


Ralph & Barb Palmisano
Thomas & Lisa Mandel Family Foundation
Thomas Fischer
OUR THANKS TO THESE ADDITIONAL GENEROUS FOUNDATIONS FOR THEIR SUPPORT:
C. Colmery Gibson Polsky Fund
Charles E. & Mabel M. Ritchie Memorial Foundation
Douglas L. Houck Charitable Fund
Glenn R. & Alice V. Boggess Memorial Foundation
Henry V. & Frances W. Christenson Foundation
&
Laura R. & Lucian Q. Moffitt Foundation
Llyod L & Louise K. Smith Memorial Foundation
Mary & Dr. George L. Demetros Charitable Trust
Welty Family Foundation
John A. McAlonan Fund
To learn more about opprtunities for your business to support the Akron Civic Theatre, Knight Stage and Wild Oscar’s, contact Colette Taylor, development director, at 330.572.7770 or ctaylor@akroncivic.com.
We strive to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information provided in this publication. However, if you identify any inaccuracies or omissions, please contact our offices at 330.572.7770.
On behalf of our board of directors, Women’s Guild, volunteers and staff, welcome to the Akron Civic Theatre ... and the John, James and Clara Knight Stage, Wild Oscar’s and Goodyear Theater. Thank you for being here!
In 2021, the Civic completed the Staging the Future capital campaign, which raised nearly $9.1 million against a goal of $8.5 million. Thank you to more than 1,000 donors who made it possible!
Because of generous community support, we’re bigger, better and busier than ever. It’s a thrill to share everything that’s new with you! You can read all about our venues in this edition of the season program.
The Civic is shining brighter than ever as “The Jewel on Main Street.” The Knight Stage has already become one of Akron’s favorite
venues, and Wild Oscar’s is a charming, off-the-beaten-path micro-venue for theater, music and spoken-word events. In addition, we’re programming and operating the historic Goodyear Theater with even more great arts and entertainment.
The Grand Lobby and Arcade have been restored to their original splendor. Our new box office will greatly improve your patron experience. And our plan to make the outside of the Civic as engaging as the inside has come to fruition: the murals on our building’s exterior walls enhance the neighborhood; the PNC Plaza will offer another engaging event space; and the large outdoor video screen brings the excitement of it all to life in big, bold living color.
Thanks for coming and enjoy the show!
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Call our office at 330.535.3179 with your questions and comments.
Order tickets online at www.AkronCivic.com, by phone at 330.253.2488, or in person at our box office in the theater’s arcade at 182 S. Main St. in Akron.
Do you want to participate in the arts and have fun supporting your community? Do you enjoy meeting new people and making new friends? Many people — individuals, couples, families, corporate groups and groups of friends — are active volunteers at the Akron Civic Theatre. We are always looking for dedicated, courteous people to add to our volunteer crew. If you’d like to learn more about volunteer opportunities, contact Autumn Lombardi at 330.535.3179 or volunteer@akroncivic.com.
Formed in 1966 and celebrating its 59th year in 2025, the Akron Civic Theatre Women’s Guild has continuously played a crucial role in preserving and maintaining the theater. Members of the Guild sponsor fundraisers and manage and operate the theater’s gift store, Stage Left at the Civic. If you’re interested in becoming involved with an energetic group of people who love the Civic, contact our office at 330.535.3179.
GThrough funding from the Akron Civic Theatre’s Staging the Future capital campaign, the Grand Lobby and Arcade have been restored to their original splendor. To experience the transformation fully and to appreciate our history and the story behind our lavish décor, have a look around and check out some of the highlights!
When the Akron Civic Theatre — then known as Loew’s Theatre — opened on Saturday, April 20, 1929, more than 10,000 patrons turned out for a momentous day in local entertainment history. This elaborately designed, state-ofthe-art theater was unlike any venue the city had ever seen. Today, it is one of a handful of remaining atmospheric theaters of its kind in the country.
What motived Marcus Loew to make such a large investment in Akron? In 1910, Akron’s population was 69,067. By 1920, thanks to booming industries, it had swelled to 208,435. Akron was believed to be the fastest growing
city in America. Mr. Loew, owner of the largest theater chain in the nation at the time, visited Akron in 1925 to scout out a location for his new enterprise.
For the site of his new theater, Mr. Loew chose the abandoned Hippodrome Arcade at 182 S. Main St. Its construction began in 1918 and halted a few months later due to a lack of funding. “The Hipp,” as it was to be called, was envisioned by developer L. Oscar Beck as a concourse with 30 stores, offices, restaurants and an elegant movie theater, all occupying the
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land along S. Main St., from W. Bowery St. to Canal Park. Unfortunately, the project got no further than a high-ceilinged tunnel and became known as “The Gateway to Nowhere.”
In 1926, Mr. Loew purchased the property at a sheriff’s sale for $143,000. His next move was to hire acclaimed European architect John Eberson, known for designing atmospheric theaters with twinkling, star-lit ceilings. His Akron theater would include medieval carvings, authentic European antiques and Italian alabaster sculptures.
