ETC Unveils New Brand and Website

UNVEILS NEW BRAND AND WEBSITE,
ANNOUNCES RENEWED FOCUS ON
$6.5M NEXT STAGE CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
WITH BUILDING FACADE IMPROVEMENTS

(Cincinnati, OH) Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati (ETC) this week draws back the curtains on its new brand and website, renewing its position as a community and artistic anchor in its historic neighborhood of Over-the-Rhine and setting the stage for the further advancement of the burgeoning arts district. The new look, which was developed by Cincinnati-based firm LPK, is an evolution of the ETC’s brand, but now better captures and reflects the innovative spirit and energy audiences have come to expect on the theatre’s stage since its inception. This is the first multi-dimensional branding campaign for ETC, which has been producing compelling and often socially conscious contemporary theatre for over twenty-six years in Over-the-Rhine. ETC now attracts 30,000 patrons annually through more than 140 performances during its main stage season and produces a robust array of education outreach programs that target economically disadvantaged children who typically have little or no arts programs in their schools.

“As an organization, Ensemble Theatre has consistently challenged ourselves as artists, producers, and educators to become better and to explore new ways of presenting the best contemporary plays. However, we also need to take the excitement that happens onstage outside of our front door, “explains Producing Artistic Director D. Lynn Meyers.

Starting on Monday, April 16 at noon, patrons will be able to access ETC’s new, more userfriendly website at its new location, http://www.ensemblecincinnati.org. Following in ETC’s tradition of community engagement, the new website will also give patrons useful information about where they can eat, shop, and play to supplement their visit to the theatre. “Over-the-Rhine is now a whole-day experience. Not only can you attend the theatre, but you also can dine at any number of great new restaurants, shop for gifts, grab a drink after a show, or take an historic tour, all without having to move your car (or bicycle!),” continues Meyers.

Additionally, ETC plans to renew its focus on its Next Stage Capital Campaign, a $6.5M renovation plan intended to make significant improvements to the organization’s facilities, which span 1117-1127 Vine Street. Once completed, the campaign (which was initially announced in  2008 only a few months preceding the economic recession) will expand lobby space, upgrade electrical and HVAC equipment, and improve overall patron experience and accessibility with new seats and other amenities. In addition to several private donor contributions along with property donations of its current facilities, ETC has received $1.2M from the Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission, for which the organization is actively working to match in order to release the funds for use from the State and implement its first major renovation phase that will include the lobby expansion. GBBN Architects and Messer Construction have been working with ETC on renovation plans.

“We are thrilled that with so many improvements in the Over-the-Rhine Gateway Quarter over just the past few years, along with the renovation of Washington Park, there is so much renewed energy in the area and it makes sense to plan for ETC’s next chapter,” explains Meyers. To that end, over the next few weeks, ETC will be repainting its building façade at 1127 Vine Street and add prominent banners to improve the organization’s street presence and assist patrons in easily identifying the theatre. “This will especially help to draw new patrons to our theatre who may not be as familiar with our performing space or are unaware of the range of programs and ticket options we offer,” continues Meyers. “We’re truly honored to share this neighborhood with a wide variety of unique restaurants and shops who have helped shape the character and interest in Over-the-Rhine and hope this next step for Ensemble Theatre will not only propel the organization forward, but will also contribute substantially to the Gateway Quarter’s value, stability and appeal to residents and visitors,” concludes Meyers.

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Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati is supported, in part, by the generosity of community contributions to the ArtsWave Campaign. The Ohio Arts Council helps fund Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati also receives funding from the Shubert Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts.

2011-2012 Season Presenting Sponsor is the Otto M. Budig Family Foundation. Season Sponsors: John & Ruth Sawyer, LPK, and PNC Bank. Season Fairy Godmother Sponsor: William and Susan Friedlander. Season Media Sponsors: 91.7 FM WVXU and 90.9 FM WGUC. Additional support provided by Garfield Suites Hotel, The Greater Cincinnati Foundation, and The Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr./U.S. Bank Foundation.

Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati is a professional theatre dedicated to producing world and regional premieres of works that often explore compelling social issues. We fulfill our mission through our stage productions and educational outreach programs that enlighten, enliven, enrich and inspire our audiences.