A Crown For The Queen City
Revitalizing an icon and bringing children’s theatre to everyoneReimagining The Emery Theater
As the oldest professional theatre for young audiences in the country, TCT has created lifelong memories for children and families for more than a century. The Taft Theatre has been home to TCT’s MainStage productions for 52 years but comes with challenges. TCT has explored several other space options, but ultimately all roads lead back to our original performance home – The Emery Theater.
More than $45 million has been raised to date including Federal Historic and New Markets Tax Credits allocations.
On December 22, 2023 TCT officially purchased the Emery Theater with construction soon to begin, breathing new life into the Emery, preserving its rich history while ushering in a new era.
Make a one-time gift here, or for a multi-year commitment, please contact Anne Venters at 513-569-8080 x22.
Moving to the Emery Means…
Year-Round Programming
Year-round programming as opposed to just 40 days at the Taft Theatre, TCT's current location
Increased Access
More school ticket subsidies and increased access to the arts for low-income students
Economic Growth
Participation in OTR revitalization, historic preservation, and economic growth as families dine and shop in conjunction with TCT productions
Welcoming All
Continuing an intentional focus on diversity in casting and within production crews, and programming inspiring creativity and opportunity for all
New Works
More original programming for younger children and teenagers, as well as premiere and newer works
Advanced Stage Magic
Utilizing a state-of-the-art theatrical lift, built-in turntable, and projection mapping technology
Once Upon a Time…
Mary Emery built the impressive and acoustically perfect Emery Theater.
Once home to legendary arts organizations, including The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati, The Emery fell into a deep slumber, never to awake until its perfect match was found.
Ready For an Encore…
Over the last 53 years, the theater has fallen into disrepair. Opened in 1911 in Over-the-Rhine, this acoustically exceptional theater was once considered one of the top concert halls in the country. Sergei Rachmaninoff, Eleanor Roosevelt, John Philip Sousa, George Gershwin, and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. all stood on the Emery stage at various points in its history.
The Emery was also TCT’s performance home until 1969, when TCT had to relocate its mainstage productions to the Taft Theatre.
Maximum Impact
TCT is planning to purchase the Emery Theater on Central Parkway and, using 21st century technology, transform it into a unique venue impacting the more than 100,000 children and families who come to our MainStage productions in downtown Cincinnati each year.
TCT is the Emery’s best hope to be restored to its former glory.
Through the Looking Glass
Watch a preview of the reimagined Emery Theatre with new technology like projection mapping and stage lift to expand the stage vertically.
Where is the Funding Going?
$49.5 Million
Theatre Reimagination
Restore the Emery Theater beyond its original glory, providing a permanent home for The Children’s Theatre and a state-of-the-art venue for the region.
$1 Million
Inclusive Programming
Unlock The Children’s Theatre’s potential to inspire diverse audiences with original works and innovative programming.
$1 Million
The Next Generation
Sustain and maintain the Emery and TCT’s impact for generations to come, so that The Emery is preserved forever.
Giving Levels
Naming opportunity at $25,000 level.
Family name plaque on a theater seat.
Name included in both digital and selected
event program listings.
————————————————-
6 tickets to the Private Opening
Reception.
————————————————
Invitation to Construction “hard hat” tour.
————————————————–
Exclusive, first access invitations to
theater openings & special events.
Naming opportunity at $10,000 level.
Family name plaque on a theater seat.
Name included in both digital and selected
event program listings.
———————————————————-
4 tickets to the Private Opening
Reception.
————————————————————
Invitation to Construction “hard hat” tour.
————————————————————–
Exclusive, first access invitations to
theater openings & special events.
Family name plaque on a theater seat.
Name included in both digital and selected
event program listings.
————————————————————
2 tickets to the Private Opening
Reception.
————————————————————
Invitation to Construction “hard hat” tour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will TCT’s operating costs increase at The Emery?
A very important fact: annual operating expenses for the Emery will be essentially the same as the current 40 days rental of the Taft Theatre (a projected $8,000 difference). This projection does not factor in the additional days which will be used to extend popular shows and increase revenue.
Why is this project important?
In addition to a limited number of production days available, there is real danger of losing access to the Taft Theatre in the next few years, which would leave The Children’s Theatre with nowhere to perform.
WILL THE TCT 24-25 SEASON SHOWS HAPPEN AT THE EMERY THEATER?
TCT’s 24-25 and 23-24 shows (The SpongeBob Musical: Youth Edition; NARNIA The Musical; Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella: Youth Edition; and Disney’s Finding Nemo JR.) will still take place at the Taft Theatre.
Do You Want More Information?
Sign up to get more information and updates
Campaign Co-Chairs
Lee Carter
Thomas J. Emery Memorial
Allison Kropp
Community Volunteer
Campaign Cabinet
Gregory Adams
Croswell & Adams, Co.
Molly Garber
Community Volunteer
Kitty Strauss Rosenthal
Community Volunteer
Jeanette Altenau
TriHealth
Katherine O. Jarnigo
Kirk’s Family of Natural Brands
Charlie Schiff
John J. & Thomas R. Schiff & Co.
Fran Carlisle
Community Volunteer
Florence Koetters
Community Volunteer
Robin Sheakley
Sibcy Cline, Inc.
Tricia Castellini Headley
The Sweat Shop
Darrell Miller
Fox Rothschild
Raven Thomas
Broadway Actress, TCT Alumna
Photos by Mikki Schaffner Photography, September 2022