In June 1928, a crew from Franklin Brothers Co. of Akron arrived to raze the Hippodrome tunnel. Soon after, workers from the CraigCurtiss Co. of Cleveland began building a $2.3 million theater.
John Eberson bought this armoire, located on the Mezzanine level, on a European cruise. He collected pieces on his travels for use in his work.
The Knight Stage presents concerts and dance and theatrical performances in an intimate setting.
At the entrance to the Arcade from S. Main St., the first point of interest is the box office kiosk, which is original to the theater. Imagine what it was like, back in the day, to sell movie tickets to thousands of people from this single purchase point.
In 2021, the Arcade was restored with its original colors, and all the artifacts were repaired, polished and painted. Check out the colorful art around the shadow boxes. As you walk through the Arcade, note the Star of David above every chandelier. You’ll see many more Judeo-Christian images inside the theater. Eberson was born in Europe, which may explain why the plaster reliefs along the walls represent wars of Europe. The artillery is authentic. At the entrance to the Grand Lobby, note the English Tudor roses carved above the mahogany doors.
After operating out of what was essentially a closet for several years, the box office staff was
thrilled to move into a brand new space. The three customer service windows are original to the building, but the room behind them — with large windows overlooking Lock 3 — was added during the 2021 capital project.
A small lobby located on the South side of the Arcade, near the S. Main St. entrance, is new to the Civic. Check out the permanent public art display, part of our larger public art initiative that includes the large murals on the Northand South-facing exterior walls of the building. Read more about our murals and other planned public art beginning on page 35.
Before you leave the Arcade, take a peek in the John, James and Clara Knight Stage, located in the historic Whitelaw building on the immediate North side of the Civic. Funded by a $4 million grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, the Knight Stage is a 200+
capacity black box theater hosting concerts, musical theater productions, community events and much more. It’s also home to two of our community-based theater programs: Millennial Theatre Project and BOOM! Theater.
The Whitelaw building, constructed in 1885, was owned by Jacob P. Whitelaw. This immigrant from Austria-Hungary ran a wholesale liquor business out of the building. According to the Akron Beacon Journal’s Mark Price, “Whitelaw served Kentucky bourbon, Pennsylvania rye and Ohio brandy to passing canalboats, which carried his bottles from lock to lock.” He eventually opened a saloon in the building.
Take note of the whiskey mural by the window. That’s original to the building, and it was uncovered early in our restoration process. Also of artistic note in the Knight Stage are two Art Deco Skyscraper-style milk glass light fixtures that were recovered in the sub-basement of the Whitelaw building during a 2004 search by city officials. They were reinstalled in the building in 2021 during the restoration. In addition, the Knight Stage features a photography exhibit celebrating many of Akron’s performing arts icons.
The Grand Lobby is where the Staging the Future restoration really shines. What was already a spectacular space is now blazing with color as never before. You may remember a feature we used to call the “line of demarcation” near the doors to the Promenade. That line signified where the major 2002 theater restoration ended, leaving the Grand Lobby and Arcade unfinished. Donations to the Staging the Future capital campaign took care of that problem. The restoration eliminated the line, making the Civic one seamless, spectacular work of architectural art.
When you enter the Grand Lobby, turn around and face the wall against the Arcade. Statues in the lobby are reproductions of two famous statues found in the Louvre in Paris. To the left of the doors is Aphrodite, Greek goddess of love and beauty. To the right is Artemis,
In this photograph of the grand staircase taken before the restoration, you can see the “line of demarcation” on the ceiling.
goddess of the moon, wild animals and the hunt. These authentic Italian statues were donated to the theater in 1929. Look up at the mural of Coronado the Conquistador (fully restored in 2021), which was designed in the Michelangelo Studios for this theater.
Eberson liked to hide anything that was architecturally unattractive. The beautiful blue insets along the walls of the lobby disguise the heating and air conditioning vents. (Did you know that the Civic was the first public building in Akron to have air conditioning?) Also note the large deep blue-colored spaces above the ornate plaster mantels, which once featured gorgeous tapestries that, unfortunately, deteriorated over time.
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The staircase is fashioned after the one in Eberson’s Paris Opera House. You’ll notice several religious images in the lobby, most notably the monks above the Coronado mural and the staircase and the angels above the arches. You’ll also see diamond patterns throughout the venue. Common to Morrocan design, the diamond represents the “abstracted eye” and offers protective powers from the “evil eye.” On the left side of the room, past the staircase, check out the coffin along the wall. It’s not clear why this piece is in the theater — maybe Eberson just wanted to add a touch of the macabre.
All of the Grand Lobby chandeliers were restored during the 2016-2017 season. These gorgeous lighting fixtures are original to the building.
The legend of Loretta the Parrot presides over the Grand Lobby. Back in the day, it was considered good luck to include bird imagery in the design of a theater. For instance, you’ll see aviary designs carved into the mantels and in the Dutch ink drawings above them. It was also good luck to have live birds flying around the theater.
