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Yeah… but can it play Dayton?

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[title of show] - Encore Theater Co. - Dayton CastDayton, Ohio:  a hotbed for the development & performance of new musical theatre?

YES.

“It is a hopeless endeavour to attract people to a theatre unless they can be first brought to believe that they will never get in.” – CHARLES DICKENS, Nicholas Nickleby

Musical Theatre Workshop:  Festival 2010

THE HUMAN RACE THEATRE COMPANY

During the 1940’s and 1950’s, American Musical Theatre was developed right in the heart of it all – Manhatten. After all, that’s where all the great theatre was happening. PLUS – it wasn’t nearly as expensive to produce a big Broadway musical as it is today. (Wicked has just recently recouped its $40 million investment and THAT’S a runaway hit). Add to that the fact that the vast majority of Broadway audiences are tourists, then you can see why so many writers of new musical theatre are hungry to test their work in an “everyman” market. After all, those are the folks buying tickets.

Events here in our city over the next two weekends suggest to me that New York writers might just begin asking themselves –“Yeah, but will it play Dayton?” Without a doubt, Dayton is becoming a new Midwestern Mecca for new musical theatre development.

Human Race Musical Theatre Workshop 2008

"The Black Crook Project" 2008

Consider this. Downtown at The Loft theatre this coming weekend, THREE new musicals will premiere. One of those – PLAY IT BY HEART – features the work of Brian Yorkey (2009 Tony-Winner for Next To Normal). Another – TENDERLY – was written by the same team that created the wildly popular GREEN GABLES that played the Victoria in 2005. And the third – being written as we speak by local students – will make its national debut – right here in Dayton (The Lovewell Project). This is coming on the heels of the stellar Human Race production of Adam Gwon’s new musical ORDINARY DAYS. There is simply no excuse not to catch one of these shows. Not to mention, the schedule for the festival weekend makes it so easy. PLUS there are opportunities to meet the creators and party with the Race.

Do yourself a favor and make time for this festival weekend.
MUSICAL THEATRE WORKSHOP: FESTIVAL 2010 FULL SCHEDULE

Friday, July 16

8pm               Play It By Heart @ The Loft Theatre
Followed by an After-Show Reception @ The Dayton Racquet Club

Saturday, July 17

1:15pm          Meet the Play It By Heart writers @ The Loft Lobby
2pm                Play It By Heart @ The Loft Theatre
7pm               Lovewell Show @ The Loft Theatre
Followed by an After-Show Reception The Loft Lobby
8pm                Tenderly @ Creativity Center

Sunday, July 18

2pm                 Lovewell Show @ The Loft Theatre
2pm                 Tenderly @ Creativity Center
6:15pm           Meet the Tenderly writers Creativity Center
7pm                 Tenderly @ Creativity Center
Followed by a Wrap-Up Party @ a Location TBA

Synopses:

Play it By Heart tells the story of a female country music star battling her family and a changing industry. Taylor, who penned such hits as Tammy Wynette’s “Another Chance” and Johnny Cash’s “The Baron,” calls it “the quintessential story of family in country music.”

Tenderly is about a real musical legend, one of the most famous entertainers ever to come out of the Southwest Ohio/Northern Kentucky region, Rosemary Clooney. The show includes such Clooney hits as “Come On-a My House,” “Mambo Italiano” and “Hey There.”

For more Information & Tickets, visit:

Musical Theatre Workshop: Festival 2010 (July 16-18) will be celebrated at both the 219-seat Loft Theatre at 126 N. Main St. and the approximately 60-seat Caryl D. Philips Creativity Center at 116 N. Jefferson St. Tickets ($15 per performance) are available at the door. Visit http://www.humanracetheatre.org for more information.

If we seem to have a particular passion for developing NEW and innovative work, it because we do! After all, the same weekend as the MTW Festival at the Loft, Encore Theater Company is presenting local premiere of the 2009 Tony-Nominated musical [title of show] – trust me – a comedy like no other!

DB

[title of show]

ENCORE THEATER COMPANY

What do you get when you gather four friends, four chairs, a keyboard, some monkeys, vampires, drag queens and a fresh batch of rice crispy treats?  Why [title of show] of course!

How do you explain a show that has an ingredient list like that?  How about “a show that really [BEEEEEEP]’ing ROCKS!”

Shawn Hooks as "Jeff" in [title of show] - Dayton, Ohio But really, all poor grammar aside, this show really does ROCK!  Just ask Dayton native Susan Blackwell, an original cast member of the Broadway, Off-Broadway and New York Musical Theater Festival productions of the little show that could. Not only was Ms. Blackwell an original cast member…she is also a character in the show.

