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2020 REPORT TO THE
COMMUNITY
resident companies; talented artists, designers, and technicians; generous sponsors, donors, and members; loyal audiences and fans; attentive and helpful volunteers; and a tireless and committed administrative staff. With the unwavering support of this family of stakeholders, we continued to be responsible stewards of the Aronoff Center and Music Hall, kept our audiences engaged with digital and streaming arts content, communicated the status of events with our ticket holders, reimagined our future programs, and began work on a comprehensive and safe reopening plan. We are pleased to present to you our 2020 Report to the Community, which offers an overview of the best and worst of this troubling and strange season. We hope this Report reminds you of the time our stages were alive with events, of the many ways the arts make a difference in our lives, and how much they were missed during the historic pandemic shutdown. What we have missed most of all is YOU! Our venues were created as unique destinations where audiences and artists come together for shared experiences that entertain, enlighten, and inspire. We are more thankful than ever for your ongoing interest in and support of our venues and our programs. And we are very much looking forward to welcoming you back for events that unite us and celebrate the human spirit. The one thing of which we are certain in these uncertain times is that the curtain will rise again!
Dear Friends of the Arts, To quote Charles Dickens: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times!” The
first half of our 2019–20 season was the beginning of what we thought would be one of our most successful seasons ever. Activity at the Aronoff Center and Music Hall was extremely high, the Cincinnati Symphony was celebrating its 125th Anniversary, and Disney’s The Lion King had just completed a near sold-out, four week run. And then the curtain fell! On March 13, Ohio Governor DeWine announced an order limiting mass gatherings of more than one-hundred people due to a novel coronavirus named COVID-19. What we thought would be a short, temporary disruption to our business lasted through the end of the season and beyond. Our venues shut down. Our stages went dark. Hundreds of events cancelled or rescheduled. Facing a financial impact of $2 million, we made the difficult decision to lay off nearly half of our full time staff. The killing of George Floyd in late May prompted us to focus on continuing our work on diversity, equity, and inclusion. The season quickly became the most challenging in our twenty-five years of the combined operations of the Aronoff Center and Music Hall. But through the good times and the bad, we were always reminded of our gratitude and pride for those who stood by us during this difficult year: our dedicated board of trustees; exceptional
See you at the theater!
Stephen A. Loftin
1 2020 • DEAR FRIENDS OF THE ARTS
Dudley S. Taft
President, Chairman, Cincinnati Arts Board of Trustees Association Cincinnati Arts Association
CAA Presents 2019–20 Season
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Even though the Cincinnati Arts Association’s 2019–20 Season came to an abrupt close in mid-March, we were able to present nine of twelve planned events. The season offered diverse audiences a variety of entertainment options, including music, magic, theater, and family fun. These intriguing national tours continued CAA’s long-standing mission of presenting an eclectic mix of alternative entertainment choices to compliment another exciting (albeit truncated) arts season in the Tri-state.
MasterChef Junior Live!
October 7 • Aronoff Center–Procter & Gamble Hall
This live version of the hit FOX-TV show featured head-to-head cooking competitions with past MasterChef Junior all-stars and fan favorites in an immersive experience that was fun for all ages.
A Night With Janis Joplin
October 1 • Aronoff Center–Procter & Gamble Hall
Vocal powerhouse Mary Bridgett Davies rocked the Aronoff with her Tony® Award-nominated performance in the hit Broadway musical that celebrates Janis Joplin and her musical influences.
3 2020 • CAA PRESENTS
and breathtaking cirque artists from all corners of the world, accompanied by favorite holiday music performed live.
Wild Kratts® LIVE! 2.0—Activate Creature Power®! November 23 • Aronoff Center–Procter & Gamble Hall
Based on the Emmy®-nominated hit PBS KIDS series, this all-new interactive stage adventure starring the world-famous Kratt Brothers took fans on a “wild” ride with a dynamic mix of live-action and animation.
That Golden Girls Show!—a puppet parody
October 19–20 • Aronoff Center–Jarson-Kaplan Theater
Devoted fans were transported back to the hit TV show with this brand-new comedy that parodied classic Golden Girls moments with Dorothy, Blanche, Rose, and Sophia—as puppets!
Robert Dubac’s The Book of Moron
The Office! A Musical Parody
October 25–26 • Aronoff Center–Jarson-Kaplan Theater
February 15–16 • Aronoff Center–Jarson-Kaplan Theater
Robert Dubac’s hilarious off-Broadway one-man show had audiences laughing and thinking simultaneously as they contemplated the meaning of life and our purpose in the world.
This off-Broadway hit proved to be as popular as its namesake TV show, selling out soon after it went on sale and adding an extra performance due to demand.
A Magical Cirque Christmas November 19 • Aronoff Center– Procter & Gamble Hall
The joy of Christmas was brought to magical life with dazzling performers 4
Baby Shark Live!
March 7 • Aronoff Center– Procter & Gamble Hall
In this fully immersive concert experience, Baby Shark and his friend Pinkfong had kids and their families dancing and singing to new and classic songs, including the titular earworm, “Baby Shark.”
An Evening with C.S. Lewis
February 28–March 1 • Aronoff Center–Jarson-Kaplan Theater
Written by and starring David Payne, this fascinating one-man show was an enthralling theatrical experience that explored the life a literary giant of the 20th century.
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These popular shows were selling extremely well prior to the shutdown and were rescheduled to the 2021–22 Season.
Johnny Mathis: The Voice of Romance Tour
Original Date: March 14 Aronoff Center–Procter & Gamble Hall
The Price is Right Live!™
Original Date: March 21 Aronoff Center–Procter & Gamble Hall
5 2020 • CAA PRESENTS
RAIN: A Tribute to the Beatles
Original Date: May 7 Aronoff Center–Procter & Gamble Hall
Alice F. and Harris K.
Weston Art Gallery 2019–20 Exhibition Season 6
Workshops, and public tours. Intimate concerts presented by Salon 21 and Southbank Quartet, as well as private receptions with Gallery exhibitions as a backdrop, continued to introduce new audiences to the Weston. In early June, in response to the death of George Floyd at the hands of police in Minneapolis, the Weston commissioned structural veil, a window mural project by Cincinnati-based African-American poet and writer Elese Daniel. Addressing systemic racism in our society, the four-panel poem was installed temporarily over the windows that were broken along the 7th Street side of the Aronoff following largely peaceful protests during the Memorial Day weekend. In late August, near the first anniversary of Alice Weston’s death, the Gallery received a one-milliondollar endowment gift pledged by the Westons in the early 1990s during the Aronoff Center’s construction. Alice and her late husband Harris were the founding patrons of the Weston Art Gallery and the driving force behind its inception. Both worked tirelessly to garner support and funding to carve out a space for local and regional artists in the Aronoff Center before its construc tion. This tremendous gift for the Gallery, which will serve as a foundation of support and financial stability for the future, will further ensure that the legacy of Alice and Harris’s vision, advocacy, and extraordinary support for the arts in Cincinnati will live on.
