Emery Theater Fundraising Nears Finish Line in $51.5 Million Campaign
CINCINNATI, OH – The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati (TCT) is thrilled to announce a transformative $2 million anonymous gift to its capital campaign for the restoration and reimagination of the historic Emery Theater. This remarkable donation reduces the recent $4 million gap to just $2 million needed to meet the project’s total goal. This gift was made to encourage additional supporters to step forward and to meet the challenge to close the final funding gap. The anonymous donor hopes to inspire new donors, and those already considering support for The Emery, to seize this opportunity and make their commitment now, helping TCT bring the vision for a world-class children’s theatre home to life.
In a statement, the donor shared:
“We look forward to the completion of this historic new home for The Children’s Theatre, which will be another jewel in Cincinnati’s crown.”
Kim Kern, TCT’s President & CEO, expressed her gratitude, saying: “We are enormously grateful for the generosity of this donor, and this gift that is a testament to the community’s belief in our vision for The Emery Theater — a space that will not only serve as TCT’s permanent home, but also as a vibrant cultural anchor for families, schools, and the entire region. We hope this challenge inspires others to step up and join us in preserving this historic landmark and creating an extraordinary venue where future generations will experience the magic of live theatre.”
A Campaign to Crown Cincinnati
TCT’s Emery Theater campaign, titled “A Crown for the Queen City,” will restore and reinvent the 113-year-old venue into a technologically advanced, one-of-a-kind home for TCT’s MainStage productions, education programs, and community events. The renovation includes cutting-edge stage technology, a 40’ x 60’ LED video wall, an automated fly system, projection mapping, and a stage lift with a built-in turntable — all seamlessly integrated into the theater’s historic architectural beauty.
Once complete, The Emery will become one of the most innovative children’s theaters in the country, expanding TCT’s reach and allowing for the development of groundbreaking new works. It will also enhance accessibility for all families and ensure TCT’s ability to serve future generations.
About the Emery Theater and TCT’s Historic Return
The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s roots at The Emery date back to 1947, when it became the company’s first performance home. TCT remained at the Emery until 1969. After decades of vacancy, TCT officially purchased the building in December 2023, beginning the process of reclaiming and reimagining this historic treasure.
TCT’s inaugural season back at The Emery will begin in October 2025, opening with The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition, a fitting tribute to the theatre’s legacy and the company’s vision to blend historic charm with cutting-edge theatrical innovation.
History of The Emery Theater
Imagined by philanthropist Mary Emery and designed by the famed architectural firm of Samuel Hannaford & Sons, the Emery Auditorium opened in January 1912 with an inaugural concert by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. The acoustically exceptional 2,200-seat theater in Over-the-Rhine was once considered one of the top concert halls in the country. Sergei Rachmaninoff, John Philip Sousa, George Gershwin, Eleanor Roosevelt, Bette Davis, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. all stood on the Emery stage at various points in its history.
The Emery was also the performance home of TCT until 1969 when the University of Cincinnati took ownership of the property and ran it as the College of Applied Sciences until 1989. The theater was used for films, lectures, and meetings for the next decade. While the building’s upper floors were developed as apartments in 2001, the theater has fallen into disrepair since that time. TCT is the Emery Theater’s best hope to be restored to its former glory and to regain its place as a memorable and iconic arts venue.
About The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati
Celebrating 105 years this season, The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati (TCT) is the oldest professional theatre for young audiences in the country. For more than a century, it has created lifelong memories and lasting impact for children and families. TCT serves more than 200,000 in the region and brings art to life through three divisions: TCT MainStage productions, TCT on Tour/WorkShops, and TCT Academy. Delivering much more than entertainment, TCT offers an inclusive space and innovative programming for children and adults to learn confidence, patience, and imagination. TCT’s partnerships with regional schools allow thousands of students each year to reap the lifelong benefits of a quality arts education that they might otherwise not experience due to geographic or economic limitations.
With productions geared specifically toward the attention span of a child, we expose children to the magic of theatre in an age-appropriate way. While Broadway-quality, our shows are only one hour long and allow for a true family/school outing where new memories and traditions can be created. Our purpose is to enrich the lives of all people by providing access to exceptional performing arts experiences, which includes our Sensory-Friendly program where performances are adapted to specifically meet the needs of children with autism and other sensory concerns. We are the only professional theater in the region that devotes our entire MainStage season to children, helping to create the future arts patrons of our community.
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