Angele' Price as "Susan" in [title of show] - Dayton, OhioConfused? Don’t be, here’s the premise-[title of show] is a hilarious new musical written by 2 struggling writers about 2 struggling writers writing a hilarious new musical. word.  Essentially, art imitating life imitating art imitating life.  Get the picture? Oh, and Susan was a great pal & agreed to be in their show.

Chris Smyth as "Hunter" in [title of show] - Dayton, OhioWith a song list that includes such classics as “Untitled Opening Number,” “Monkeys & Playbills,” “I Am Playing Me,” “Nine People’s Favorite Thing,” and  “Die Vampire, Die!” how could you possibly consider missing this opportunity to catch this show?

Nora Coyle as "Heidi" in [title of show] - Dayton, OhioWell…here’s good news!  You can win Tickets to [tos]! YAY! DaytonMostMetro & Encore Theater Company are giving away three pairs of tickets to [title of show].  All you need to do is give the show’s director a good DRAG QUEEN name! Yes, that’s right, brainstorm a great drag queen name for the director of the show…and suggest it in the comment section below (everyone else in the cast/crew has a DQ name already…you can check them out HERE).

We will announce winners on Wednesday night.  You will have a choice of performances (Thursday, Friday or Saturday at 7:30pm).

Help DOUBLE the number of tickets that we will be giving away!  We will announce three additional winners, if we can help DaytonMostMetro reach 2,000 fans by midnight Wednesday! Go to the DMM Facebook Fan Page, become a fan if you are not already, then share it with all of your friends, family & FB lurkers.

[title of show] will be performed at 7:30pm on Thursday, Friday & Saturday (July 15-17) at Blair Hall Theatre on the campus of Sinclair Community College.  Visit www.EncoreTheaterCompany.com for more information about Encore Theater Company & [tos].

For more Information & Tickets, visit:

[title of show] (July 15-17) Call Blair Hall Box Office at  (937) 512-2808 or visit http://www.EncoreTheaterCompany.com for information and links to the online box office.  Tickets are $15 in advance, $18 at the door.  Please note:  [title of show] contains adult themes and language.

SA

Encore Theater Company welcomes the writers of Next Thing You Know to Dayton, July 23-25

Joshua Salzman & Ryan Cunningham - Next Thing You KnowOn the “developing new musical theatre in Dayton, Ohio” front, ETC would like to mention the exciting fact that the writers of NEXT THING YOU KNOW will be traveling from New York to work with the Dayton cast on the show.  Joshua Salzman & Ryan Cunningham (who penned the Off-Broadway hit I LOVE YOU BECAUSE) have been developing NTYK for a potential New York run, and will be utilizing the Encore Theater Company production as an opportunity to test some changes and make some creative decisions in the development process.

In an effort to help cover Josh & Ryan’s expenses, ETC kicked off the 30 for 30 for New Musical Theater campaign last week.  The response was great from the Dayton arts community…making this opportunity a reality!  If you would like to contribute to the fund, and an opportunity to meet the writers, please email the ETC staff at newmusicalsETC@gmail.com for information about how you can participate in the campaign.

While Salzman & Cunningham are in town, they will also conduct a workshop for Dayton actors about auditioning for musical theatre productions.  This workshop will take place on Saturday, July 24th in the Oregon District Arts Collaborative space above the new SideBar (400 East Fifth Street, Suite A).  Email the ETC staff at newmusicalsETC@gmail.com for information.

Next Thing You Know will be performed at 7:30pm on Thursday, Friday & Saturday (August 12-14) at Blair Hall Theatre on the campus of Sinclair Community College.  Visit www.EncoreTheaterCompany.com for more information about Encore Theater Company & NTYK.

For more Information & Tickets, visit:

Next Thing You Know (August 12-14) Call Blair Hall Box Office at  (937) 512-2808 or visit http://www.EncoreTheaterCompany.com for information and links to the online box office.  Tickets are $15 in advance, $18 at the door.  Please note: NTYK contains adult themes and language.

Update: NEXT THING YOU KNOW by Salzman & Cunningham

Joshua Salzman & Ryan Cunningham traveled from New York to Dayton last weekend to work with the ETC cast of NEXT THING YOU KNOW.  The writers continued to mold & shape their show into what they envision it to be.  This was a thrilling experience for everyone at Encore Theater Company.

While Salzman & Cunningham were in town we took some time to sit down with them, and the cast of NTYK to record a MusicalWorld episode.  Look for that episode below.