The Weston Art Gallery’s 2019–20 exhibition season will be forever bookended by two momentous events: the death of founding patron Alice Weston on September 9, on the eve of the new season; and the Gallery’s abrupt four-month closure to the public on March 14 due to the threat of the impending novel coronavirus. Despite these unprecedented setbacks, the Weston successively launched the majority of its 25th season and creatively engaged more than 13,000 guests (a drop of more than 10,000 from the previous season) through an eclectic series of dynamic exhibitions by exceptionally talented regional artists. Further opportunities to engage the public and enhance understanding of the artists’ intent were facilitated by a series of Gallery Talks, Families Create!
2019–20 Exhibition Season (modified due to the pandemic) September 13–November 18
Lindsay Deifik, Liz Roberts, Suzanne Silver, Todd Slaughter (all Columbus, OH, except Deifik who is in Philadelphia, PA); Anthony Luensman (Tucson, AZ); and Sarah Knobel (Potsdam, NY).
Emanate
A group exhibition designed to coincide with the Cincinnati BLINK Festival, Emanate featured lightbased works that included phosphorescent painting, neon sculpture, illuminated photography, video, and projection. Occupying both gallery levels, Emanate extended beyond the confines of the Weston to three exterior locations of the Aronoff with largescale works by filmmaker and Cincinnati native C. Jacqueline Wood. Other participating artists included Tom Bacher, Hank Hildebrandt and Erin Taylor, Diana Duncan Holmes and the late Timothy Riordan, Alice Pixley Young (all Cincinnati, OH); Christian Schmit (Lakeside Park, KY); Connie Sullivan (Ft. Wright, KY); Nate Ricciuto and 7 2020 • WESTON ART GALLERY
November 22–February 2
The following interconnected solo exhibitions were linked by their examination of how we interact with physical space in the natural and built environments.
Emily Moores: Felt Embrace Responding to the vertical expanse of the Weston’s street-level atrium, Emily Moores constructed a new suspended, colorful installation from folded and cut paper and fabric that combined ornamentation and patterns in a unified monumental mass.
Joomi Chung: Image Space/Memory Space Joomi Chung (Oxford, OH) created an abstract landscape-map in an immersive installation combining objective representation and subjective experiences of places and moments. Chung’s intricate ink and pen drawings over acetate and painstakingly hand-cut black rubber sheets evoked aerial views of urban centers.
John Humphries: Rules, Recipes, and Mythology—Works on Paper John Humphries (Cincinnati, OH) presented exquisite watercolors with nimble wood construction overlays that suggested architectural extensions into undeveloped rural settings. Humphries work investigated tectonic ideas of space, narrative, texture, order/disorder, and connection through architectural interventions.
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February 7–March 14 (closing date due to pandemic) July 9–August 21 (extension after Gallery reopening)
Todd Pavlisko: Pop Supernatural In Pop Supernatural, Ohio native and New York City-based artist Todd Pavlisko presented a multifaceted installation of interconnected bodies of work that reflected on cultural change and critique, including monumental Pez sculptures that celebrated a variety of cultural icons.
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The Gallery’s entire spring and summer programming was cancelled as the COVID-19 pandemic continued, including five exhibitions, three Families Create! workshops, the annual Canstruction® display, two Salon 21 concerts, a Southbank Quartet concert, and the Docentitos youth docent program. During the shutdown period, Gallery staff worked remotely to produce online content such as a video tour of Todd Pavlisko’s exhibition, along with short videos revisiting memorable past Weston exhibitions culled from the Gallery’s extensive archive. Despite all efforts, the continuing economic impact of COVID-19 led to company-wide layoffs in June which reduced Gallery staff from two full-time and one part-time positions to only the Weston’s Director. The Gallery reopened on July 9 (with the implementation of new health and safety guidelines) and salvaged the remainder of the 2019–20 season by extending Todd Pavlisko’s previously interrupted spring exhibition. Gallery hours were reduced to Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, resulting in one less day of public access (Sunday) and fifteen less hours overall per week. 9
2020 • WESTON ART GALLERY
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Education & Community Engagement Cincinnati Arts Association’s Education & Community Engagement department creates ”space” in our facilities and throughout the community for enlightening creative voices, builds awareness that the arts are integral to a healthy and vibrant region, and views our purpose through the lens of diversity and inclusion. During the 2019–20 season, the following programs touched the lives of 65,034 youth and adults. The pandemic resulted in the loss of nearly half of our education season, with an adverse impact of 44,872 persons who would have otherwise been served.
about the performance and crosscurricular connections. Reach: 21 performances by 9 arts companies reached 10,022 persons. Pandemic Impact: 9 performances by 3 arts companies cancelled. Reach loss of 6,425. The Overture Awards—the region’s largest high school arts scholarship competition—was held on March 7, just prior to the COVID-19 shutdown. Talented competitors received valuable feedback from the judges in a program that acknowledges and celebrates excellence in six arts disciplines. In addition, the Overture’s Arts Educator Award recognized and supported teachers in the arts.
Artists on Tour brought local teaching artists and curriculum-based programs to schools in a twenty-county region including southern Indiana, southwest Ohio, and northeast Kentucky. Reach: 120 sessions reached 12,973 persons. Pandemic Impact: 19 sessions cancelled for a reach loss of 3,560.
Reach: 2,093 total participants (regional, semi-final, and final levels of competition). 25 finalists competed for $43,000 in scholarships. Arts In Healing Initiative (AIH) provided meaningful artistic experiences with therapeutic benefit for patients, caregivers, and families
SchoolTime brought students to the Aronoff Center and Music Hall for live performances that augmented the class curriculum and provided resource materials 10
in medical and non-traditional settings. This season, AIH increased programming at Hospice of Cincinnati by 133%, expanding to their north, east, and west campuses.
FamiliesFORWARD, and TriHealth on “Unmasking the Roar”—a series of mask-making workshops for children and their caregivers inspired by Disney’s The Lion King. Each participant attended an exhibition reception of the masks before seeing a performance of the hit Broadway musical at the Aronoff Center.
Reach: 14,292 persons through 17,442 contact hours. Pandemic Impact: Reach loss of 19,365 persons through 21,322 contact hours. journey—an AIH program at South Avondale Elementary School—integrated the arts into grades K–6 and developed school-wide morning drumming, global music, and focus practices. Reach: 1,578 (students and instructors) through 19,912 instructional contact hours. Pandemic Impact: Loss of 7,777 instructional contact hours. Building Diverse Audiences Advisory Committee (BDAAC) is a group of volunteers who serve as ambassadors to build awareness of CAA and its programs, giving our organization a broader and deeper imprint in the community. In addition, the committee advises CAA on issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Two long-standing partnership programs were cancelled due to COVID-19: Dada Rafiki (Annie Ruth, partner) and Sparks in the Arts (Most Valuable Kids, partner). Reach: 3,225 persons. Pandemic Impact: Reach loss of 3,267.