Loretta was the Civic’s colorful, talkative and naughty mascot, a pampered macaw treated to weekly vet appointments for grooming and wing-clipping. She reigned supreme on her perch in the Grand Lobby. But one day she bit a patron. The patron sued. Loretta mysteriously disappeared and eventually returned in taxidermy form. If you look up to the left of the staircase, you’ll see our Loretta (The real Loretta!), still presiding over the theater. Look down at your feet and you’ll also see images of Loretta in the carpet. This carpet is a one-of-a-kind design made for the Akron Civic Theatre and installed during the 2002 renovation.
The Promenade is the space between the Grand Lobby and the Auditorium. You’ll see a lot of
the imagery from the Grand Lobby echoed here, such as the diamond designs in the stained glass windows. As you walk down the corridor toward the W. Bowery St. entrance, you’ll pass Stage Left at the Civic, the gift shop operated by the Akron Civic Theatre Women’s Guild. The lobby by the Bowery entrance is not original to the building. It is part of an addition built during the 2002 restoration to install elevators and larger restrooms.
Walk up the staircase from the Grand Lobby, and you’ll find yourself in the Mezzanine. Check out the ceiling. These are the original colors from 1929 and are intended to create the effect of a grape arbor (part of the Morrocan garden theme).
Each water fountain on this level features an astrological sign. The light fixtures next to the water fountains were originally Dixie Cup dispensers; you can see “Dixie” etched into the fixtures.
The blue lamp shades along the walls were handcrafted in Italy. The chandeliers above are magnificent, with their chains covered in velvet.
The North and South Salons are where the original restrooms were located before the 2002 restoration. The restrooms were “glamour baths,” complete with attendants. No matter how glamorous they were, they could only accommodate eight men and five women at a time. The theater sat 3,500 people. In the restoration, the old restrooms were converted to two salons and a full-service bar. The atmospheric ceiling (Look up!) was added to tie in with the Auditorium. While you’re hanging out in the Salons, check out the historic photos of the theater — you can see the marvelous tapestries once on display in the Grand Lobby.
The Auditorium is where you’ll find the Civic in all its glory — and where the Moorish Revival style really shines. Eberson conceived an exotic Moorish garden and castle at night, with twisting columns, fanciful loges mounted
on Romanesque arcades, cascading plaster moldings and golden stucco. The horseshoe arches in the doorways are a common feature of Moorish architecture.
The interior of the theater is set one foot away from its outer wall, which is what once allowed city officials to toy with the idea of taking the theater apart and relocating it to another area of town. Sections of the walls are installed like puzzle pieces.
What is perhaps most memorable for patrons is our atmospheric ceiling. The ceiling depicts the January sky over Monaco on the Mediterranean Sea because the night sky at this time of year is at its brightest. There were originally 96 “stars” in the ceiling, and at every event, patrons were treated to the rising and setting of the sun before the night sky emerged and the show began. All the light bulbs for the stars were replaced with 180,000 fiber optics in the 1990s.
The Civic Stage is framed by an ornately decorated proscenium. Look at the rich imagery in the structure and the mermaids in the corners at the top left and right sides.
One of the Civic’s most cherished antiques is our Mighty Wurlitzer organ. The Mighty Wurlitzer almost didn’t make it here. In 1929, Mr. Loew purchased the organ to accompany silent films. However, the movie industry changed, and it was decided that the organ would go to a theater in Boston instead. Luckily, Mr. Loew changed his mind and brought the Wurlitzer to Akron.
There’s so much more to learn about and see at the Civic! Take one of our free tours (watch the website at www.AkronCivic.com for dates) or stop by Stage Left in the Promenade to purchase a commemorative book on the history of the theater.
The Akron Civic Theatre is now operating and programming Goodyear Theater, the beautiful and historic 1,462-seat venue located on the corner of E. Market St. and Goodyear Blvd. in The East End neighborhood.
Built in 1919, Goodyear Theater was upgraded in 2015-2016 with an investment of $3 million in renovations and acoustics and sound system improvements.
The theater is part of Akron’s historic Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company campus — 5.5 million square feet of buildings spread over 400 acres, constructed starting in the early 1900s. Designed by Walker and Weeks as one building, the hall was full of amenities and a bank to offer its employees facilities for mental, physical and social improvement. Today, the
space features the theater, a gymnasium and other recreational spaces, classrooms and offices.
The programming lineup at Goodyear Theater includes a wide variety of concerts and family and comedy shows, as well as communitybased arts, culture and celebratory events.
For a complete list of upcoming events, visit www.GoodyearTheater.com. Tickets for all events are available online, at the Goodyear Theater and Civic box offices, or by calling 330.253.2488.
Herman L.
Marco S. Sommerville,
Roberta E. Aber, Vice
John C. Fickes
Thomas L. Harnden
Grace D. Hudson
Explore 6 parks, over 50 miles of trails and dozens of free programs each month.
This year, join us in creating a Greener Future! Visit bit.ly/SMPGreenerFuture to find the latest updates and how you can become involved.
Greater Akron is blessed with a robust arts and culture scene, and the Akron Civic Theatre contributes to the spirit of collaborative creativity, diversity and inclusivity with four community-based theater projects.