We also hosted a reception for the writing team at the home of Dr. Michael Ervin, followed by a trip to the new SideBar in the Oregon District.  Much thanks go out to Dr. Ervin, Kevin Moore (artistic director of The Human Race Theatre Co.), the donor’s in the “30 for 30” campaign, the folks at Toxic Brew Company (keep watching DMM for info about this cool Dayton start-up), Bill & Shannon from Dayton Most Metro and representatives from other local organizations & theatre companies.  Look for a video about that reception below.

http://www.mevio.com/episode/241734/mw66-salzman-amp-cunningham-next-thing-you

SA

Spitfire Grill

BEAVERCREEK COMMUNITY THEATRE

The Spitfire Grill - Beavercreek Community TheatreWhile not a brand new piece of musical theater, SPITFIRE GRILL is a rarely performed show.  The last performance in Dayton was the excellent production by The Human Race Theatre a few seasons ago.

Doug Lloyd will helm the Beavercreek Community Theatre production of Spitfire Grill September 17th through the 26th.  He will be joined on staff by Stacey Gear (choreographer) and Dr. James Tipps (music director).  BCT recently held auditions for the show.  The result was what looks to be a terrific cast for this heartwarming show.

Percy Talbott – Sydney Lanier

Shelby Thorpe – Katie Storost

Hannah Ferguson – Pam McGinnis

Effy Krayneck – Teresa Connair

Sheriff Joe Sutter – Max Monnig

Caleb Thorpe – Brad Mattingly

The Visitor – Nick Vanderpool

Synopsis:

A feisty parolee follows her dreams, based on a page from an old travel book, to a small town in Wisconsin and finds a place for herself working at Hannah’s Spitfire Grill. It is for sale but there are no takers for the only eatery in the depressed town, so newcomer Percy suggests to Hannah that she raffle it off. Entry fees are one hundred dollars and the best essay on why you want the grill wins. Soon, mail is arriving by the wheelbarrow full and things are definitely cookin’ at the Spitfire Grill

Mark your calendars and plan to attend what will surely be a terrific production of  Spitfire Grill.

For more Information & Tickets, visit:

Spitfire Grill (September 17-26) Call Beavercreek Community Theatre Box Office at  (937) 429-4737 or visit http://www.bctheatre.org for information and links to the online box office.

SA

FINALLY – be sure to check out the latest MusicalWorld Podcast that features an interview with Susan Blackwell (who was in the original cast of [title of show] on Broadway!

Jonathan Larson’s RENT @ C{Space in Downtown Dayton

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Jonathan Larson's RENT at C{Space June 3-5 www.RENTdayton.org

Jonathan Larson's RENT at C{Space June 3-5 www.RENTdayton.org ~ Win Tickets Below!

On June 3rd Encore Theater Company will open it’s summer season of musicals with a show which has become a cornerstone for the musical theater world of the past decade and a half.  ETC will present Jonathan Larson’s Pulitzer Prize winning Broadway musical RENT in C{space on three evenings next week, and if you don’t plan ahead, you just might miss out this highly provocative production in a truly unique downtown venue (Saturday is nearly sold out & tickets are selling fast for the other performances).

The musical, which is based loosely on Puccini’s opera La Boheme, follows a year in the lives of seven friends living the disappearing Bohemian lifestyle in New York’s East Village.  AIDS and both it’s physical and emotional complications pervade these characters as they struggle to find their place in a quickly changing world.

Maureen & Joanne in RENT www.RENTdayton.org

We think of RENT as this iconic “rock opera” legend but what RENT was saying and how it was saying it was revolutionary in 1996 and the theater world has never been the same.  The number of doors RENT opened for new musical theatre writers was unprecedented.  Shows that have followed – like SPRING AWAKENING & 2010’s AMERICAN IDIOT (Yes, the GreenDay one) –  are indebted to Larson & his show for their success.  RENT’s influence is still profound in shows opening today, fourteen years after it quietly opened it’s Off-Broadway run the night after Larson died of an aortic aneurysm.

When talking with cast members of the show, it’s interesting, almost comical actually, to realize that for many of them, their first knowledge of this show was the 2005 film version.  As depressing as that is to this almost-40-year-old, who could’ve been in the original Broadway cast (if he could act & sing that is), it’s also refreshing.  This cast is approaching this material with such an infectious energy!  They are exploring the souls of these characters, but through a new point of view, in a very different world.

Drew Bown as "Roger" in RENT www.RENTdayton.org
“To be able to experience something so beyond myself in sharing with my fellow castmates and it’s viewers, the very real struggle that these characters live through has been life-changing.  This chance to live in love, to spread the message to carry on and be thankful every single day has been a gift.”

Drew Bowen, “Roger”

JJ Parkey as "Mark" in RENT www.RENTdayton.org
“Being a part of RENT is something deeply profound that I’ve strived for in my art and I finally have the chance to play my dream role.  I’ll carry with me the artistic lessons that I’ve learned from this production as I pursue my stage career.”