Reach: 219 persons through BDAAC projects. Pandemic Impact: Reach loss of 509 due to cancelled projects.
The Aronoff Center Rental Subsidy Program assisted local non-profit arts organizations with rental fees at the Aronoff Center.
Cincy Emerging Arts Leaders (Cincy EAL) presented three programs during the 2019–20 season—Creative Conversation: How is the Past Shaping the Future of the Arts in Your Community?, ArtsPulse: Lunch Chat (the role of arts administra tors in the Arts), and the smART Summit, supported by ArtsWave. Presented virtually due to COVID-19, the Summit covered topics on “The New Normal.”
Reach: 10 arts groups presenting 16 productions with subsidies ranging from $50 to $2,600. Pandemic Impact: 6 projects postponed. Artists on Tour Grants covered a portion of the fees for local teaching artists to visit area schools based on economic need.
Reach: 168 persons.
Reach: 41 artist visits reached 9,429 persons. Pandemic Impact: 14 visits cancelled for a reach loss 3,560.
Community Arts Initiatives / Special Projects • CAA partnered with the Urban Appalachian Community Coalition (UACC) to present a live cultural art experience during the day for students and in the evening for the general public. • A partnership with the School for Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA) provided a masterclass by Metta Quintet from JazzReach to the SCPA Jazz Ensemble. • CAA collaborated with Broadway in Cincinnati,
The New Audiences Ticket and Transportation Program provided a ticket grant to 71% of students attending a SchoolTime performance and a transportation grant to 35% of these students. Reach: 11,025 persons. Pandemic Impact: 3 performances were cancelled for a reach loss of 8,180. 11
2020 • EDUCATION & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
2019–20
Season HIghlights 12
B E F O R E
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S H U T D O W N
Rachmaninoff’s Vespers
October 20 • Music Hall–Springer Auditorium
The May Festival Chorus and Youth Chorus, led by conductor Robert Porco, gave a hauntingly beautiful performance of Rachmaninoff’s Vespers.
Opera Fusion: New Works
September 4 • Music Hall–Wilks Studio
Cincinnati Opera and CCM Opera’s joint Opera Fusion: New Works program presented excerpts from Cincinnati Opera’s upcoming world premiere Castor and Patience. Written by composer Gregory Spears and Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Tracy K. Smith, the new opera follows two African-American cousins who find themselves at odds over a historic parcel of land that they’ve inherited.
The Wizard of Oz
October 25–November 3 • Aronoff Center–Procter & Gamble Hall
The Cincinnati Ballet followed the yellow brick road to a land of enchantment for its regional premiere of choreographer Septime Webre’s The Wizard of Oz at Aronoff Center. This magical production was filled with dazzling sets, costumes, and special effects.
Come From Away
September 17–29 • Aronoff Center–Procter & Gamble Hall
Audience favorite Come From Away, part of the Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Cincinnati season, presented by TriHealth, is a moving musical about the kindness of strangers in a small Newfoundland town where many international flights were suddenly diverted on 9/11. Two of those flights were bound for Cincinnati, so several local residents lived the experience. Some of those passengers shared their personal stories in a panel discussion for subscribers in August 2019 at the Aronoff. 13 2020 • SEASON HIGHLIGHTS
Claus. The enthusiastic audience included students from the School for Creative and Performing Arts.
Awaited
December 20–23 • Aronoff Center– Procter & Gamble Hall
Cabaret
November 8–16 • Aronoff Center–Jarson-Kaplan Theater
Crossroads Church relocated its beloved holiday tradition to the Aronoff Center for the first time in the show’s 11-year run. Seen by more than 14,000 people, the family-friendly theatre experience is a creative retelling of the classic Christmas story told through an immersive large-scale production that uses video projection mapping, dance, and live music.
Cincinnati Music Theatre’s production of Cabaret explored the dark, heady, and tumultuous life of Berlin’s natives and expatriates against the background of the Nazis’ rise to power. The story reminded audiences that complicity and complacency can be avoided by the choices each of us makes during challenging times.
Mirror Ball
December 31 • Music Hall Ballroom
The Cincinnati Arts Association partnered with AGAR to present a New Year’s Eve celebration that included music by DJ ETrayn, a specialty craft cocktail created by Molly Wellmann, VIP wines by Kevin Hart of Hart & Cru, desserts by Eat Well, amazing performances by Elevated Aerialists, and of course, dancing under the Mirror Ball!
Happy Holidays with the Mighty Wurlitzer December 3 • Music Hall Ballroom
The Friends of Music Hall presented its annual holiday concert, featuring world-renowned organist Jelani Eddington; host Evans Mirageas, Cincinnati Opera’s Artistic Director; singer/actress Michele Ragusa; dancers from Cincinnati Ballet’s Otto M. Budig Academy; and a special appearance by Santa 14
Ronald K. Brown / EVIDENCE
January 24 & 25 • Aronoff Center– Jarson-Kaplan Theater
Presented by Contemporary Dance Theater, this repertory concert by master choreographer Ronald K. Brown merged contemporary dance with African dance movements and rhythms. Audience members said it was “one of the most
enlivening, inspiring performances they had seen and the most diverse audience they had ever been a part of at a dance event.”
All-City Boychoir Festival February 8 • Aronoff Center
Thanks to a partnership with the Cincinnati Arts Association, the Cincinnati Boychoir welcomed boys from the region for its 9th annual All-City Boychoir Festival. The appropriate backdrop for the day of music-making was the beloved carnavalito “¡Canten Señores!”—a folk song and dance style from Bolivia and Argentina originally sung during Carnival. The translation of the title is “Sing, Sirs!”
GRAMMY® Nominations for the CSO and Pops
January
Cincinnati’s hometown orchestra represented the City with pride at the 2020 GRAMMY® awards, celebrating two nominations for the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra’s Transatlantic album and the Pops’ American Originals: 1918.
New Voices Series
January 14 / February 25 • Aronoff Center–Fifth Third Bank Theater
Cincinnati Playwrights Initiative opened a new year of staged readings in January with two one-acts: The Ghost Girl, by 18-year-old Ariel Rodgers, and Lily Blossoms, a comedy by Greg Hatfield. In February, CPI presented Mike Oppenheim’s Angels, a satire about the U.S. hospital industry, just prior to the escalation of the pandemic and the State ordered shut-down. 15 2020 • SEASON HIGHLIGHTS
with Our Turn, the first performance of its inaugural full season at the Aronoff. This would also be the last of the season due to the impending pandemic. A celebration of tomorrow’s ballet stars today, Our Turn focused on diversity, defied stereotypes, and challenged cultural norms.
