: The Musical
• Presented by La Comedia Dinner Theatre, 765 W. Central Ave, Springboro 45066 on Fri, Dec 1 and Fri, Dec 8. Arrive 5:30-6:00pm for meal; show ends at approximately 8:45pm.
• Recommended for ages 7 and up
• Estimated run time 1:10 (Arrive 5:30-6:00pm for meal; show ends at approximately 8:45pm.)
When it turns out that a Macy’s Santa may, in fact, be the real Kris Kringle, a wave of love spreads across New York City that melts even the most cynical hearts. A holiday classic based on the movie of the same name from the writer of The Music Man! Price includes a buffet meal.
Florencia en el Amazonas
• Presented by the Metropolitan Opera: Live in HD on Sat, Dec 9, 2023 at Regal Cinemas: Fairfield Commons (Beavercreek)
• Recommended for ages 8 and up
• Estimated run time: 2:10
Daniel Catán’s 1996 opera tells the enchanting story of a Brazilian opera diva who returns to her homeland to perform at the legendary opera house and to search for her lost lover, who has vanished into the jungle.
The Hip Hop Nutcracker
• Presented by Dayton Live at the Victoria Theatre on Sun, Dec 10, 2023 at 2:00pm
• Recommended for ages 6 and up.
• Estimated run time: 2:00
The Hip Hop Nutcracker is brought to life by a powerhouse cast of a dozen all-star dancers, a DJ and a violinist, smashing hip hop dance and Tchaikovsky’s timeless music together into a heart-stirring and inspirational holiday event!
Cirque Dreams Holidaze
• Presented by Dayton Live at the Victoria Theatre on Fri, Dec 15, 2023 at 7:30pm
• Recommended for ages 6 and up.
• Estimated run time: 1:30
Cirque Dreams Holidaze wraps a Broadway-style production around an infusion of contemporary circus arts. Featuring an ensemble of aerial circus acts, jugglers, breath-catching acrobatics and much more, the Dayton Daily News proclaims, “There’s no way the stunts I witnessed on stage actually happened as most of them aren’t humanly possible!”
The Nutcracker
• Presented by Dayton Ballet and Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra at the Schuster Center on Sat, Dec 9, 2023 at 2:30pm and Sat, Dec 16 at 2:30pm
• Recommended for ages 5 and up
• Estimated run time: 1:45
Join little Clara as she drifts into restless slumber, where she meets the sparkling Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier. An enormous cast dances to live music performed by the Dayton Philharmonic in this holiday tradition!
Swan Lake
• Presented by Dayton Ballet and Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra at the Schuster Center on Fri, Feb 16, 2024 at 7:30pm
• Recommended for ages 7 and up
• Estimated run time: TBA
Under the spell of a sorcerer, the swan princess Odette spends her days as a swan swimming on a lake of tears and her nights in her beautiful human form, confronted with magical tricks to keep her from her prince.
Carmen
• Presented by the Metropolitan Opera: Live in HD on Sat, Feb 17, 2024 at Bethel Local Schools Auditorium (Tipp City)
• Recommended for ages 8 and up
• Estimated run time: 2:52
Bold, uninhibited and strong-willed, Carmen lives life on her own terms. She’s the woman who everyone wants — but she wants nothing but freedom. Carmen’s determination to be “born free and to die free” is what makes her irresistible — but in love, does anything come without a price?
On Broadway!
• Presented by Dayton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra at the Schuster Center on Sun, Mar 10, 2024 at 2:30pm
• Recommended for ages 7 and up
• Estimated run time: TBA
The Dayton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra and Opera Artists-in-Residence perform songs and overtures from some of the best musicals on Broadway!
Hadestown
• Presented by Dayton Live at the Schuster Center on Wed, Mar 13 at 7:30pm and Thurs, Mar, 14 at 7:30pm, 2024
• Recommended for ages 8 and up.
• Estimated run time: 2:30
Welcome to Hadestown, where a song can change your fate. The winner of eight 2019 Tony Awards is a haunting and hopeful theatrical experience, intertwining two mythic tales on an unforgettable journey to the underworld and back!
Shipwrecked! An Entertainment: The Amazing Adventures of Louis de Rougemont (as Told by Himself)
• Presented by the Human Race Theatre Company on Thurs, Feb 22, 2024 at 8:00pm and Tues, Feb 27, 2024 at 7:00pm at The Loft Theatre
• Recommended for ages 7 and up
• Estimated run time: 1:30
Dare to be whisked away in a story of the high seas and all corners of the globe, populated by flying wombats, giant sea turtles and a monstrous man-eating octopus. Shipwrecked examines how far we’re willing to blur the line between fact and fiction to leave our mark on the world.
Drum Tao
• Presented by Dayton Live at the Victoria Theatre on Wed, Mar 20, 2024
• Recommended for ages 6 and up.
• Estimated run time: 2:00
An athletic ensemble in dazzling costumes meets explosive Taiko drumming and innovative choreography. The performers live and train in the mountains of Japan, reaching the highest level of virtuosity after years of intense study. Drum Tao presents a young and vibrantly modern take on a traditional art form.
Total Eclipse: The Sun And The Planets
• Presented by Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra at the Schuster Center on Sat, April 6, 2024 at 7:30pm
• Recommended for ages 7 and up
• Estimated run time: TBA
A celestial celebration honoring the April total solar eclipse! The evening begins with Nielsen’s Helios Overture before Holst’s The Planets takes center stage. From powerful to eerie and ethereal, the work has served as a source of inspiration for composers like John Williams and Hans Zimmer. Mozart’s exuberant Piano Concert No. 16. is also featured.
Tina: The Tina Turner Musical
• Presented by Dayton Live at the Schuster Center on Wed, Apr 10, 2024 at 7:30pm
• Recommended for ages 14 and up with parental discretion: contains depictions of violence and domestic violence.
• Estimated run time: 2:45
Celebrate the unstoppable woman that dared to dream fiercely, shatter barriers and conquer the world—against all odds. Set to the pulse-pounding soundtrack of her most beloved hits, this electrifying sensation will send you soaring to the rafters. The New York Times cheers, “I’ve rarely heard an audience with this mighty a roar.”
Tosca
• Presented by Dayton Opera and Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra at the Schuster Center on Sat, Apr 20, 2024 at 7:30pm
• Recommended for ages 12 and up with parental discretion; contains stylized depiction of torture, murder and suicide.
• Estimated run time: 2:45
A feast for both the eye and ear, Puccini’s Tosca is a thrilling roller-coaster ride of political intrigue, passion and betrayal, filled with some of the most ravishing music in opera.
Disney’s The Lion King
• Presented by Dayton Live at the Schuster Center on Thurs, May 2 at 7:30pm, Tues, May 7 at 7:30pm and Wed, May 8 at 7:30pm, 2024
• Recommended for ages 6 and up.
• Estimated run time: 2:30
The young Simba flees the Pride Lands, leaving the life he knew behind, alongside a few unlikely friends. But when a desperate plea catches up to the prince, Simba must take on a formidable enemy and fulfill his destiny to be king. “The Lion King is a marvel, a theatrical achievement unrivaled in its beauty, brains and ingenuity.” —Variety