The Historic Ohio Theatre Restoration
The Historic Ohio Theatre was purchased by Children’s Theatre Workshop along with the building to the south. The Historic Ohio Theatre offers CTW a new home and the opportunity to revive the only remaining neighborhood theatre in Toledo. Full of beautiful architecture and a rich history of providing arts entertainment to the Toledo community, the theatre is in need of major restoration to return to its former glory and serve as a functional theatre space for CTW and the Toledo region.
Help Us Build The Future
The Historic Ohio Theatre was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 2006. In 2008, the marquee was completely destroyed by a lightning strike.
To fully restore this historic neighborhood theatre, the façade must be restored according to Toledo and Ohio historic standards. The design and creation of a new marquee must also be in accordance to modern standards, but we wish to keep a historical look to the marquee. This exterior restoration will ensure the beauty and care of this old building for generations. The 2021 estimate for restoring this façade and installing a new marquee is $1.25 million.
Interior
The careful stewardship of previous Ohio Theatre owners included the installation of accessible and updated bathrooms. The last piece in accessibility for the inside of the Ohio Theatre is the replacement of the 101 year old seats, many of which are too far gone to repair. The patrons who attend Ohio Theatre events need comfortable seats that can be easily accessed. The 2021 estimate for replacing the seats is $100,000.
South Building and Lot
CTW purchased the building and parking lot next to the Ohio Theatre, on the south side, and have made plans to transform it from an office building to the heart of CTW’s creativity, with classroom, office, parking, and rehearsal spaces for the majority of CTW’s programs. Additional funding would allow for the addition of an elevator, more classroom space, and an enclosed breezeway that connects the south building with the Ohio Theatre for better access, security, and protection from the elements. The 2021 estimate for the full renovation and addition to the south building and lot is $900,000.
Technical Building
CTW is also working to purchase or construct a new building on the side of the Ohio Theatre. This location will allow CTW’s students to learn the hands-on technical theatre side of the arts: scenic construction, sewing, painting, and more. The building will serve as the construction and storage space for all things technical theatre. The 2021 estimate for the full renovation and addition to the south building and lot is $350,000.
Children’s Theatre Workshop will offer naming rights opportunities for the north and south buildings to major donors. Major donors for the historic Ohio Theatre renovation projects will be commemorated on signage in the theatre lobby.
Give the Gift of Creativity
Ensure children of Toledo will always have access to the theatre arts by endowing our plays, technical theatre program, playwriting, summer camps, or musical theatre programs. By living in the heart of the Old North End, Children’s Theatre Workshop is committed to bringing the joys of theatre to all Toledo-area children. Donations to these programs put arts directly into the hands of our most vulnerable youth.
Contact Us
We would love to talk! Set up a meeting, building tour, observe a class, meet our team, or attend a show to learn more and experience for yourself Children’s Theatre Workshop
Aimee S. Reid, MFA, Executive Artistic Director
419-244-5061
Donations
Would you be able to donate to the Historic Ohio Theatre restoration and/or Children’s Theatre Workshop’s new home?
Donate via PayPal click here: PayPal
Checks can be mailed to: CTW, 2417 Collingwood Blvd, Toledo, OH 43620
For larger donations or sponsorships, please contact us.
areid@ctwtoledo.org or 419-244-5061
Children’s Theatre Workshop is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization, which means your gift is fully tax deductible as allowed by law.