Swan Lake
February 13–16 • Music Hall–Springer Auditorium
The classic masterpiece, Swan Lake, returned to Music Hall. Audiences were amazed by the tragic love story of Odette, a princess transformed into a swan by an evil sorcerer. The Cincinnati Ballet production was choreographed after Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov by Kirk Peterson and set to Tchaikovsky’s haunting and majestic score.
Beethoven Akademie/CSO 125
February 29–March 1 • Music Hall–Springer Auditorium
Flow presents Dayton Contemporary Dance Company: Retro/ACTIVE
A capstone of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra’s 125th anniversary season was a recreation by Music Director Louis Langrée of the legendary 1808 Akademie concert at which Beethoven’s Fourth piano concerto had its first public performance, and the Choral Fantasy and his Fifth and Sixth symphonies received their world premieres. Audiences were immersed in a total-Beethoven experience, complete with a Viennese biergarten.
February 21–22 • Aronoff Center–JarsonKaplan Theater
DCDC’S Retro/ACTIVE was the inaugural presentation of ArtsWave’s FLOW, a series of inspiring and exciting events that elevate and joyfully showcase African-American culture and artistic expression. The enthralling performance featured DCDC’s masterworks celebrating the company’s 51st season, plus a new work by DCDC’s Chief Artistic Administrator & Producing Director Debbie Blunden-Diggs.
Aronoff Center Resident Dance Companies Merge
June 20
Contemporary Dance Theater and MamLuft&Co. Dance announced that they will be merging by Fall 2021 under the new name Mutual Dance Theatre and will continue to perform at the Aronoff as one of its resident companies. A grant from ArtsWave helped to facilitate the move, supporting the idea that a merger between the organizations will lead to a more sustainable advancement of Modern Dance.
Our Turn
February 27 • Aronoff Center– Jarson-Kaplan Theater
Revolution Dance Theatre celebrated its first year as an Aronoff Center resident company 16
Statement of Solidarity and Unity “Never forget that justice is what love looks like in public.” —Dr. Cornel West, American professor, philosopher, author, and activist
The recent events in our city and across the nation have reminded us of the deep pain felt by so many and the work that still needs to be done to unify us as a nation. The Aronoff Center and Music Hall are unique venues that bring people together for a shared artistic experience that has the power to promote understanding and unity. It is part of the Cincinnati Arts Association’s mission to serve all in our community. Our hearts are heavy over the tragic deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery, and we continue to mourn the losses of Timothy Thomas, Samuel DuBose, and countless others throughout our country. We stand in unity with the black community in the struggle for racial equality and social justice. We are listening, and we will continue working for change and healing.
Shortly after the killing of George Floyd on May 25, the Cincinnati Arts Association posted the following statement on its website and social media channels, and in an email to its Members, E-NEWS subscribers, and other stakeholders.
A F T E R
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Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and Pops Livestreams May 16 & July 4 • Streaming from Music Hall
The Fanfare Project Launched May 2020
Inspired by Aaron Copland’s Fanfare for the Common Man, premiered by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra in 1943, the CSO commissioned twenty fanfares for solo instrumentalists from a range of leading classical music, pops, Broadway, jazz and Hollywood composers who were asked to reflect on these challenging times. CSO and Pops musicians recorded the world premieres from home.
The CSO was among the first American orchestras to stream live performances. In May, CSO Music Director Louis Langrée hosted a concert including Mahler’s Piano Quartet and the premiere of vitres (fragment). On July 4, the Pops, under the baton of John Morris Russell, presented a digital version of Red, White & Boom featuring guest-vocalist Melinda Doolittle. 17
2020 • SEASON HIGHLIGHTS
Live Virtual Composer Interview May 21 • Streaming from Music Hall
The May Festival hosted a live, online interview with composer Jessie Montgomery, whose composition I Have Something to Say, co-commissioned by the May Festival and the Washington National Cathedral, had been originally scheduled for the May Fest’s opening night.
RDT-TV Performances
During the pandemic, Revolution Dance Theatre traded performing on a sprung floor at the Aronoff for dancing on concrete streets. Unable to perform for live audiences, RDT began producing RDT-TV performances, available on its YouTube channel.
The pandemic had a devastating impact on the Broadway industry, closing all touring shows for the foreseeable future. Before the shutdown in March, Broadway in Cincinnati had a record number of season ticket holders for its upcoming 2020–21 season. The vast majority of these loyal subscribers held on to their tickets in faithful anticipation of Broadway’s future return to the Aronoff.
Arts at Home
Shortly after shutdown, the Cincinnati Arts Association expanded its digital content as a way to stay connected to its audiences, including streaming video, arts education resources, content from its resident companies, new Arts at Home and Artists at Home sections on its website, and a weekly Arts at Home newsletter emailed to its Members and E-NEWS subscribers.
Share the Love Truck Tour
Despite the cancellation of its 100th anniversary season, Cincinnati Opera continued to connect with the community through music in unexpected ways. The company’s Share the Love Truck Tour safely brought the joy of singing to neighborhoods and hospital parking lots, offering musical performances from the back of a vintage baby-blue pickup truck while collecting donated goods for organizations providing essential services.
Curtain Falls on Broadway Tours
Ballet at Home
With the cancellation of its spring productions, Cincinnati Ballet quickly transitioned to engaging audiences with digital content through social media and video sharing platforms. From live Facebook Ballet in the Living Room classes to free, streaming From the Archives productions, Cincinnati Ballet continued to deliver worldclass dance to the community.
Boychoir Banter
When the Cincinnati Boychoir had to cancel performances and tours, they lit up their boys’ computer screens with one-onone lessons, virtual rehearsals, and a new YouTube Live educa tional series —Boychoir Banter. They moved their annual closing ceremonies, normally held in the Jarson-Kaplan Theater, to parking lots. And they now manage the Boychoir season on Zoom. 18
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Final Performance Dates Prior to Shutdown Aronoff Center: March 10
172 Days Closed
(March 13–August 31)
46 Number Of Full-
310 Events Cancelled Or Rescheduled Aronoff Center • Cancelled: 120 • Rescheduled: 91
Financial Impact / Lost Revenue
Music Hall • Cancelled: 67 • Rescheduled: 32
$325,000 Fundraising Loss
Weston Art Gallery Impact
13
Exhibitions / Programs Cancelled or Rescheduled
10,000
Less in Attendance than Prior Season
Education Impact
44,872 Students and Adults Not Served
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$2 Million
Time Staff Laid Off
2020 • PANDEMIC IMPACT
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Operations favorite, The Nutcracker presented by Frisch’s Big Boy, accompanied by the CSO. In addition to wonderful performances from its resident companies, the start of the Aronoff Center season in September included Cincinnati Children’s Hospital’s sold-out Kaleidoscope fundraiser, featuring Leon Bridges. The Jarson-Kaplan Theater was heavily scheduled with many arts education shows, local productions, and national touring events such as CAA’s presentation of the popular off-Broadway hit, The Office! A Musical Parody. In November, we welcomed presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg to the Aronoff for a private fundraiser, and in January, the much-anticipated return of Broadway in Cincinnati’s presentation of Disney’s The Lion King helped us ring in the New Year with a four-week engagement. In October, we participated in Blink—the free, four-night light, art, and projection-mapping event in downtown Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. At the Aronoff Center, the glass frontages of the Procter & Gamble Hall and Jarson-Kaplan Theater were illuminated in color, and photo images curated by the Weston Art Gallery were projected onto the Fifth Third Bank Theater’s front windows and lobby wall. At Music Hall, a looping video provided by the CSO played in Springer Auditorium, and the Rose Window was lit with an oversized disco ball to the delight of spectators. In addition, both venues were open as neighborhood rest stops for appreciative attendees.
