Tag Archives: Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati

The word “ensemble” is not simply in the name of our organization—it sincerely means that our patrons, our staff, our artists, all of us are essential parts of our Theatre, and so I want to give you an update on ETC’s plans as we navigate this uncharted territory.

A week ago today, we opened a beautiful production of PIPELINE, which was met with a sold-out house, a standing ovation, and overwhelmingly positive reviews from audiences and critics alike. It was, therefore, with much sadness that we made the difficult decision to suspend performances in the best interest of our patrons moments before the Governor wisely announced the mandate limiting mass gatherings.

We were also set to announce our 2020-2021 Season this evening. This, too, regretfully has been postponed. I have chosen some great shows, however, our organization must focus on the remainder of the current season before finalizing next year’s selections. Our Backstage @ETC annual fundraiser on April 3 has also been canceled for the moment, but we hope to bring it back at a later date; we will all need the wonderful spirit and the income the event generates.

Our intention is to reopen PIPELINE later this spring and present PHOTOGRAPH 51 shortly thereafter, paying attention to expert and government advice during this rapidly changing situation and making adjustments as necessary. Both of these shows speak strongly to our mission of producing socially-conscious work and we feel they are vital to share with our audiences.

As a result of these postponements, we must unfortunately cancel 20TH CENTURY BLUES as the closing show of the current season. Please know as soon as we can begin to reschedule your tickets, we will—we miss you! We ask for your patience during this time until we are more confident this plan will succeed. We are on pause, but we will continue.

Canceling and postponing shows puts many artists, employees, and ETC itself in an immediate and challenging financial predicament. However, for nearly 35 years, Ensemble has taken the road less traveled. We stayed in Over-the-Rhine when it was not what most considered a smart choice. After the unrest of April 2001, we stayed open by presenting Hedwig and the Angry Inch, one of the most unusual survival stories in theatre history. We built an audience of subscribers and completed the renovation and expansion of our space to proudly encompass 40% of the 1100 block of Vine Street. We did all of this with your help. You have made this possible.

Be well, and take care of yourself and others. We can’t wait to reopen our doors and we look forward to welcoming you back.

Sincerely,
D. Lynn Meyers
Producing Artistic Director

(Cincinnati, OH) Amid the increasing public health threat of coronavirus, identified as COVID-19, Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati (ETC) is temporarily suspending all performances, events, and community programs, effective immediately. Although no confirmed cases of the virus have yet been identified in Hamilton County, Ohio as of this announcement, this decision comes as a response to mounting national concern regarding the outbreak.

ETC’s highest priority is to safeguard the well-being of its patrons, performers, volunteers, and staff and to support local officials, public health authorities, and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) in minimizing the virus’s impact as much as possible.

The theatre is working to identify dates to reschedule its shows and ticket holders for upcoming performances will be contacted. Additionally, ETC will be relaxing its exchange policies and waive all fees to find suitable solutions for its patrons.

“While it pains our organization tremendously to put space between live theatre and its audiences, after hours of conversations internally, with our board, and with local leaders, we feel that this step is necessary and in the best interest of our community,” explains Producing Artistic Director D. Lynn Meyers. “Our thoughts right now are with the individuals and families who have been affected. Thank you for your understanding and assistance during this time, and we encourage everyone to support one another during this time of national uneasiness.”

In the interim, ETC encourages continuing standard precautions, including frequent hand washing, avoiding touching eyes, nose, and mouth, as well avoiding close contact with people who are sick and anyone feeling ill to remain home as much as possible. 

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2019-2020 Season Presenting Sponsor is the Otto M. Budig Family Foundation. Additional support provided PNC.

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 Cincinnati also receives funding from the Shubert Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts.

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.

As the novel coronavirus COVID-19 begins to have an increased impact on our nation’s communities, we feel it’s important to connect with you directly and let you know the safety and security of our audiences, performers, and staff is our highest priority. We are following the lead of our city, state, and federal elected officials as we implement strategies recommended by public health authorities and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) for our organization.

Currently, no scheduled performances or programs have been canceled.

We have increased the frequency of cleaning and disinfecting in all public and backstage areas beyond the standard daily schedule as well as the frequency of sanitizing chairs, tables, door handles, elevator buttons, and other high-density areas. Alcohol-based sanitizer dispensers for public use are available in the lobby. We remain vigilant, and we are prepared to make decisions based on current recommendations, as well as in response to changing conditions.

We recommend you continue to take standard precautions, including frequent hand washing, to avoid the spread of any illness. Anyone who is experiencing cold or flu symptoms, or who is not feeling well, is encouraged to stay home.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to the Box Office at (513) 421-3555 with any questions or concerns or to exchange your tickets. We are grateful for your ongoing support and look forward to seeing you at ETC soon.