The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati (TCT) got a big funding boost thanks to an anonymous donor and hip-hop icon.
TCT says actor, rapper and entrepreneur Christopher Bridges, professionally known as Ludacris, donated $50,000 to TCT this month as part of their “A Crown for the Queen City” campaign. Money from the campaign will help fund the restoration and reimagining the historic Emery Theatre to make it TCT’s permanent home.
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Ludacris announced his pledge at his concert at Cincinnati’s Hard Rock Casino on July 20.
“I’m drawn to the Children’s Theatre’s project in Cincinnati because of the plans to develop new works that hit on the topics that matter to kids today,” Ludacris said in a press release. “The Emery project signals an incredible opportunity for more children to access the arts and see themselves in what happens on stage. As a father of four daughters and a philanthropist who’s constantly investing in the next generation, I’m honored to be a part of this.”
Ludacris is also a client of entertainment attorney and former TCT board member Darrell D. Miller.
“I will always cherish being on the Board of The Children’s Theatre during this period of rapid growth that brought life-changing, professional theatrical productions to a diverse community of young audiences,” Miller said in the release. “It was a transformative experience in my life that formed my commitment to never stop giving back to my hometown Cincinnati community. I am grateful for Chris’s generous support for this worthy cause that is so close to my heart.”
An anonymous donor also gifted TCT with $1.5 million, which, combined with Ludacris’ donation, pushed the theater company to $30 million out of its $48 million fundraising goal.
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“It is remarkable that a gift of this magnitude is fueling the home stretch of this campaign,” campaign chair Allison Kropp said in the release. “We are so grateful for the generosity of all of those who have supported this project. You are helping us make history!”
TCT’s goal is to turn the Emery into a state-of-the-art venue unlike any in the region, saying with it as its permanent home, they’ll be able to inspire diverse audiences with original works and even more innovative programming, including more programming for very young children and teenagers. They plan to equip the theater with the latest technology, including a stage lift, an automated fly system, a 40′ x 60′ video wall and projection mapping to provide an immersive experience and overcome backstage and wing space limitations.
TCT plans to complete fundraising and construction in time to open their new theater in the fall of 2025 with its 2025-2026 MainStage season.
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This article appears in Jul 26 – Aug 8, 2023.