Greater Akron is blessed with a robust arts and culture scene, and the Akron Civic Theatre contributes to the spirit collaborative creativity, diversity and inclusivity with four community-based theater projects.
Greater Akron is blessed with a robust arts and culture scene — and the Akron Civic Theatre contributes to the spirit of collaborative creativity, diversity and inclusivity with four community-based theater projects.
The Akron Civic Theatre first embarked on community theater production in 2012, when it introduced the All-City Musical. The annual stage production engages high school students in the creation of a full-scale, professional-grade musical performed for a general audience. The All-City Musical calls for an all-student cast and orchestra and several student crew members, drawn from Summit County’s public and private schools as well as home-schooled teens. Participants are immersed in a unique educational experience, involving them in all aspects of the production and offering them the opportunity to work collaboratively with their peers and Theater professionals outside the school setting and on a much larger scale than is typical for local schools.
Akron Civic Theatre first embarked on community theater production in 2012, when it introduced the All-City Musical. The annual stage production engages high school students in the creation of a full-scale, professional-grade musical performed for a general audience. The All-City Musical calls an all-student cast and orchestra and several student crew members, drawn from Summit County’s public and private schools well as home-schooled teens. Participants immersed in a unique educational experience, involving them in all aspects of production and offering them the opportunity to work collaboratively with their peers and Theater professionals outside the school setting and on a much larger scale than is typical for local schools.
The success of the Civic’s inaugural production of Hairspray led to more successful productions. Over time, nearly 900 Summit County students have participated since the project’s inception. The All-City Musical has staged Ragtime, Bye Bye Birdie, Shrek the Musical, Beauty and the Beast, Mary Poppins, Jesus Christ Superstar, Aida, Peter Pan and Oklahoma! In June 2025, All-City will present Newsies.
The Akron Civic Theatre first embarked on community theater production in 2012, when it introduced the All-City Musical. The annual stage production engages high school students in the creation of a full-scale, professional-grade musical performed for a general audience. The All-City Musical calls for an all-student cast and orchestra and several student crew members, drawn from Summit County’s public and private schools, as well as home-schooled teens. Participants are immersed in a unique educational experience, involving them in all aspects of the production and offering them the opportunity to work collaboratively with their peers and theater professionals outside the school setting — on a much larger scale than is typical for local schools.
The success of the Civic’s inaugural production of “Hairspray” led to more successful productions. Over time, nearly 900 Summit County students have participated since the project’s inception. The All-City Musical has staged “Ragtime”, “Bye Bye Birdie”, “Shrek the Musical”, “Beauty and the Beast”, “Mary Poppins”, “Jesus Christ Superstar”, “Aida”, “Peter Pan” and “Oklahoma!” In June 2025, All-City presented “Newsies”.
success of the Civic’s inaugural production of Hairspray led to more uccessful productions. Over time, nearly 900 Summit County students have participated since the project’s inception. All-City Musical has staged Ragtime, Bye Birdie, Shrek the Musical, Beauty and the Beast, Mary Poppins, Jesus Christ Superstar, Aida, Peter Pan and Oklahoma! In June 2025, All-City will present Newsies.
In 2016, the Millennial Theatre Project (MTP) evolved from the Civic’s experience in producing the All-City Musical. Staff became aware that teens who “age out” of local youth theater and traditional arts education programs are still interested in participating
2016, the Millennial Theatre Project (MTP) evolved from the Civic’s experience in producing the All-City Musical. Staff became aware that teens who “age out” of local youth theater and traditional arts education
in the performing arts. Many struggle to find performance and production opportunities, especially in roles of artistic leadership. MTP began as an effort to bridge the gap between youth and adult community theater opportunities for participants ages 18-35 (Millennials and Gen Zers), and to create a theatrical space for younger adult voices. The project expands Summit County’s arts menu to serve an under-represented demographic in community theater.
in the performing arts. Many struggle to find performance and production opportunities, especially in roles of artistic leadership. MTP began as an effort to bridge the gap between youth and adult community theater opportunities for participants ages 18-35 (Millennials and Gen Zers), and to create a theatrical space for younger adult voices. The project expands Summit County’s arts menu to serve an under-represented demographic in community theater.
arts. Many struggle to find performance and production opportunities, especially in roles of artistic leadership. MTP began as an effort to bridge the gap between youth and adult community theater opportunities for participants ages 18-35 (Millennials and Gen Zers), and to create a theatrical space for younger adult voices. The project expands Summit County’s arts menu to serve an underrepresented demographic in community theater.
Since MTP’s inception, more than 300 performing artists and 25 production team members have been involved in staging over 65 productions, including Rent, Sister Act, Dreamgirls, The Rocky Horror Show and many others. Coming off of an acclaimed production of Hairspray in January 2025, MTP's schedule includes She Kills Monsters in March and Rock of Ages in July to round out the season.
Since MTP’s inception, more than 300 performing artists and 25 production team members have been involved in staging over 65 productions, including “Rent”, “Sister Act”, “Dreamgirls”, “The Rocky Horror Show” and many others. Coming off of an acclaimed production of “Hairspray” in January 2025, MTP’s schedule included “She Kills Monsters” in March and “Rock of Ages” in July to round out the season.