JJ Parkey, “Mark”

Since ETC carries as its mission the development and preservation of new musical theatre, it seemed only fitting that we honor Jonathon Larson – the pioneer who made our work and our mission possible.  Along with a unique group of collaborators including C}Space, Sinclair Community College Theatre Department, AIDS Resource Center of Ohio, and Project Runway Finalist Althea Harper, ETC invites you to rediscover why you fell in love with RENT all over again and see this generation-defining musical in a fresh innovative production against the backdrop of one of Downtown’s Dayton’s most unique spaces.

Maureen & Joanne in RENT www.RENTdayton.org

Jonathan Larson’s RENT will play June 3, 4 & 5 in downtown Dayton’s C{space at 7:30pm each evening. An additional 11:30pm performance will take place on Friday, June 4th. Tickets for the event are $15 in advance and $18 at the door.  You can order tickets by visiting www.RENTdayton.org

WIN TICKETS to RENT!

It’s easy!  Just COMMENT to this post before midnight Saturday, May 29th to be entered into a drawing to win a set of tickets to the Encore Theater Company production of RENT.  We will be giving away one set of tickets for each 7:30 performance (Thursday, Friday & Saturday, 1 winner per performance)…but you can help DOUBLE the number of tickets we will be giving away!  If 50 readers “SHARE” this post, by clicking the FACEBOOK SHARE BUTTON before midnight Saturday…we’ll give away two sets of tickets for each evening’s performance! Start Sharing!

Off the Beaten Path: Dayton’s National Park Offers Unique Cycling Experience

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Park Ranger Mark Dues leading cyclists along the Great Miami River.

Cyclists looking for an atypical riding experience will find one this summer as Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park has announced their 2010 bicycle tour dates.

The “Bike With A Ranger” program, sponsored by the National Park Service, is an exciting, yet casual, way to explore Dayton’s historic sites.  Park guide, and experienced cyclist Mark Dues will lead the tours – interpreting the region’s rich heritage of creativity and innovation along the way.

Two bicycle programs will be offered:

“The Gem City: Cradle of Creativity”

Learn how Dayton became a hotbed of inventiveness, innovation, and creativity. This bicycle ride on flat terrain along quiet urban streets and bike trails visits the Wrights’ bicycle shop; the home of internationally-renowned poet, Paul Laurence Dunbar; the invention and transportation exhibits at Carillon Historical Park; and various historic sites in Downtown Dayton.  The tour ends where it started–in Wright-Dunbar Village. The Wright Cycle Company Complex is located at the intersection of West Third and South Williams Streets, 22 South Williams Street, Dayton OH 45402, just west of downtown. June 6, July 11, August 8,  10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

“Huffman Prairie and Historic Patterson Field (Wright-Patterson AFB, Areas A & C)”

Discover how one of the largest aviation complexes in the world, Wright-Patterson AFB, began as a humble 84-acre cow pasture just a few miles northeast of Dayton. This moderately difficult bicycle ride down mostly bicycle trails and less-traveled roads will take the trail leading to Huffman Prairie Flying Field and historic old Patterson Field (present day Wright-Patterson AFB, Areas A & C).  Due to Air Force security requirements, all participants must register at least seven days prior to the tour. No exceptions! The tour will end where we started–at Wright Memorial Hill. Wright Memorial Hill is located close to the intersection of State Route 444 and Kauffman Road, just 1.5 miles east of the National Museum of the United States Air Force. At Huffman Prairie Flying Field Interpretive Center, 2380 Memorial Rd., Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433.  June 20, July 25, and August 22,  8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

– All participants should be present no later than the times mentioned above for sign-in and orientation.

– Bicyclists should be in good physical condition and feel comfortable gearing up and down hills.

– Inclement weather may cause tour cancellation. Huffman Prairie Flying Field may close without prior notice since it is located on an active military installation.

– Participants are required to bring their own bicycles and personal gear, including snacks and/or lunch. Proper wear of helmets is required.

– Bicycles should be in good operating condition and are subject to safety inspections.

For additional information, or to register for these free tours, contact Mark Dues at 937-425-0008.

Urban Nights – A Musical Guide

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Urban Nights showcases some of the best that downtown Dayton has to offer, and since we have a lot to offer, deciding what to see and hear can be a bit overwhelming.  So I’ve compiled a list of some of the musical highlights Friday has to offer:

*The official Urban Nights program includes entertainment on a main stage at Courthouse Square and several satellite stages.  My picks for main stage entertainment are the Reece Lincoln Band (6:00-6:45 p.m.) and  The Rev. Cool Arkestra & Dance Ensemble (7:00-7:45 p.m.).  Reece Lincoln is one of Dayton’s rising musical stars and puts on a high energy show that combines elements of blues and classic rock and roll.  The Rev. Cool Arkestra & Dance Ensemble is the brainchild of WYSO host Rev Cool (Around the Fringe).  It’s a unique combination of live music, DJ mixes and dance that’s not to be missed.  The satellite stages include everything from local jazz, rock and roll covers and a preview of the Encore Theatre Company’s production of RENT to a spotlight on Sinclair’s musical offerings.  A full schedule and a printable program and map can be found here.

