Human Race

In addition to the five shows on the theater’s subscription series, The Human Race is producing a pair of special events in the first half of the season – “Lewis Black in Concert: A Benefit to The Human Race” (Theatre Company) at the Victoria Theatre and a limited-engagement run of David Sedaris’ popular “The Santaland Diaries,” starring resident artist Tim Lile.

Moore says the new season will combine “warmth and passion, humor and heart.” Although shows like “Steel Magnolias” and “The Full Monty” are titles audiences will recognize, he says they are unlikely to have seen professional productions of those shows.

“Monty is funny but a daring production,” he says about the show best known for its on-stage strip tease, which dares to go “all the way.” Moore labels ‘Hitch’ an out-andout laugh” and says ‘Master Class’ is the story of a great artist, opera legend Maria Callas.

Casting the shows

The company’s marketing director Steven Box says when it’s time to cast each show, Moore and the directors first look to see if there are roles that would be well-suited for the theater’s resident artists.

“Then, we hold general auditions in Dayton and Chicago before the season begins, then head to New York when it’s time to cast each production,” he explains. “There the directors look for actors to fill specific roles they are unable to fill with Chicago or Dayton-area actors.” The Dayton-area, he explains, encompasses a wide region covering Louisville, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Detroit, Cleveland, Toledo, Columbus and even Pittsburgh.

Productions, which have three to four-week runs, always incorporate special events such as a Thursday night “Inside Track” discussion with the director on preview night; a Friday Opening Night with a free postshow cast party; and Lite Fare at The Loft, a Tuesday night pre-show dinner. Other special events include a “While We’re on the Subject” talk-back following a Sunday matinee, and a Saturday night signed and audio-described performance.

The company is also offering its subscribers discounted tickets to two additional productions at the Schuster Center on which it’s partnering with other Dayton area performing arts organizations: “American Mosaic, a celebration the 50th anniversary of the Miriam Rosenthal Foundation for the Arts” (Sept. 19 and 20), and the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra’s “Best of Broadway II” (May 13 and 14, 2016).