Since MTP’s inception, more than 300 performing artists and 25 production team members have been involved in staging over 65 productions, including Rent, Sister Act, Dreamgirls, The Rocky Horror Show and many others. Coming off of an acclaimed production of Hairspray in January 2025, MTP's schedule includes She Kills Monsters i March and Rock of Ages in July to round out the season.
In addition, the company has premiered several original works by local playwrights: (In)Dependent: The Heroin Project by Kent State graduate Emelia Sherin; Simply to Die For, a four-part radio murder-mystery by C.J. Corl; and local playwright and former anchorman Eric Mansfield’s dramatic play, Whitesville.
In addition, the company has premiered several original works by local playwrights: “(In) Dependent: The Heroin Project” by Kent State graduate Emelia Sherin; “Simply to Die For”, a four-part radio murder-mystery by C.J. Corl; and local playwright and former anchorman Eric Mansfield’s dramatic play, “Whitesville”.
In addition, the company has premiered several original works by local playwrights: (In)Dependent: The Heroin Project by Kent State graduate Emelia Sherin; Simply to Die For, a four-part radio murder-mystery by C.J. Corl; and local playwright and former anchorman Eric Mansfield’s dramatic play,
In 2016, the Millennial Theatre Project evolved from the Civic’s experience in producing the All-City Musical. Staff became aware that teens who “age out” of local youth theater and traditional arts education programs are still interested in participating in the performing
We’re fun! We’re social! And we support the Akron Civic Theatre!
We’re fun! We’re social! And we support the Akron Civic Theatre!
Get involved with an active and fun group of people who love and support the “Jewel on Main Street.” Become a member of the Akron Civic Theatre Women’s Guild.
Get involved with an active and fun group of people who love and support the “Jewel on Main Street.” Become a member of the Akron Civic Theatre Women’s Guild.
The Guild organizes and hosts two fundraising luncheons annually and founded, manages and staffs the theater’s museum store, Stage Left at the Civic, located in the promenade. The store is open through intermission during many performances. Proceeds from our events and sales benefit programming at the Civic!
The Guild organizes and hosts two fundraising luncheons annually and founded, manages and staffs the theater’s museum store, Stage Left at the Civic, located in the promenade. The store is open through intermission during many performances. Proceeds from our events and sales benefit programming at the Civic!
For more information about joining the Akron Civic Theatre Women’s Guild, stop by Stage Left or call the Civic at 330-535-3179.
For more information about joining the Akron Civic Theatre Women’s Guild, stop by
Under the banner of MTP, “Say It Loud” is a dramatic presentation about experiences of race and racism in Greater Akron, written from the stories that playwrights Francine Parr and Maya Nicholson collected in interviews over a one-year period in the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder in May 2020. “Say It Loud” consists of a series of monologues scripted directly from narratives gleaned from these sources, offering authentic representations of the feelings, frustrations, fears and suffering of community members from all walks of life. The production has been staged nearly 25 times since 2020.
In 2021, BOOM! Theater followed in the footsteps of the All-City Musical and MTP in that it, too, works with a niche demographic. BOOM! presents musicals for a general audience with largely mature adult casts and creative teams (ages 50+).
“Senior theater” is, indeed, a thing. Over 800 known companies exist worldwide dedicated to this idea, but BOOM! is the only company of its kind in Northeast Ohio. Older adults comprise a high percentage of the audience for arts and culture fare, but they are not as often participants as the creators of arts and culture content, particularly on the theatrical performance side. BOOM! offers new opportunities for creative aging and provides a meaningful creative and social outlet for older adults. The project launched with “Cabaret” and continues to produce a beloved Christmas show annually to complement the spring production. In May 2025, BOOM! brought the Tony Awardwinning musical “Company” to the Knight Stage.
Investing state and federal dollars, the Ohio Arts Council funds and supports quality arts experiences for all Ohioans to strengthen communities culturally, educationally, and economically.
Learn more about our grant programs and resources, find your next arts experience, or connect: OAC.OHIO.GOV.
artist Michael Kline presents a demonstration at the 2023 Functional Ceramics Workshop. Held at the Wayne Center for the Arts, this annual event is presented by Ohio Designer Craftsmen. Image credit: Matt Nef
Akron Civic Theatre’s Staging the Future capital project has been truly transformational. only do the new and renovated physical spaces further enhance the Civic’s entertainment and cultural value, but the public art that is part of the capital project significantly impacts the S. Main St./W. Bowery St. Bowery block, which ties into the goal of Akron’s economic development strategy.
The Akron Civic Theatre’s Staging the Future capital project has been truly transformational. Not only do the new and renovated physical spaces further enhance the Civic’s entertainment and cultural value, but the public art that is part of the capital project significantly impacts the S. Main St./W. Bowery St. Bowery block, which ties into the goal of Akron’s economic development strategy.
economic development strategy.