* Friday is the first day of Side Show V, which features a wide variety music, performance and art.  This year’s showcase takes place at the Armory building on E. Sixth Street and Friday’s musical highlights include Noah Wotherspoon and Jessi Bair (6-6:30pm), c.wright’s Parlour Tricks (8:40-9:30pm), Sohio (10:10-10:40pm) and Outside Residential (10:50-11:20pm).  For a better idea of what the Side Show is all about, check out J.T. Ryder’s featured article right here on Dayton Most Metro.  The full lineup for both days of Side Show V is available on their Myspace page.

* Friday also marks the start of the 2nd FilmDayton Festival.  This year’s festival is bigger and better, and in addition to featuring more films than last year, there’s also more music!  Lisa Grigsby’s post here on Dayton Most Metro features the full festival lineup.  There are two great great musical offerings on Friday night:  Gladgirl will present “Dayton Rock and Roll Home Movies,” a free kickoff event at the old Greyhound Station on Fifth Street that’s been transformed into the festival lounge.  This event will feature music videos from current and past local bands and live music from Flotation Walls.  Later that night, the Lab Partners will perform at the first festival after-party at Gilly’s with the Now Device (headed by Springfield native Rod Hatified) providing a video and light show.

*As if that weren’t enough, A World A’Fair also begins on Friday at the Dayton Convention Center with tons of music, dance and delicious food from around the world.  A full performance schedule can be found at their website.

*The Ohio Coffee Company is providing Urban Nights entertainment for a good cause.  Hugs for Maya is a musical showcase to benefit Maya Claude, a 5 year old girl who recently had a brain tumor removed.  Local artists will be selling donated pieces and a host of local musicians have donated their time including Suicide Hill, Eric Cassidy, Rob Young and more.

*If you miss Noah Wotherspoon at the Side Show, he’ll also be performing at the Oregon Express beginning around 9:30pm.

*While you’re in the Oregon District, be sure to stop by Practice Yoga.  Local singer-songwriter BJSR will perform from 6 to 10pm.

*Down the street, the Eric Jerardi Band will be headlining the Trolley Stop beginning at 9:30pm.

*Over at Canal Street Tavern, the Spikedrivers will perform with Luther Wright.  It’s the perfect place to go after checking out the Urban Nights showcase at the Southern Belle loft (right next door to Canal Street Tavern).  This will feature the work of many local artists and musicians including music from local ukulele folk artist Henrique Couto.

*And although it’s not music-related, audiophile will want to stop by the StoryCorps airstream trailer parked in front of the Schuster Center.  The mobile recording booth will  be open until 7:30pm on Friday night for tours.

So what’s your must-see event this Urban Nights?  Any tips for beginners on the best way to get the most out of the evening?  Share your thoughts, tips, tricks and anything I may have missed in the comments.

Gem City Circle Walking Tours: Sharing the legacy of Downtown Dayton

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Historians Leon Bey and Nancy Roach of Gem City Circle Walking Tours

Some local historians are offering a unique look into the vibrancy of a city’s past, and the possibilities of an exciting, expansive future.

Leon Bey and Nancy Roach, of Gem City Circle Walking Tours, have recently begun their fifth season of walking tours for downtown Dayton, highlighting the famous and not-so-famous aspects of Dayton history.

Bey and Roach met five years ago in a manner that Roach characterized as “fate.”

“It was meant to be,” said Roach. “I was doing research in the local history room at the [Dayton Metro] library. I asked the librarian down there if he could help me with some of the information. It was Leon, who just happened to be working as a substitute that day.

“We starting talking about our interest in the community. So I asked him, ‘Would you like to research with me and do a walking tour of downtown?’  He looked at me and said, ‘I have a walk and I’m looking for someone to do it with me!'”

The walks were born on that day.

The duo’s excitement and enthusiasm for Dayton’s rich heritage is evident to anyone who goes “walkin’ and talkin'” with them on one of their leisurely downtown walking tours, which are given on the first and last weekends of the month.

Bey and Roach weave together historical accounts, personal recollections and photographic images to create a vivid experience.  That experience is often reciprocated when local residents share recollections of their own visits to downtown theaters, department stores and businesses long gone. “Some of the people on the tours, the older people, they have great memories,” said Bey.

The old Journal Herald building at 111 E. Fourth Street. Look familiar? It's currently occupied by the night club Hammerjax.

