ABOUT
The Critics and Awards Program is a critic-based theatre awards program that strives to recognize Greater Cincinnati’s talented community of young writers, performers, and technical crews. High school theatre and journalism students who participate in the Cappies program are trained as critics, attend shows at other schools, and write and publish reviews. It is a chapter of the National Cappies Organization.
At the end of the school year, the student critics vote to give awards to their fellow students for outstanding productions, group and individual performances, and achievements in technical categories. Awards are presented at the annual Cappies Gala at the Aronoff Center.
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Participating schools are all across Cincinnati, and students are not only exposed to different theatre, but also new friendships across schools. Schools each have a critic team of five to nine students who see at least five shows each year, as well as having critics review their school's show. The submitted reviews are judged and the top ten are selected to be published here on the Cappies website, along with accruing quality points that can go toward critic or critic team awards!
To see a history of previous Cincinnati Cappies winners and nominees, click here.
VISION
At Cappies of Greater Cincinnati, we envision a vibrant and inclusive community where the transformative power of theater brings together students from urban, rural, and suburban schools. Our goal is to celebrate the unique stories and talents of all young performers, writers, and critics across our region, fostering a rich tapestry of perspectives and experiences.
We are committed to expanding our reach to ensure that every student, regardless of their background or geographical location, can participate in the Cappies program. By actively engaging with a diverse range of schools, we aim to create a platform where students from different communities can connect, collaborate, and learn from one another.
Our vision is to cultivate an environment where all students feel valued and inspired to pursue their passion for theatre, contributing to a dynamic and inclusive future for the arts in Greate Cincinnati. Together, we will celebrate the creativity and resilience of our youth, building bridges between urban, rural, and suburban schools to create a stronger, more unified community.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION, AND ACCESS
We are steadfast in our commitment to fostering a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible environment for all participants. We believe that the arts thrive when they reflect the full spectrum of human experiences and perspectives.
We recognize the importance of representation and strive to engage schools from urban, rural, and suburban areas, ensuring that students from diverse socioeconomic, racial, and cultural backgrounds have equal opportunities to participate. By providing resources, mentorship, and support, we aim to dismantle barriers that have historically excluded underrepresented groups from theater programs.
Inclusion is at the heart of our work. We are dedicated to creating a safe and respectful environment where all students feel valued and empowered to express themselves authentically. We actively seek to incorporate diverse perspectives in all aspects of our program, from performances to critiques.
Accessibility is paramount in our efforts. We are committed to making our events and performances accessible to all students, including those with disabilities. Our goal is to ensure that everyone can fully participate and benefit from the transformative power of theater.
Together, we work to build a vibrant, inclusive, and equitable community that reflects the diverse talents and stories of Greater Cincinnati’s youth.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors for the Cappies of Greater Cincinnati consists of business professionals, educators, program alumni, and theatre enthusiasts who are dedicated to serving the students in our program. We also have opportunities to volunteer on several sub-committees, all in the spirit of celebrating student theatre.
Interested in joining the Board? Connect with us.
Program Director
Chair
Treasurer
Program Manager
Gala Producer
Marketing Manager
Member At-Large