The first half of the 2019–20 season was extremely positive and successful, filled with a variety of activity at both the Aronoff Center and Music Hall. But as winter began to come to a close in early March, so did public assembly venues in accordance with COVID-19 preventative measures per government orders. The best of times became the worst of times as the curtain fell on the arts for an indefinite period of time. At the beginning of the season, we implemented new and enhanced safety procedures at both venues, which most significantly included the addition of walk-through magnetometer technology as guests entered the lobbies for events. These new procedures were well received, providing minimal inconvenience and substantial peace-of-mind for our audiences. At Music Hall, the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra celebrated its 125th Season, which included a special performance featuring George Gershwin performing Rhapsody in Blue (via a recording of himself on a player piano) with the orchestra. The thrilling milestone season also included performances by Renee Elise Goldsberry— an original cast member of the Broadway musical Hamilton—with the Cincinnati Pops; concerts showcasing several world-premieres that were commissioned by the CSO; and the celebration of the 250th birthday of Beethoven that included a special visit of the exhibit “BTHVN on Tour.” Music Hall was also home to the Cincinnati Ballet’s annual holiday 20
CAA Ambassadors
Resident Companies
More than 950 volunteers from across the Tristate played an integral role at Music Hall and the Aronoff Center in all aspects of the guest experience, including education and visual arts programs. Contributing 73,000 hours of service, CAA volunteers ensured the safety and comfort of our guests as access ambassadors and ushers, educated visitors about the Weston Art Gallery, and promoted the work of CAA through their presence in the broader community. We look forward to welcoming these important members of the CAA family back to our venues once the pandemic restrictions are lifted.
Each season, these remarkable resident companies bring world-class music, dance, theater, and opera to our stages, and we are proud to support the magic they create for our audiences. The pandemic severely impacted each of these arts organizations in various ways with the loss of some or all of the events in their 2019–20 seasons. We stand strong with each of them as we plan for future opening nights, when our curtains will rise once again on exceptional, life-affirming arts and entertainment experiences.
P A N D E M I C
I M P A C T
After the shutdown of the Aronoff Center and Music Hall in March, more than 300 events between the two venues cancelled or rescheduled (as of August 31), including the Cincinnati Opera’s entire 100th Anniversary Season and the May Festival’s complete 2020 Season. In collaboration with local and national arts organizations, health officials, and our venue’s resident companies, CAA began work on researching and preparing a comprehensive, responsible reopening plan with new COVID-19 health and safety guidelines. In addition, we worked with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and experts at the University of Cincinnati on developing safety protocols for the CSO’s musicians to perform together on stage. The pandemic-imposed down time allowed us to work uninterrupted on ongoing maintenance at both venues. At the Aronoff Center, two major projects were completed and funded with the generous support of the State of Ohio: an important upgrade of our security and surveillance systems, and the replacement of a chiller and pump mechanisms. The Friends of Music Hall began its work on a historic restoration project to renew the sandstone ornamentation on the exterior of this great Cincinnati landmark, including ten finials atop gables and a sandstone lyre.
Aronoff Center
Aronoff Center/ Music Hall
Revolution Dance Theatre
21 2020 • OPERATIONS
Music Hall
Development The 2019–20 season was off to a promising start with the success of our annual online auction in November. Two additional fundraising events were planned in April and July to generate financial support and build awareness for our acclaimed education and visual arts programming. However, the unexpected pandemic caused the swift cancellation of these two events, which are so vital to funding our programs each season. We are grateful for the many donors, sponsors, and members who remained loyal through their ongoing investment in our visual art exhibitions, arts education programs, and stewardship of the Aronoff Center and Music Hall at a time when theaters and galleries were going dark across the country. Contributed funds represent gifts from corporations, foundations, and individuals— including Broadway Across America and many of its subscribers, who donated the cost of their tickets from cancelled shows to CAA. These generous supporters realize the important role CAA plays in
maintaining a thriving arts community and adding to the quality of life in the Cincinnati region during the best of times and, most especially, during the worst of times.
Backstage Treasures Online Auction November 13–December 3
Our annual online auction/fundraiser raised $35,000 for CAA’s arts education programs. It featured an array of items generously donated by local businesses and friends, such as stunning pieces of jewelry; works of art from local artists; and tickets to theatre, concert, and sports events. Sponsors: Graphic Village, UNTAPPED, WOW Windowboxes 22
We applaud our 2020 volunteer celebrities for the considerable time and effort they gave to the event before its cancellation, and we are thankful that many of them have committed to dance in 2021! The 2020 stars included Gary Cates (Former Ohio Senator / State Representative), Heric Flores (Regional Accounts Executive, Western Reserve Medical Group), Missy Hendon-Deters (Executive Director, Boys Hope Girls Hope), Jill Jansen (Director of Government & External Relations, Mercy Health), Elizabeth Knuppel (President, Skystone Partners), Michelle Riegler Krumpelman (Northern Kentucky Philanthropist & Public Speaker), Sara Mirus (Real Estate Agent, Keller Williams Realty), and Lee Tyson (Founder & Owner, Lee Side Wellness).
P A N D E M I C C A N C E L L E D
Returning Sponsors: TriHealth (Title Sponsor), Arthur Murray–Cincinnati, Doreen Beatrice, Bonita Brockert, Brandon Etheridge, Maura Garuccio, Graphic Village, Jozsef Parragh, Phoenix Rising Ballroom, Joshua Tilford, and a host of Cincinnati’s finest restaurants and caterers.