The tours, however, do more than simply highlight the city’s past – they also offer glimpses into possible strategic re-uses of some of downtown’s historic structures like the Dayton Arcade, which was purchased last year by two developers who are intent on restoring the beautiful, five-building complex to its former glory. (Leon Bey founded “Friends of the Dayton Arcade”, a non-profit group dedicated to raising awareness and money for the future development of the Dayton Arcade.)

Far from just revisiting the glories of days gone by, the walks also examine the cultural, social and economic contributions of various ethnic groups and nationalities in the area.  The tours provide a very street-level perspective of Dayton history. Many topics are discussed: The 1913 Dayton Flood, Abraham Lincoln’s visit to Dayton and the history of department stores founded in Dayton are explored.

Gem City Circle Walking Tours offers these programs (partial listing):

  • Oregon Arts District
  • Ghosts, Cemeteries and Murders
  • Miami & Erie Canal Walk of Downtown Dayton
  • Historic Downtown Dayton’s Main Street
  • Ludlow Street

The fee for each walk is $10. Tours are approximately 3 hours long, with scheduled breaks, including an hour for lunch.  Advance reservations are required. Groups are welcome.

For walk reservations or additional information, contact Leon Bey at 937-274-4749 or grantsguru501c3@yahoo.com.

Grab a glass, a degree and skip town

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Remember freshman year: running through the dorms, partying in the student neighborhood and a little bit of school work thrown in. Now it’s senior year. The hangover has subsided, school is ending and you need a job. Stay in Dayton? This is not the first choice among many University of Dayton students.

Many UD students are forgoing any opportunities to work in Dayton after graduating and prefer to move back home or to a more scenic location. Bigger cities like Chicago, New York and Cleveland continue to draw students away every year.

Even though the university attempts to get its students to stay in Dayton, some of them just don’t like the appeal of the city and how hard it is getting hit by the recession.

Former NCR Corp. office in Dayton, Ohio, in 2009 AP Photo/Dayton Daily News, Ron Alvey

“The city of Dayton doesn’t have a strong job market,” said UD alumni Anthony Fantone. “There are few things that the city could do outside of warming up the economic environment to encourage business back to the greater Dayton area.” With NCR Corporation leaving Dayton last summer, the biggest opportunity for graduating seniors seems to be Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, and even that has few openings to students other than ones involved in engineering.

While UD has done more over the past few years to help out its students with various job fairs and internship openings for companies in the Dayton area, a more intensive effort needs to be made. Professors make internships known by mass e-mails and in-office flyers, but many students find it hard to secure themselves an internship close by. “I’ve seen a lot of internship opportunities for the entire semester, but not many really for the summer, which I think would be more logical for UD students,” said UD finance major Matthew Cuculic.

UD created a site called the Hire a Flyer Network that allows students to search for jobs and internships in their specific field. The site was developed to help students find work, but many job postings are for out of state or out of the area work.

The Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center in downtown Dayton where various shows and concerts are performed

The city of Dayton could also do its part to keep students from leaving. “They should highlight some of the gems of the city of Dayton, and try and get people more involved in the community,” said graduating senior Lauren Kort. Some organizations like the Downtown Dayton Partnership try and get students involved in activities other than those found on campus, and make a conscious effort to get them to stay. UD students rarely venture beyond Miami Valley Hospital when it comes to downtown Dayton, so a little push needs to be made to get them involved in the surrounding community.

The university should make it a requirement for each student to apply for an internship, or at least discuss after school plans with their academic advisor. If the university and the city of Dayton do not make some kind of increased effort over the next few years, they will see a further decline in students interested in staying in The Gem City.

Will Dayton be among the Bike Friendly?

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images-88Dayton is making it’s move to become the 2nd Bike Friendly Community in Ohio.  In the last few months the City of Dayton has formed a community wide bike and pedestrian task force lead my Commissioner Nan Whaley, striped bike lanes on downtown roads, produced a transportation based bike map for the entire city limits, and most of all, completed and submitted a Bike Friendly Community Application to the League of American Bicyclists.

In the next few weeks the League of American Bicylists plans to announce the 2010 Bike Friendly Community award winners.  Currently only 1 community holds this honor, Columbus, who was named just last fall as the first Bike Friendly Community in Ohio.  Other communities such as Riverside have submitted an application yeilding only an Honorable Mention (meaning, “Not there yet but keep up the good work!”).

2010 submissions were made from two Miami Valley communities, the City of Dayton and the City of Troy.  Both have a very active cycling community and are invested in working toward making the entire Miami Valley a more bike friendly region.  The only other submission in Ohio, to my knowledge, was from Shaker Heights, in the Cleveland Area.

Keep your eyes open for the announcements coming soon.  Good Luck to both Troy and Dayton, the Outdoor Evangelist is rooting for you both.