The Akron Civic Theatre’s Staging the Future capital project has been truly transformational. Not only do the new and renovated physical spaces further enhance the Civic’s entertainment and cultural value, but the public art that is part of the capital project significantly impacts the S. Main St./W. Bowery St. Bowery block, which ties into the goal of Akron’s economic development strategy.
murals on our sweeping exterior S. Main St. and W. Bowery St. walls have put a beautiful creative stamp on a revitalized neighborhood, while additional public artworks from created by local and regional artists create an even more engaging art experience and around the Civic.
The Akron Civic Theatre’s Staging the Future capital project has been truly transformational. Not only do the new and renovated physical spaces further enhance the Civic’s entertainment and cultural value, but the public art that is part of the capital project significantly impacts the S. Main St./W. Bowery St. Bowery block, which ties into the goal of Akron’s
The murals on our sweeping exterior S. Main St. and W. Bowery St. walls have put a beautiful creative stamp on a revitalized neighborhood, while additional public artworks created by local and regional artists create an even more engaging art experience in and around the Civic.
The murals on our sweeping exterior S. Main St. and W. Bowery St. walls have put a beautiful creative stamp on a revitalized neighborhood, while additional public artworks from 2023 created by local and regional artists create an even more engaging art experience in and around the Civic.
The murals on our sweeping exterior S. Main St. and W. Bowery St. walls have put a beautiful creative stamp on a revitalized neighborhood, while additional public artworks from 2023 created by local and regional artists create an even more engaging art experience in and around the Civic.
Louise Jones (“Ouizi”) California-born and now Detroit-based artist
Louise Jones (“Ouizi”) California-born and now Detroit-based artist
Louise Jones (née Chen), aka Ouizi (wee-zee), created the mural on the south side of the Civic, facing S. Main St. and overlooking Lock 3. Ouizi is best known for her large-scale floral mural installations, which can be seen in public spaces throughout the United States, from museums to public parks. Her murals often depict sitespecific plants and animals. Her affinity for botanical subjects continues to grow, stemming from an early introduction to Georgia O’Keeffe and fond memories of picking
Louise Jones (née Chen), aka Ouizi (wee-zee), created the mural on the south side of the Civic, facing S. Main St. and overlooking Lock 3. Ouizi is best known for her large-scale floral mural installations, which can be seen in public spaces throughout the United States, from museums to public parks. Her murals often depict sitespecific plants and animals. Her affinity for botanical subjects continues to grow, stemming from an early introduction to Georgia O’Keeffe and fond memories of picking
with her grandmother. Her Akron mural features plant life native to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Learn more about her work at ouizi.art. muralists — El Mac and Aiseborn — worked together to create the mural on the north side of the Civic, on W. Bowery St. at Lock 4. The artists spent a week in Akron mid-July 2020, meeting residents, taking photographs and absorbing the Akron vibe. began work on their mural in September 2020, completing it in October 2020. two artists have blended their signature styles together to create a work that intermingles magically with available light, changing in feeling throughout the day and night.
Louise Jones (“Ouizi”) California-born and now Detroit-based artist Louise Jones (née Chen), aka Ouizi (wee-zee), created the mural on the South side of the Civic, facing S. Main St. and overlooking Lock 3. Ouizi is best known for her large-scale floral mural installations, which can be seen in public spaces throughout the United States, from museums to public parks. Her murals often depict site-specific plants and animals. Her affinity for botanical subjects continues to grow, stemming from an early introduction to Georgia O’Keeffe and fond memories of picking figs with her grandmother. Her Akron mural features plant life native to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Learn more about her work at ouizi.art.
Louise Jones (“Ouizi”) California-born and now Detroit-based artist Louise Jones (née Chen), aka Ouizi (wee-zee), created the mural on the south side of the Civic, facing S. Main St. and overlooking Lock 3. Ouizi is best known for her large-scale floral mural installations, which can be seen in public spaces throughout the United States, from museums to public parks. Her murals often depict sitespecific plants and animals. Her affinity for botanical subjects continues to grow, stemming from an early introduction to Georgia O’Keeffe and fond memories of picking
figs with her grandmother. Her Akron mural features plant life native to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Learn more about her work at ouizi.art. Two muralists — El Mac and Aiseborn — worked together to create the mural on the north side of the Civic, on W. Bowery St. at Lock 4. The artists spent a week in Akron in mid-July 2020, meeting residents, taking photographs and absorbing the Akron vibe. They began work on their mural in September 2020, completing it in October 2020. The two artists have blended their signature styles together to create a work that intermingles magically with available light, changing in feeling throughout the day and night.
figs with her grandmother. Her Akron mural features plant life native to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Learn more about her work at ouizi.art. Two muralists — El Mac and Aiseborn — worked together to create the mural on the north side of the Civic, on W. Bowery St. at Lock 4. The artists spent a week in Akron in mid-July 2020, meeting residents, taking photographs and absorbing the Akron vibe. They began work on their mural in September 2020, completing it in October 2020. The two artists have blended their signature styles together to create a work that intermingles magically with available light, changing in feeling throughout the day and
Two muralists — El Mac and Aiseborn — worked together to create the mural on the North side of the Civic, on W. Bowery St. at Lock 4. The artists spent a week in Akron in mid-July 2020, meeting residents, taking photographs and absorbing the Akron vibe. They began work on their mural in September 2020, completing it in October 2020. The two artists have blended their signature styles together to create a work that intermingles magically with available light, changing in feeling throughout the day and night.