I M P A C T E V E N T S
Dancing for the Stars
April 18 (planned date) • Music Hall Ballroom
As theaters and live events began to shut down in mid-March, CAA was preparing to host its fourteenth season of Dancing for the Stars to benefit our Overture Awards and arts education programs. The event’s eight excited, nervous, and supportive celebrities were rehearsing the Foxtrot with their dance pros in anticipation of the fun and friendly competition. However, the Music Hall Ballroom remained dark and empty on April 18 with only the hopes of returning to an in-person event in 2021.
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July 25 (planned date) • Weston Art Gallery
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Exhibitionism: Carnivale II
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This annual fundraiser for the Weston Art Gallery was also postponed due to the pandemic and will be reimagined for a date in 2021. The event was being designed as a sequel to the Weston’s successful Exhibitionism: Carnivale fundraiser in August 2019—a fabulous, raucous, age 21+ costume party which encouraged Weston supporters to attend in art-inspired masquerade attire.
Sponsorships
$50,000 Memberships
$20,000
Exhibitionism: Carnivale II
$110,000
Dancing for the Stars
23 2020 • DEVELOPMENT
Support
The Cincinnati Arts Association recognizes and thanks the following individuals, corporations, and foundations for their generous support.
Individual Donors And Members Gifts of $5,000 and above Dr. Lora Gilchrist Brent and Mary Hardesty Craig and Anne Maier Mr. and Mrs. Martin Rahe Dudley and Tina Taft Craig and Norma Tyree Gifts of $2,500– $4,999 Gina Crowley Drs. Matt and Maggie Hummel Dr. Robert and Mrs. Jackie Prichard David and Cheryl Schildmeyer Gifts of $1,000– $2,499 AmerisourceBergen Ms. Carol M. Beyersdorfer
Pam and Gordon Bonfield Rob and Allison Chavez Mr. and Mrs. Dominic Ciafardini The Cincinnati Insurance Companies Carl Coco, Jr. Nick Conda The Everingham Family Fund* H. Wayne Ferguson and Pamela D. Wiedeman Fidelity Investments Lori and Bob Fregolle Denny Hackett George L. and Anne P. Heldman Fund* Michael and Wanda Kinzie John and Susie Lame* Ginger and Steve Loftin Whitney and Phillip Long Ken and Melissa Mailender Phil and Christy Ochs
This list includes all gifts received as of August 31, 2020.
The Otto M. Budig Family Foundation
Matthew and Stacey Behrensmeyer John Blevins Mrs. Virginia Brezinski Libby and Tony Brock Mr. and Mrs. Helmer Bryant Jacklyn and Gary Bryson Marti and Brian Butler Trudy and Rob Craig Judy L. Cunningham Chris and Daniele Cusentino Dr. Alex and Maria Della Bella Emilie and David Dressler Tim and Judy Duffie Danna and Paul Edgett III Jason and Heidi Fancett Dr. Danny and Shelley Fischer Dan Fulkerson Carolyn Gilbert Tom and Jayme Golias Chris and Melissa Goodwin
Mr. C. Michael Powers and Kathryn Muldowney Dr. Robert Rhoad and Kitsa Tassian Rhoad Dan Schimberg Andy and Cindy Shetterly Linda L. Siekmann Timothy L. and Janet E. St. Clair Dr. Steve and Rev. Kristie Stricker James and Susan Troutt Eric and Sharon Vetter Claudia F. Vollmer Anonymous (3) Gifts of $500–$999 Ace Exterminating Company Stephanie and Gregory Bahrey Georgia Barwick James Beering and Lisa Keller
24
Cheri Griffin Ms. Maryellyn Haffner Kenneth Heberling Marilyn and Joseph Hirschhorn Paulette Homer James Huesing Melanie and Doug Hynden Ms. Laurie F. Johnston Julie and Rick Kantor Kevin and Jackie Kopp Julie Langtim and Louis Proietti Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Lazarus Anita and Ed Marks Matt, Cindy, Nick, and Joey Mazzaro Dr. and Mrs. Thomas Middendorf Ryan and Michelle Murphy Dr. Chris Paprzycki and Dr. Amy Masowick Nathan & Julie Paszczykowski Kristin Peter Joe and Kay Pierce
Will & Sherrie “Tink” Potts Teri Reed and PK Imbrie Ronnie and Donna Riddle J.R. & Julie Roemke Harvey and Jan Rosen Michael and Betsy Scheffler Dennis Schoff and Nina Sorensen Sanjay Shewakramani Clay and Erika Slusher Jean K Spangenberg Susan Spies and Michael Hooven Tim and Barbara Stefl Chris and Meghan Stevens Patrick and Jenni Strausbaugh John and Sue Topits In Honor of Barbara Varland David and Barbara Wagner Lisa and Mark Weadick Patty and Steve Wilken Melissa Wink
Michael and Katie Wright Joshua and Michelle Zehnder Anonymous (1) Gifts of $250–$499 Barry and Pat Ahr Ellie Allen Karen and Paul Allen Jack and Betty Armstrong Ken Barlett Ron Bates and Randy Lasley Ron and Bridget Blaney-Rosen Michael and Melissa Boone Dr. Jan Borcherding and Ms. Chris Heck Kristie Breen Joe and Kelly Burghard John A. and Stephanie Busam Joe Carroll Dr. and Mrs. Daniel Choo Ms. Norma L. Clark Cheryl Coleman Robin and Cindi Cotton Frank Cradduck Susan and Jay Cranley Art Crawford Leslie Dahring Kathy and Mike Davis Vicki and Jeffrey Davis Sandy and Tom Deters Ms. Barbara Doviak Dr. Douglas and Mrs. Bethany Einstein Joanne and Robin Estes Barbara A. Feldmann Mary Pat Findley Tom and Kathy Fischer Drs. Wayne & Daniella Fisher Theresa Fisk James K. and Susan A. Fitton Mary Ann Fleischer Ryan Flynn Charles and Mary Frantz Kathy Fromell Dr. and Mrs. Christophe Galopin Gettler Family Foundation Ms. Madeleine H. Gordon Kathleen Hamblet