If you are looking for other exciting cycling related events, visit Drive Less Live More for exciting new programs and event in 2010 such as Bike to the Dragons Games, an expanded Bike to Work Day event list, Bike to It Concert Series at Dave Hall Plaza and of course, one of my favorites, the Courteous Mass and Urban Bikes @ Urban Nights Rides .

onStageDayton…DMM’s online hub for all things theater!

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onStageDayton...with Shane & Dave

onStageDayton...with Shane & Dave

Introducing the latest addition to the DaytonMostMetro.com line-up of contributers: “onStageDayton…with Shane & Dave”

onStageDayton will serve as your online hub for all things theater in Dayton & the Miami Valley.  Check back often to find out about:

  • productions opening & closing soon
  • how to get tix for great theater in Dayton
  • upcoming auditions for local theater organizations
  • interesting stories about local theater organizations, premieres, outreach projects, workshops/classes & the all of the terrific people involved in local theater-making it happen.

If you work with a local theater organization, please add us to your Press Release list, so we can get all the info into our blog here at DMM!  In addition, please be sure to add your events to the DMM Calendar!

Send all of your updates to us via email:  onStageDayton@gmail.com

(this week’s ridiculously cheesy sign-off:)

While we are waiting for the Overture to begin and the cast to take the stage…why not head on over to the DaytonMostMetro Forum and start up a conversation in the Theater thread…

S.A.

Shane Anderson & David Brush work with locally based Encore Theater Company. ETC recently moved into the new arts collective space in the Oregon District, along with Zoot Theatre Co. & Rhythm in Shoes. Anderson, Brush & ETC are currently preparing for their upcoming Summer season of new musicals in downtown Dayton: Johnathan Larson’s RENT, [title of show] & Next Thing You Know (a developmental production of a new musical by NYC-based writing team of Salzman & Cunningham)

LCP Presentation at Pecha Kucha

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There’s a fabulous group of people, led by South Park’s Jill Davis, hosting Pecha Kucha Night in Dayton. The Living City’s Kate Ervin had the chance to present at PK Vol. 3 and you can see her slides below. But what is Pecha Kucha?

“PechaKucha Night was devised in Tokyo in February 2003 as an event for young designers to meet, network, and show their work in public. It has turned into a massive celebration, with events happening in hundreds of cities around the world, inspiring creatives worldwide. Drawing its name from the Japanese term for the sound of conversation (“chit chat”), it rests on a presentation format that is based on a simple idea: 20 images x 20 seconds. It’s a format that makes presentations concise, and keeps things moving at a rapid pace.”

PK1

Can you say, “Bike Friendly Dayton!”

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couteousmassIf you haven’t notice by now, cycling is a huge passion of mine, as is supporting the City of Dayton becoming a more bike friendly community.  I’m sure you’ve noticed the bike lane stripping, signage, events and construction going on around the city and are hopefully ready for more to come.  Most of these efforts are products of the BikeWalkDayton Team.

The BikeWalkDayton team is lead by Commissioner Nan Whaley and is comprised of City of Dayton Commission Staff, Police Dept., Planners, Engineers, and outside organizations such as Five Rivers MetroParks, Miami Conservancy District, and Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission.  Their mission is to create a more liveable, walkable and of course, bikeable city.

One current project of the team is creating a city wide bike map detailing trails, lanes, and on road suggested routes.  The map is still a work in progress but the BikeWalkDayton team is interested in soliciting your feedback and they asked the Outdoor Evangelist to help them do it.   Download the map here

If you care about the future of our community, want to be able to more safely walk and ride your bike to work and around Dayton then here is your chance to chime in.

Please take a moment to look over the map and consider a few of these questions.

  • Is it user friendly?
  • What other physical info is necessary (i.e. places of interest, cycling obstacles, etc.)?
  • What bike infrastructure should be shown?
  • What information is important to have on the reverse side of the map (rules of the road, traffic laws, bike shop locations, etc)?

After you are done commenting on the map, get your butt in the saddle and out on the streets of Dayton.  The more bikes on the road the safer it is!

Ride Well!

Photo Credit – Courteous Mass Facebook page

Economic Impact of Revitalizing Cooper Park

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The Trust for Public Land published a report in 2009 that measured the value of urban parks to the communities they serve.  The report identified seven measurable economic drivers of parks.

  • property value NEFromStatue
  • tourism
  • direct use
  • health
  • community cohesion
  • clean water
  • clean air

Not all of those factors are easily quantifiable with respect to Cooper Park, but property value, direct use and community cohesion can be measured.   The following estimated economic impacts for Cooper Park are based on applying the formulas sited in the report when used in other cities of similar regional make up.

Property Value/Hedonic Impact

Over 30 studies have been done on the impact of urban parks on property winter_cooperparkvalues.  Typically people are willing to pay more for a home that is near or overlooking a park due to the “hedonic value.”  This means that the value of a property is affected by the home’s proximity to the park and the quality of the park itself.  The report measures the value of a home within 500 feet of the park but states that the economic value of the park on property values has been measured at distances up to 2000 feet.

