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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?

Gail Belokur is the Co-Artistic Director with Joey, who is also the Resident Director. Todd Peterson is the Resident Choreographer.

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

Learn more about the rest of the R2P staff.

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?

It costs us $400 per participant per show. Families are responsible for covering that through a combination of donations, fundraising, program ad solicitation, and/or sweat equity.

Participation in R2P does not require the writing of a check. There are many ways to cover the costs of creating a season of professionally produced shows – but without everyone contributing to the effort it wouldn't be possible.

When will auditions happen?

Auditions are coming at the beginning of October. 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:

  • The Music Man: January 8-10 (Dryden High School; grades 6 – 12 eligible)
  • Singin’ in the Rain: April 9-11 (Newfield High School; grades 6 – 8 eligible)
  • You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown: May 21-23 (State Theatre of Ithaca; grades 6 – 12 eligible)
  • Spring Showcase 2010: June 18-20 (Trumansburg High School; grades 6 – 12 and alumni eligible)
  • Guys & Dolls: August 13-15 (State Theatre of Ithaca; grades 9 – 12 eligible)
  • Wind in the Willows: September 10-12 (Location TBA; grades 6 – 11 eligible; straight show)
    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 doing 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, music 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, Executive 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.