William Hesch, Esq., CPA Blake and Malorie Horvath Phil Huculak Webster Huff Family Steve and Janet Jackson Ron and Judy Johnson Jay & Shirley Joyce Arlene and Bill Katz Alexander Kayne and Jody Yetzer Woodrow and Edna Keown Don and Kathy King Judy Kinman Kohlhepp Law Office Scott and Lauren Kooken Barry Kuhn Nicholas Latona Michael Lippman In Memory of Caroline Lutz Michael F. Lykins Kay Lynch and Chuck Beckman Helene and Millard Mack Patty Malin Ward and Ellen Maresca Cindy Marsland Mary Beth Martin and Ken Oswald Chris and Shelly Maxwell Diane and David McClain Claudia McKee Dan McKenna Denny and Ginny Meador William Mense Betty and Marv Miller Andrew and Tonya Morrison Nora E. Moushey Greg and Remy Muenchen Mr. and Mrs. Brian Neal Jay Nienaber Brad and Lisa Nogar Mrs. Sylvia Osterday Holly Brians Ragusa Randall and Marianne Olson Charitable Fund Thomas Randle Brian and Mary Rhame Robert and Karen Ripp Marilyn Rismondo Nelson Rosario
* Denotes a fund of the Greater Cincinnati Foundation † Deceased
2020 • SUPPORT
Dr. Tracey Butler Ross Diana Rowe Mr. & Mrs. Christopher J Rupp Nicole & David Russell Mary Beth Salyers Diane and David Sherrard Mark and Elizabeth Sippel Suki Skidmore & Tim Kane Merri Gaither Smith Laura and Paul Staubach Sean and Denise Suttman Tricia Underwood Nancy L. Wade Mary Washburn Nicole Williams Joseph Willke Jennifer Wormington Kelly Wray John and Jeanie Zoller Anonymous (6)
Procter & Gamble Skyline Chili Stillson Foundation TriHealth Union Savings Bank WOW Window Boxes Anonymous The Overture Awards Accent on Cincinnati– Joe Rigotti Arthur Murray– Cincinnati Doreen Beatrice Bonita Brockert Eleanora C.U. Alms Trust, Fifth Third Bank Trustee Brandon Etheridge Fort Washington Investment Advisors, Inc. Maura Garuccio Immanuel School of Music Lenox Wealth Management Mount Saint Joseph University Northern Kentucky University The Otto M. Budig Family Foundation Jozsef Parragh Pebble Creek Group Phoenix Rising Dance Studio Summerfair Cincinnati Josh Tilford TriHealth Western & Southern Financial
CAA Sponsors Ameritas Cincinnati–Northern Kentucky Honda Dealers Fifth Third Bank Furniture Fair Local 12 WKRC-TV Procter & Gamble* TriHealth Education ArtsWave Charles H. Dater Foundation, Inc. The Greater Cincinnati Foundation Guardian Savings Bank FSB The H.B., E.W. and F.R. Luther Charitable Trust, Fifth Third Bank and Narley L. Haley, Co-Trustees The Hearst Foundations The John A. Schroth Family Charitable Trust Koncert IT / Vora Ventures Lenox Wealth Management The Louise Taft Semple Foundation Ohio Arts Council Paolo A Modern Jeweler
CAA Presenting 21c Museum Hotel Cincinnati Cincinnati Bell Technology Solutions The Cincinnati Herald CityBeat First Watch Cafe Heidelberg Distributing Company Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Cincinnati Downtown Jeff Ruby’s Culinary Entertainment Miami University– Oxford, Ohio Millennium Cincinnati Ohio Valley Wines Pepsi
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Philip Bortz Jewelers Prime Cincinnati, Ticket Office Sponsor Reladyne Rhinegeist Brewery Skyline Chili Spoon & Cellar Street City Pub, Membership Program Sponsor TriHealth Ultimate Air Shuttle, Preferred Air Carrier of CAA VIVIAL (formerly The Berry Co.)
Movers and Makers Cincinnati
Weston Art Gallery The Alpaugh Foundation Cincinnati Parent CityBeat Covent Garden Florist FotoFocus Helen and Brian Heekin Joyce and Roger Howe A. M. Kinney, III The LaBoiteaux-Sharp Family Foundation Barbara and Gates Moss Lennell and Pamela Rhodes Myricks Ohio Arts Council Liz and Steve Scheurer Mr. and Mrs. Vishnoo Shahani John and Ronnie Shore Mu Sinclaire and the Sinclaire Family Foundation Skyline Chili Dee and Tom Stegman Elizabeth Stone Sara M. and Michelle Vance Waddell Veritiv Corp. Vanessa and Rick Wayne Alice F. Weston† Whole Foods Market Anonymous
DAV (Disabled American Veterans)
CAA Preferred In-Kind Courtyard by Marriott Cincinnati Midtown/ Rookwood Garnish Catering Graphic Village Jeff Thomas Catering LaRosa’s, Inc.
Pebble Creek Group Residence Inn Cincinnati Midtown/ Rookwood Skyline Chili Whole Foods Market WOW Windowboxes
Corporate Members Corporate Founder (Gifts of $5,000 and above)
Fort Washington Investment Advisors, Inc. TriHealth Corporate Patron (Gifts of $2,500– $4,999) Blank Rome LLP Castellini Foundation The Center HORAN Imbus Roofing Co., Inc. Mailender Inc. Corporate Benefactor (Gifts of $1,500– $2,499) The Joseph Auto Group Messer Construction Co. Towne Properties Corporate Friend (Gifts of $1,000– $1,499) Barnes Dennig Duke Realty Eco Engineering EY GBBN Architects KMK Law North American Properties Overhead Door Company of Northern KY Prestige AV & Creative Services Our thanks also to our Associate Level Members.
We have made every effort to be as accurate as possible in compiling our list of donors. If your name has been incorrectly listed or omitted, contact the Development Department at (513) 977-4112. Please accept our apologies for any errors.
