The Taft Theatre is undergoing some enhancements in advance of becoming the home away from home for the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and the Cincinnati Pops. Both will perform there from September 2016 to May 2017 while Music Hall undergoes a major renovation.
The Taft enhancements include two additional ADA-compliant restrooms; a second set of doors to the inner auditorium plus new front exterior entry doors to reduce sound coming from the outside; additional railings and house lighting; a repositioned box office; more signage; new benches in the lobbies; and a new ramp connecting the Taft to the Masonic Center next door.
Additionally, the custom-built acoustic shell and ceilings that debuted at the Taft for a CSO performance in January will be re-installed for all orchestra rehearsals and performances throughout the 2016-17 season.
In all, improvements will amount to $500,000.
The CSO selected the Taft for its neo-classical/art deco architecture, its history as a performance venue for important classical artists and its proximity to downtown amenities and to Music Hall. Also, it allows the CSO and Pops to perform in one venue for the entire 2016-17 seasons.