All Together Now

Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati, Addition & Renovation

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Cincinnati, Oh | 20,000 SF / 200 Seats

Four buildings perform as one at Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati.
Theater exterior at night

For 30 years, Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati (ETC) has connected local and regional audiences to socially conscious theatrical work. Their newly renovated home knits together an ensemble of four adjoining but disparate buildings in Cincinnati’s historic and diverse Over-the-Rhine neighborhood.

Facade Render
Section showcasing the varied social distances designed into the space
Artboard 1

This is still ETC. The theater experience hasn’t changed, but the comfort has definitely changed, big time.

Artboard 1 copy
- D. Lynn Meyers, Producing Artistic Director, Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati

Patrons can grab a pre- or post-show drink in the cozy new lobby bar and access the theater via a dramatic staircase or the newly added elevator. Expansive streetside windows connect the space to the world outside, adding dimension to ETC’s purposeful engagement with the neighborhood. Behind the scenes are a new light-filled rehearsal room and event spaces; costume and scene shops with easy stage access; and administrative offices that unite the staff in one space for the first time.

Gold leaf lettering was uncovered and preserved during the renovation.

To honor ETC’s longevity, historic building details were preserved: Original brick walls with their star capped iron ties, exposed chimney pipes, even old graffiti capture and commemorate the grit and integrity of this pioneering theater company.