The Cooper Park neighborhood is generally understood to comprise of Cooper Place townhomes, Ice Avenue Lofts (aka Ice House), Cooper Lofts and the Litehouse townhomes on Canal Block.  These are the residences that are adjacent to the park and all fall within 500 feet.

Parks that are poorly maintained or unattractive are marginally valuable and dangerous parks can reduce property values.  Parkland adds 5% value to the assessed value of dwellings within 500 ft.  Excellent parks add 15% to the value of a dwelling while problematic parks reduce the assessed value by 5%.

The values of the Cooper Park neighborhood have been negatively impacted in recent years due to the housing collapse and the vacancy rates of downtown Dayton office buildings.  Quantifying that impact can be difficult due to the limited number of sales that have occurred in the neighborhood.  Generally, the real estate values peaked for the neighborhood in 2005-2006.  Based on research of home sales over the last four years

  • Cooper Place has lost approximately $6.80 per square foot from 2007 to 2009 (2009 average: $67)
  • Ice Avenue has lost approximately $21.00 per square foot from its peak in 2006 to 2009 (2009 average: $101)
  • Cooper Lofts has lost the most from its peak in 2006 to 2009 with $38.47 per square foot (2009 average is $92.17 with only one sale on record since 2006.)

The quality of the park currently is likely adding minimal value to the adjacent properties in its current state.  It is so under-whelming that most real estate listings do not even mention its proximity as an amenity and visitors to the area hardly even notice it, despite its large size.

Due to the currently depressed home values, at minimum developing the park will aid in the recovery of prices back to the peak price points of the Cooper Park neighborhood.  Hopefully the park will become an amenity that directly increases the values of the homes.  Since the neighborhood sits directly between the Riverscape expansion project and Cooper Park, the economic impact of having two urban parks within 1000 feet should be greater than the averaged 5% referenced in the study.   In addition to helping the home owners, the increased tax base would help the city.

Several apartment complexes also would be positively affected by the Cooper Park revitalization:

  • Jefferson Place Apartments: approximately 500 feet west of the park on Second Street
  • The Cannery: approximately 1000 feet from the park, east on Third street.
  • St. Clair Lofts & Lofts on St. Clair: approximately 1000 feet to the park, south on St. Clair.

Direct Use

The numbers for direct use of a park try to capture the value to the consumer.  These numbers are pulled from the same report and are a good basis for Dayton area urban parks.  To better quantify this we would need to determine in usage levels of Cooper Park throughout the year.

  • Direct use: $1.91 average value per visit to the park (walking the dog, sitting on a bench, playing on the playground, etc.)
  • $9.33 average value per use for programmed activities such as concerts, plays, festivals, gardening.

Social Capital

Social capital refers to the community cohesion economic development factor.  This puts a dollar value to a volunteer’s hours devoted to park improvements, education and development.   It also captures the donations and grants that are made to improve parks.  Finally, it assesses the value of creating a neighborhood within a city by having a unifying goal and community driven programming.  Hourly value of volunteerism for parks in the study was $18.17/hr. To determine the annual social capital figure for Cooper Park we will have to wait until next year when the volunteer hours contributed and fundraising campaign can be assessed.

A study done by the Wallace Foundation in 2004 discusses the broader value of programming in urban parks as a way to engage youth, provide entry level employment, improve residential health, and develop social capital.  All of these things can be broader goals of the Cooper Park revitalization effort.  The underlying point of all the studies was that urban parks are vital contributors to the achievement of wider urban policy objectives.

Greater Downtown Dayton Plan Update

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Greater Downtown Dayton PlanThousands of Daytonians have contributed ideas to the Greater Downtown Dayton Plan, a strategic blueprint for creating a vibrant, thriving downtown. When the process to develop this plan was launched in January, the community was promised they’d have multiple opportunities to give their input ― and another of those opportunities will take place in early October.More than 200 volunteers have been researching and developing preliminary recommendations for everything from creating a pedestrian-friendly downtown to expanding housing. Now, they’re seeking public input to help finalize these recommendations.

The public is invited to attend an open studio to give their input on the work done so far. All open studios will be held at 8 N. Main St., next to the National City Building near the corner of Third and Main streets. The times and dates are:

• 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3
• 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Oct. 5
• 5 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 5
• 7:30 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6

All open studios will begin with approximately an hour of presentations and discussion, followed by an opportunity for attendees to learn more about the preliminary recommendations, view maps and renderings, give their ideas, and more at their own pace. Attendees may stop in at any time during the open studios and stay as long as they like.

Check out the various committee draft recommendations in the DMM Forum and join the conversations!