Almost a decade ago, Cleveland actress/director/costumer Alison Garrigan fulfilled a longtime dream: she started a professional children’s theater. It was the first such effort to gain traction, and it’s now nine years old. It’s built a reputation for its colorful, multi-disciplinary productions that feature new scripts built on folklore, fairytales and myths from around the world. Garrigan built her own skills as a mask and puppet maker, which became signatures of Talespinner productions.
Unfortunately, Garrigan was forced to let go of her baby, stepping down late last year as its artistic director due to family demand. Luckily she never considered TCT to be a one-woman show.
The theater has announced the appointment of a new artistic director, and it’s promoted from within the ranks. Taking over is former TCT director of education and outreach Katelyn Merold, who has served in that role since 2014. Previously she worked at Great Lakes Theater as an actor-teacher and she has worked with theater for those with disablities. She has acted with numerous local theaters, including Karamu, Ensemble and Cleveland Public Theatre, and will direct Talespinner’s upcoming show, The Kid from Kittlerumpit.
At the same time, TCT has announced a new executive director. Ara G. Beal comes to Cleveland from the Yellow Spring Kids Playhouse in Yellow Springs, Ohio, where she was managing artistic director. She has a masters degree in theater from Miami University, and extensive experience in both fundraising and technical theater.
Cleveland, OH 44102