Annual Fund Case Statement

What is The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati (TCT)?

The oldest professional theatre for young audiences in the country, TCT has created lifelong memories for children and families for more than a century. TCT draws more people downtown each year than any other performing arts theatre, with the exception of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and Broadway in Cincinnati, offering an inclusive space for children and adults to learn empathy, confidence, and imagination.

TCT brings art to life through three divisions: TCT MainStage at the Taft Theatre, TCT on Tour and TCT Academy. TCT provides a unique contribution to the arts in Cincinnati, as research demonstrates that children who grow up attending theatre are more likely to be arts patrons as adults. 

TCT is committed to providing access to theatre for all children: 50,000 of our patrons are students who attend performances with their schools through ticket subsidies. This experience allows children to reap the academic and social benefits of arts education that they otherwise might not experience.

TCT is considered one of the nation’s top four children’s theatres and is often looked to for best practices by colleagues around the country. Our purpose is to enrich the lives of all people by providing access to stellar performing arts experiences.

We expose children to the magic of theatre in an age-appropriate way, with productions that are geared specifically toward the attention span of a child. While Broadway-quality, our productions are only one hour long and allow for a true family/school experience where new memories and traditions can be created. 

We are the only professional theater in the region that devotes our entire MainStage season to children. Through MainStage and touring productions, we are helping to create the future arts patrons of our community.

How does Charitable Giving from Individuals Serve Children Across Our Region?

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati strives to ignite, impact, and inspire young minds every day. Participating in arts experiences from a young age has proven benefits to both academic success and social-emotional learning for children. For these reasons, providing arts access to all audiences—regardless of socioeconomic status—is of the utmost importance to TCT.

Charitable gifts from Foundations and Individuals will support school ticket subsidies for TCT’s four MainStage productions. The primary goal of the Ticket Subsidy Program is to enable children, especially those of limited socio-economic ability, to attend a performance so that they may reap the educational and personal benefits of live theatre.

When dividing the season production expense by expected audience attendance, TCT’s cost-per-student to attend a MainStage performance is approximately $25.  In realizing that $25/student is a steep price for many local schools, TCT provides subsidies so that no school ever pays more than $10 a ticket.  Even still, a vast number of schools cannot afford to bring their students at this lowered price due to limited resources and large student populations.

Therefore, our School Ticket Subsidy Program allows for further discounts to Title 1 schools. These schools pay $5 or less per student or may receive free tickets if a significant financial need is demonstrated.

In the 2022-23 season, nearly $800,000 in ticket subsidies were given to students, and 54% of the tickets provided were discounted for Title 1 students.

This program will serve over 50,000 students, teachers, children, and their families in the Greater Cincinnati community in 2023-2024.

What is the Impact of Charitable Giving for Children Across The Region?

For many students, TCT productions are their first time experiencing live theatre.  We are proud to provide them with professional theatrical experiences that allow children to see themselves represented on- and off-stage through our diverse artists.

Not only do TCT productions spark creativity, but they also teach important lessons about the power of friendship, combatting stereotypes, acting with courage and compassion, and more.

TCT’s effectiveness in providing arts access to students and filling the gap left by the reduction of arts education across the Cincinnati region is measured not only by the tremendous number of people reached each season but also by responses from public audiences and educators who complete online surveys. During the 2022-2023 season:

• 63% of educators reported a reduction in arts education at their schools
• 95% of educators who had experienced a reduction reported that TCT productions fill the gap caused by these cutbacks
• 99% of educators reported that TCT effectively creates access to theatre for children who would not otherwise benefit.

In recent studies and surveys conducted by Americans for the Arts, arts participation was linked to higher graduation rates, increased recognition for academic achievement, and higher test scores. Arts education also has life-long benefits, with 72% of surveyed employers listing “creativity” as a top skill sought in new hires (Arts Education Navigator, 2013). Unfortunately, many at-risk students often benefit the most from theatre education and have little to no access to the art form. According to the U.S. Department of Education, only 4% of public elementary schools offer theatre opportunities for students.

Furthermore, many educators are seeing a huge impact on students in the wake of COVID-19. Children are lacking many social competencies they would typically learn and develop at school and are struggling to adapt appropriately to various classroom and social settings. Teachers at all grade levels are also noticing lower academic achievement due to the pandemic, and the greatest effects are seen with children from disadvantaged homes. Arts experiences are an effective method for re-engaging students and combatting these issues in a fun and interactive way.

Recent survey responses from educators continue to reinforce the importance of TCT’s work:

“TCT has exposed my students to many ideas and stories they might not have encountered otherwise helping them to think of the world more broadly and more inclusively.”

“Our kids always look forward to seeing The Children’s Theatre productions. It empowers their imaginations and sparks creativity.”

“The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati fills gaps created by reducing arts education at our school because it gives our students an outlet for creativity and self-expression.”

Giving Levels and Experiences

Thank you for your gift to The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati.  Every gift makes a difference in serving the mission to educate, entertain, and engage audiences of all ages through professional theatrical productions and arts education programming. 

When you give to The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati, you support children across our region; each benefit level below is cumulative!  The following are opportunities and experiences we share with you to thank you for your generous support.

NOBILITY (GIFTS OF $100+) Early registration for TCT Academy Classes and Summer Camps. Recognition in the Royal Supporters list in the TCT MainStage production programs and a special TCT Crown sticker.

COAT OF ARMS (GIFTS OF $250+) In addition to the above, you will receive an invitation to enjoy the VIP Backstage Experience at the TCT MainStage Production of Dreamworks’ How to Train Your Dragon JR. at The Emery Theater. Tours provided 45 minutes prior to the performance.

SCEPTER (GIFTS OF $500+) In addition to the above, you will receive an invitation to enjoy a special meet-and-greet with Buddy the Elf in the autograph line and an exclusive photo on stage with Santa following the TCT MainStage production of Elf the Musical JR.

THRONE (GIFTS OF $1,000+) In addition to the above, you will receive an invitation to “Behind the Scenes” with the TCT Scene Shop, an exclusive view of the scenic elements, tour of the facility and artist demonstrations. See first-hand what goes into the creation of a Broadway-quality set. The event will be held on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, 4:30 – 5:30pm.

TIARA (GIFTS OF $2,500+) In addition to the above, you will receive a copy of the very first in our annual series of collectible coffee table photo books titled: “Memories of the Taft.” Each year, this colorful keepsake will capture the highlights and unforgettable moments of the season, and it also includes a special space for you to add your own photo memory, making it a unique memento to treasure for years to come.

CROWN (GIFTS OF $5,000 AND ABOVE) In addition to the above, you will become an “Honorary Producer” of a TCT MainStage production! This experience includes a meet-and-greet with the artistic team, the opportunity to witness an exclusive dress rehearsal, and experience the show from our Producer’s Suite, where you will enjoy a narrated journey of the magic happening in real-time on stage (Limited dates/show times available). You will also receive a commemorative ornament crafted from salvaged wood from the former stage floorboards of the Emery Theater.

Thank you for making a difference for young lives across our region!