Farmer Family Foundation gifts $500K to Children’s Theatre

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati received a second $500,000 gift from the Farmer Family Foundation to support the revitalization of Cincinnati’s historic Emery Theater as TCT’s permanent MainStage home. 

This contribution brings TCT closer to funding its $51.5 million renovation project, “A Crown for the Queen City,” which aims to provide a world-class, family-focused performing arts space. With this gift, the remaining amount to raise is $3.25 million.

“The Farmer Family Foundation’s generous support is crucial in bringing our vision for TCT at the Emery to life,” said Kim Kern, president and CEO of TCT, the oldest professional children’s theater in the United States. “Their belief in this project reflects a shared dedication to enhancing our community’s cultural fabric, and we are deeply grateful for their enduring partnership in building a venue that will create lifelong memories for young audiences and families.”

A reinvention of a Cincinnati landmark

Emery Auditorium opened in January 1912 with an inaugural concert by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. Renovation of the historic Over-the-Rhine venue includes modern upgrades to create a state-of-the-art performance space while preserving the venue’s charm.

Plans include incorporating modern technology, such as a turntable stage lift, an automated fly system, a 40’x 60′ video wall and projection mapping. The goal is to provide an immersive audience experience and overcome backstage and wing space limitations.

With The Emery as its home, TCT seeks to expand programming for younger children and teenagers, with works often considered too much of a revenue risk to produce at a rented space.

Kern and team said the project isn’t so much a renovation as a “reinvention” of local theater offerings for young people.

The Farmer Family Foundation, known for its commitment to enriching local families’ lives, has a long history of supporting impactful community projects in Cincinnati. Their focus on education, health, and youth aligns seamlessly with TCT’s vision to create accessible arts programming for all.

The Farmer Family Foundation previously provided $500,000 to the “A Crown for the Queen City” campaign earlier in the project.

“With this gift, we are within reach of a landmark cultural center designed with families in mind,” said the campaign’s co-chair, Allison Kropp. “We hope this inspires others to join us in realizing this dream for Cincinnati’s youth and families.”

After the completion of fundraising and construction, The Children’s Theatre will open the Emery in fall 2025, as planned, with its 2025-2026 mainstage season.