Know neWS

Friday, Apr 11 2:43 PM

Know Theatre Announces $500,000 Next Decade Capital Campaign

Cincinnati, OH – Know Theatre of Cincinnati [KTC] currently celebrating its 10th Anniversary season, is galvanizing its future as a regional theatre company through its Next Decade Capital Campaign [NDCC]. Know Theatre has always been an integral element in Over-the-Rhine growing arts community and now KTC looks to secure its future as a leading regional theatre company by raising funds for much-needed capital improvements, support for new works, and continued growth.

“Know Theatre has been a critical force in the revitalization of Over-the-Rhine over the past five years,” says Brian Tiffany, President of the Over-the-Rhine Chamber of Commerce, “They continue to support our environment of arts and culture with alternative and edgy productions contributing to the rebirth of our urban core.”

Producing Artistic Director, Jason Bruffy adds, “Over-the-Rhine’s continued development mirrors our own growth. The Next Decade Capital Campaign will help Know Theatre continue to reach new and larger audiences, raising our profile both regionally and nationally and bringing our home in Over-the-Rhine further distinction. It’s thrilling to be able to have that kind of impact”.

Know Theatre is proud and elated to announce that our Next Decade Capital Campaign has already secured $335,000 in pledges towards its $500,000 goal. Led by Campaign Co-Chairs George Verkamp and Eric Avner with Campaign Advisor David C. Herriman, the Campaign is poised for success as it enters its home stretch. The generosity of first-time donors such as Procter & Gamble Foundation, Otto M. Budig Family Foundation, Macy’s Inc., Joseph & Susan Pichler and John & Francine Pepper have played a major role in starting the Campaign.

“Know Theatre provides the kind of theatre that has not before been available in Cincinnati,” says David Herriman, Real Estate Developer, Philanthropist and Advisor to the NDCC. “The edgy, Off-Broadway plays speak about a part of our community not represented on other local stages.”

Know Theatre of Cincinnati now turns to the community for financial support to assist in the completion of the public phase of its Next Decade Capital Campaign. The balance of $165,000 will bring the Campaign to the desired $500,000 goal. Funds from the Campaign will be used for many capital improvements to the facility such as:

• Exterior signage in the form of a marquis for the main entrance of the facility
• Additional furniture for the theatre’s Underground bar and lobby space
• A whisper quiet HVAC system to allow operation during performances
• New seating risers allowing for more flexibility of the space
• New theatre seating for patron comfort
• Additional and/or upgraded lighting and sound equipment
• In-house ticketing system allowing us to generate more income from our ticket sales
• New or upgraded computer equipment for the office

Funds will also be used to continue to grow and improve production quality by allowing Know Theatre to:

• Increase the size of the Core Acting Company
• Commission works from emerging and established playwrights
• Bring on more permanent staff to allow for year-round operation

In an effort to continue to increase accessibility to all patrons, Know Theatre has also partnered with the Inclusion Network. The Inclusion Network will provide an inventory of accessibility and advise the company on how to take the next steps to increase the accessibility of our performance space.

Once completed, Know Theatre will be poised to operate the facility at 1120 Jackson Street more effectively allowing the artistic vision of the company to flourish and grow for another ten years.

Know Theatre Mission and History
Know Theatre of Cincinnati creates alternative theatre that is uniquely relevant. Our Mission is to engage a diverse audience making theatre more accessible for all.

Know Theatre has grown exponentially since its inception in 1997. We have grown from an itinerant band, performing wherever we could find available space, into a strong company, once housed at Gabriel’s Corner to the largest non-equity theatre in the area; with a permanent home at 1120 Jackson in the vibrant Over-the-Rhine community.

Our new theatre in Over-the-Rhine, Downtown Cincinnati solidifies Know Theatre as the home of contemporary, multicultural and provocative arts in the Greater Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky area.

For more information please visit www.knowtheatre.com.

The Next Decade Campaign Committee

George Verkamp (Campaign Co-Chair), Huff Realty
Eric Avner (Campaign Co-Chair), Cin. Business Committee
Drew Gores, Kohnen & Patton
Teresa Hoelle, Infintech
Rick Kimbler, R.M. Kimbler Interests, Inc.
Karol King, The Federated Foundation
Chad Nielsen, Ipsos-Insight
Jim Pan, Procter & Gamble Company
Roxanne Qualls, City of Cincinnati Council
Yvette Simpson, Keating, Muething and Klekamp
Jeff Thomas, Jeff Thomas Catering
Brian Tiffany, Over the Rhine Chamber of Commerce
George Zamary, Buckley King, LLP

The Know-it-Alls (Advisory Committee)

Joseph Hale, Duke Energy
David C. Herriman
Kevin R. Ghassomian, Greenebaum Doll & McDonald PLLC

Next Decade Capital Campaign
Lead Pledges

Otto M. Budig Family Foundation
David C. Herriman
Macy’s, Inc.
Procter & Gamble Foundation
Elanora C. U. Alms Trust, Fifth Third Bank, Trustee
Know Board of Directors
H. Drewry Gores
Jim Miller
Christie Schoonover & George Verkamp
Louise Taft Semple Foundation
John & Francine Pepper
Joseph & Susan Pichler
Esperanza Tovar & David Gruber
George J. Zamary
Eric Avner & Adrienne Cowden
The Peter F. and Mary W. Levin Fund
Carl H. Lindner
Ryan Messer
Jack & Moe Rouse
Nancy Sullivan
Neil Bortz
Rocco Castellano
David & Dee Dillion
Jason & Anne East
Jackie & Brian Ewing
Frisch’s Restaurants, Inc.
Lissa Urriquia & Dante Gapultos
J. Kris Geiger
Graley & Cathy Herren
Teresa Hoelle
Jeff Johnson
Rick & Margeaux Kimbler
Scott Knox
Kirk Kremer
Dale and Gerri McGirr
Chad Nelson
The Peterloon Foundation
Elizabeth Shank
Elizabeth Stone
Ellen, Corky & Rick Steiner
Jeff & Katie Syroney
Jeff Thomas
Brian L. Tiffany
Warrington Family Foundation
Allen W. Bernard
Karol King
Zell Schulman
Roxanne Qualls

To help Know Theatre of Cincinnati achieve their goal for the public phase of the Next Decade Capital Campaign, or for more information, please contact Jay B. Kalagayan, Executive Director, at 513.300.KNOW (5669), or info@knowtheatre.com.

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