El Mac (Miles MacGregor) Internationally renowned artist El Mac was born in and remains based in Los Angeles. He began painting public murals and graffiti in the mid-1990s and since that time has developed his unique visual aesthetic and rendering style, which utilizes repeating contour patterns. His work draws on influences from classical European art, social realism and symbolism. He has been commissioned to paint all over the world, for museums, universities and other cultural institutions. See more of his work at elmac.net.
El Mac (Miles MacGregor) Internationally renowned artist El Mac was born in and remains based in Los Angeles. He began painting public murals and graffiti in the mid-1990s and since that time has developed his unique visual aesthetic and rendering style, which utilizes repeating contour patterns. His work draws on influences from classical European art, social realism and symbolism. He has been commissioned to paint all over the world, for museums, universities and other cultural institutions. See more of his work at elmac.net.
El Mac (Miles MacGregor) Internationally renowned artist El Mac was born in and remains based in Los Angeles. He began painting public murals and graffiti in the mid-1990s and since that time has developed his unique visual aesthetic and rendering style, which utilizes repeating contour patterns. His work draws on influences from classical European art, social realism and symbolism. He has been commissioned to paint all over the world, for museums, universities and other cultural institutions. See more of his work at elmac.net.
El Mac (Miles MacGregor) Internationally renowned artist El Mac was born in and remains based in Los Angeles. He began painting public murals and graffiti in the mid-1990s and since that time has developed his unique visual aesthetic and rendering style, which utilizes repeating contour patterns. His work draws on influences from classical European art, social realism and symbolism. He has been commissioned to paint all over the world, for museums, universities and other cultural institutions. See more of his work at elmac.net.
Aiseborn (“Ace-born”) An illustrator, graffiti writer and fine art painter from Los Angeles, Aiseborn is known for murals that often include aerosol portraits adorned with his classic one-brush-stroke techniques. He creates geometric illusions that propagate at rhythms intrinsic to nature. He has installed several murals throughout Los Angeles — on city streets, in backyards, on rooftops and in a variety of unexpected places. See more of his work at instagram com/aiseborn
Aiseborn (“Ace-born”) An illustrator, graffiti writer and fine art painter from Los Angeles, Aiseborn is known for murals that often include aerosol portraits adorned with his classic one-brush-stroke techniques. He creates geometric illusions that propagate at rhythms intrinsic to nature. He has installed several murals throughout Los Angeles — on city streets, in backyards, on rooftops and in a variety of unexpected places. See more of his work at aiseborn.com.
Aiseborn (“Ace-born”) An illustrator, graffiti writer and fine art painter from Los Angeles, Aiseborn is known for murals that often include aerosol portraits adorned with his classic one-brush-stroke techniques. He creates geometric illusions that propagate at rhythms intrinsic to nature. He has installed several murals throughout Los Angeles — on city streets, in backyards, on rooftops
Aiseborn (“Ace-born”) An illustrator, graffiti writer and fine art painter from Los Angeles, Aiseborn is known for murals that often include aerosol portraits adorned with his classic one-brush-stroke techniques. He creates geometric illusions that propagate at rhythms intrinsic to nature. He has installed several murals throughout Los Angeles — on city streets, in backyards, on rooftops and in a variety of unexpected places. See more of his work at instagram.com/aiseborn.
El Mac and Aiseborn’s mural (titled “Axis Mundi”) on the Civic’s exterior wall on W. Bowery St.
Louise “Ouizi” Jones’ mural on the S. Main St. South-facing wall of the Civic
El Mac and Aiseborn’s mural (titled “Axis Mundi”) on the Civic’s
Mac and Aiseborn’s mural (titled “Axis Mundi”) on the Civic’s exterior wall on W. Bowery
Scot Phillips, owner of 25th & Lincoln Mural Co., spent several weeks in July 2023 painting the newest addition to the Akron Civic Theatre’s outdoor mural collection. The murals were funded by the theater’s Staging the Future capital campaign.
Located on the wall along our new PNC Plaza on S. Main St., the installation is called “Canal Boat and Workers.” It is a reproduction of a photograph of the logging canal boat called “Veteran” and workers, taken sometime in the 1890s — just a stone’s throw away from the location of the mural.
“This is a perfect place and opportunity to highlight Akron’s industrial heritage,” said Phillips. “The image connects stories of industry
and the past for today’s viewers as they travel along the canal on the Towpath and experience the new scenery in the Lock.”
Phillips’ work primarily implements handpainted halftone through a process called “dithering.” Halftone is a reprographic technique that simulates continuous-tone imagery through the use of dots, varying either in size or in spacing, thus generating a gradient-like effect. This process is used in offset printing and screen printing, but Phillips recreates the dot pattern by hand, exchanging work normally completed by technology with that of human labor. Seen at a distance, the image becomes clearer, almost replicating a photograph. When photos are taken of it, the halftone tends to blend even more, giving an instant clarity to the image.