Financials Cincinnati Arts Association Operating Financial Statistics 26
By the Numbers Attendance
Events
Aronoff Center............... 318,984 Music Hall......................203,884 Total................................. 522,868
Aronoff Center...................... 273 Music Hall.............................229 Total......................................... 502
Operating Revenue ($11.5M) Rental...................................................................18% Stagehand and other reimbursements................ 24% Concessions and commissions.............................10% Ticket sales............................................................ 6% Ticketing services................................................ 25% Contributions and endowment earnings.............. 13% Other......................................................................4%
Operating Expense ($11.8M) Operational payroll.............................................. 32% Administrative payroll.......................................... 13% Stagehands..........................................................18% Building related..................................................... 6% Administrative....................................................... 6% Education.............................................................. 5% Weston Art Gallery................................................ 3% Presenting............................................................. 6% Other.....................................................................11%
27 2020 • FINANCIALS
Carolyn J. Weithofer
Ticketing Services Supervisor
Operations Todd J. Duesing
Vice President & Chief Operating Officer
Meghan P. Kaskoun
Director of Volunteer Engagement & Guest Experience
Kelly S. Wilson
Cincinnati Arts Association
Staff
Event Manager
David A. Choate
House Manager
Trina L. Davis
Concessions & Hospitality Manager
Karen M. Koch
Rentals Manager
Candace LoFrumento Event Manager
Hope Holman
Volunteer Coordinator
Stephen A. Loftin
Thomas J. Huber
President
Brenda A. Jones
Executive Assistant
Human Resources & Office Support Brenda A. Carter, SPHR
Vice President, Human Resources
Carol Ruff
Human Resources Assistant
Accountant
Director of Information Technology
Brian N. Geisler
Information Technology Support Technician
Development Deborah A. Morgan
Vice President, Development
Jacob Bajwa
Associate Director, Development
Gina L. Kirk
Jennifer L. Schalk
Administrative Assistant & Project Coordinator
Ann M. Witte
Education & Community Engagement Joyce M. Bonomini
Benefits/HR Administrator
Front Desk Coordinator
Finance & Information Systems Tina Loeb Carroll, CPA, CGMA Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
Kendra R. Best
Accountant–Operations
Dwayne K. Cole
Financial Accountant
Tina S. Dwyer
Accounting Associate
Vice President, Education & Community Engagement
Kathleen Riemenschneider
Associate Director, Education & Community Engagement
Emmitt H. Rider
Education & Community Engagement Coordinator
Tammy E. Gentile
Associate Director, Ticketing Services
Arts-in-Healing Initiative Manager
Benjamin E. Vetter
Ticketing System Manager
Marketing & Communications Van Ackerman
Rhonda R. Scarborough
Vice President, Marketing & Communications
Ticketing System Assistant Manager
Michael E. Sawan
Curtis L. Trefz
Ticketing Data Assistant Manager
Graphic Design/ Marketing Manager
Matthew E. Burton
Callie A. Budrick
Digital Marketing Associate
Customer Relations Manager
Christian J. Thesken
Dylan L. Drake
Ticketing Services Show Manager
Creative Content/ Marketing Associate
Director–Weston Art Gallery
Kelly E. O’Donnell
Michelle E. Robinson
Ticketing Services Support Manager– Broadway
Ticketing Services John J. Harig
Nancy Bailey
Vice President, Ticketing Services
Ticketing Services Supervisor
28
Audio Engineer
Bleu Pellman
Production Technician
Steven J. Schofield
House Electrician
Terrence P. Sheridan Head Carpenter
Bryan C. Fisher
Chief Engineer
Joseph E. Miller
Maintenance Technician
Craig S. Olis
General Building Engineer
Alexis M. Breese
Megan E. Neumann
Exhibition Preparator
Thomas E. Dignan, Jr.
Security Associate
Ticketing Services Manager–Broadway
Sly Yeo
Robert J. Haas
Technical Director
Andrew Aubrey
Ticketing Services Show Manager–Broadway
Deputy Director, Weston Art Gallery
Raneboe H. Maul
Administrative Assistant
Teresa M. Myers
Operations Manager –Broadway
Weston Art Gallery Dennis Harrington
Custodian
Paula A. Young
Custodian
Music Hall Scott R. Feldman
Event Manager
Chuck Beatty
Jaclyn S. Stephens
Custodian
Andre W. Underwood
Aronoff Center Kelly M. Biscopink
Event Coordinator
Joan Geist
Tyrone Robinson
General Manager– Music Hall
Emma C. Garry
Administration
Nelson H. Jones
Custodian
Safety & Security Manager
General Manager– Aronoff Center
This listing is current as of June 30, 2020, prior to two rounds of layoffs due to the impact of the pandemic that reduced our-full time staff by nearly 50%.
Dwight E. Gates
Custodian
Security Associate
Karessa K. Helton
Gary D. Jenkins
Security Associate
Michael S. Montegna
Security Associate
Dennis P. Fury
Christopher R. Jackson
Concessions & Hospitality Manager
Helen T. Kidney
Event Manager
Molly L. McGraw
House Manager
Kathleen D. Thomas
Event Manager
Bethany Troendly
Rentals Manager
Alynn T. Rousselle
Administrative Assistant
Mindy Rosen
Friends of Music Hall– Executive Director
Thomas G. Kidney
Technical Director
Kevin W. Eviston
House Electrician
Paul D. Stafford
Head Carpenter
Jeffrey R. Enderle Chief Engineer
Steven J. Carter, Jr.
Maintenance Technician
Ray L. Toepfert, III
Building Engineer
Cory C. Baldwin
Safety & Security Coordinator
William Boyd
Security Associate
Allen R. Brown
Security Associate
Angela M. Felts
Security Associate
Tony Dees
Custodial Services Manager
Winifred B. Freeman
Custodian
Gregory C. Hargrove
Custodian
John Lewis
Jabrail Johnson
Frederick K. Cranford
Custodian
Custodial Services Manager
Custodian
Margaret Johnson
Cecil Proffitt
Custodial Services Supervisor
Custodian
Donnie Chatman
Terra N. Ruff
Custodian
Custodian
Trustees Officers Dudley S. Taft
Chairman
Maribeth S. Rahe
Vice-Chair
Otto M. Budig, Jr.
Treasurer
Carol M. Beyersdorfer
Stephen A. Loftin
President
Tina Loeb Carroll
Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
Todd J. Duesing
Vice President & Chief Operating Officer
Secretary
Richard L. Kiley
Special Vice President
Board of Trustees Jeanette Altenau David Bastos Jay Bedi Robert S. Chavez Susan D. Cranley J. Stephen Dobbins David N. Ginsburg Marvin Hawkins Susan K. Lame
Nathan Paszczykowski Philip J. Schworer Merri Gaither Smith
Emeritus William J. Keating† Edward G. Marks Ex-Officio Mayor John Cranley
† Deceased Current as of August 31, 2020
In Memoriam William J. Keating
Cedric Coston
1927–2020
1962–2020
Emeritus Trustee, Cincinnati Arts Association; Political, Business, and Community Leader; Philanthropist; Arts Supporter
Custodian, Aronoff Center
William “Bill” Keating was a true Cincinnati legend: U.S. congressman, City councilman, Municipal and Common Pleas Court judge, president and publisher of the Cincinnati Enquirer, honored and respected lawyer, and more. Known to friends as “the Judge,” his legacy was loyalty and love for his family, his city, and all who were fortunate to work with him, know him, and call him a friend. He was instrumental in securing the State funding to build the Aronoff Center and led much of the major fundraising effort for the project. A mentor to many, Bill led by example, was kind to everyone, and was loved and admired by all.
Cedric “Ced” was a beloved member of the Cincinnati Arts Association team since 2007. Although he worked mainly in the Aronoff Center’s custodial department, he could sometimes be found working behind the security desk as well. Whenever or wherever extra help was needed at either the Aronoff Center or Music Hall, Cedric could always be counted on to be there, and always with a smile. In their own special ways, both of these kind and caring men had a unique impact on the Cincinnati Arts Association and those with whom they worked. They will be greatly missed and fondly remembered.
Aronoff Center for the Arts
650 Walnut Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202 • (513) 721-3344
Music Hall
1243 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202 • (513) 744-3344
www.CincinnatiArts.org Photos: Broadway in Cincinnati, David Choate, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Stephen Easley, Mike Fielder, Philip Groshong, Matt Karas, Lucie MacDonald, Rene Micheo, Peter Mueller, Mutual Dance Theatre, Hiromi Platt, Christian Pursell, AJ Waltz