“Art creates a positive impact,” said Phillips, “and serves as a perfect opportunity to expand economic development in our community.”
“Urban Mirage,” a three-dimensional illusion mural, is the newest addition to the Akron Civic Theatre campus. Commissioned by Curated Storefront with support from the Civic, the 2,000-square-foot artwork integrates architectural elements with sculptural shapes to bend the viewer’s perspective. Created by internationally renowned Italian street artist Manuel Di Rita, known as Peeta,
the mural was completed in October 2024 and is located in Lock 4. Peeta spent 20 days in Akron using a sprayer and a 135-foot lift to bring the piece to life. For the most dramatic view, he recommends standing at the top of Lock 4’s stairs on the Bowery sidewalk.
Curated Storefront founding director Rick Rogers, who previously collaborated with Peeta on the “Outside the Box” project in Akron’s Northside District, praised the artist’s signature style of anamorphic distortion. Peeta’s immersive murals and graffiti sculptures have been commissioned across Europe, North America and Asia since 1993.
Sundays, April 6, June 1, August 3, December 7, 2-4pm
Join us for an exciting year of jazz with Steinway artist Joe Augustine and fellow musicians Jim Rupp and Tim Powell. Delight in classics from the Great American Songbook, original pieces, and more!
This event is free and open to all. Seating is first come, first served. Parking is free in the Market/High St. Parking deck on weekends.
For questions or additional information, contact the Culture & AV desk at 330.643.9015 or cadiv@akronlibrary.org.
The Marks Family Foundation - Steven & Jeannine Marks
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Become a CivicGo! member now and enjoy a host of exclusive benefits that will make your theater experience all the more special. Individual membership levels start at just $150.
Scan this code, or visit www.AkronCivic.com/ individual to explore the benefits to determine which level is right for you!
The CivicGo! Business Membership has all the great perks of individual membership and more. Enjoy a world of opportunities to promote your business, entertain your clients and customers and reward your employees! Become a business member of CivicGo! at www.AkronCivic.com/business or contact Colette Taylor, development director, at 330.572.7770 or ctaylor@akroncivic.com. GO! SAPPHIRE
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as of June 30, 2025
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To learn more about how you can support the Akron Civic Theatre through our Star Makers annual fund program, visit www.AkronCivic.com/starmakers or contact Colette Taylor, development director: 330.572.7770 or ctaylor@akroncivic.com.
Board President
Cristina González Alcalá, PhD Akron Community Foundation
Board Vice President
Kimberly Morgan GOJO Industries
Board Secretary
Demetrius Lambert-Falconer Summit Metro Parks
Board Treasurer
Michael Batu Gardens Wealth Management
Ismail Al-Amin Keepers of the Art
Seth Apple
Walter Haverfield
Nichole Booker, PhD
SVN Summit Commercial Real Estate Advisors
Julie Brandle Metis Construction Services
Rachel Bridenstine Development Finance Authority of Summit County
Sharon Connor
Akron City Council
Laurie Cramer
Ace Epps
JP Morgan Chase & Co.
Thomas Fischer
Fischer Consulting Partners
Amy Freed Humbert
Communication Exhibits, Inc.
Puspa Gajmer
Himalayan Music Academy
Sue Henige Oriana House Inc.
Amy Jordan Hudson Community Foundation
Emily Klink PNC
Brian Lamoda-Genet 750ML Wines
Chris Ludle City of Akron
Phil Montgomery County of Summit, Ohio
Kimberly Morgan GOJO Industries
Abraham Nabors
Mustard Seed Market & Café
Gil Padula, MD
UH St. John Medical Center
Liz Pjesky
High Road Touring
Erik Reynolds inSITE Advisory Group, LLC
Roberta Rogers
Akron Civic Theatre Women’s Guild
Angie Wells GPD Group
Special thanks to Louis Berroteran for helping the “Jewel on Main Street” shine throughout his 18 years of board service.
as of June 30, 2025
Howard Parr
Executive Director
Diamond Ardelian Box Office Client Services Manager
Molly Barnwell Associate Director, Operations
Lisa Brosovich Associate Technical Director
Jennifer Ferguson Box Office Manager
Matt Jennings
Technical Director
Ivy Johnson Producers Representative/ Development Assistance
Robert Keith
Building + Facilities Supervisor
Autumn Lombardi Volunteer Coordinator
Jill Migone
Executive Assistant/ Office Coordinator
Beth Mullen Human Resources Consultant
Olivia Beal Newcomb Booking Assistant/Event Manager
Caitlin O’Shea Lead House Manager
Francine Parr
Artistic Director, Millennial Theatre Project & Arts Inclusion Incubator
Val Renner
Associate Director, Community Events
Sarah Rice Food & Beverage Manager
Jane Startzman Events Manager
Keyanna Stubbs Client Services Manager
Colette Taylor Development Director
Jenée Valle
Accounting Director
Tim Williams
Operations + Maintenance
Hannah Wright
Marketing Director
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