Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati
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INCLUSIVE PROGRAMS
We offer a growing suite of inclusive programs that are designed for artists, students, and audiences of all abilities.
Removing barriers to provide access.
Ensemble Theatre is committed to ensuring everyone can relax, enjoy our performances to their fullest, and participate in classrooms in ways they feel most comfortable.
Our education staff brings year-round inclusive programs to schools and organizations throughout the Greater Cincinnati region, providing students the opportunity to go from observer to active contributor.
Focusing on the social model of disability, we believe in removing or reducing physical and external barriers, individualizing communication needs, and providing accommodations to participate in theatre. Through our programs, we ensure that equity and access are embedded within the creative learning process.
Explore our expanding list of inclusive programs and learn about how your organization or school can work with our team of trained and experienced teaching artists.
Contact us
Email our Education Department or call (513) 421-3555 x3207.
“Thank you for including students with special needs in Cincinnati’s art scene. It makes our students feel special when they are included in field trips and having visitors come to the room.” —Teacher, Aiken New Tech High School
Accessibility
We’re dedicated to making our performances and outreach initiatives welcoming to and enjoyable by all.
By Heart Program
Our brand-new program debuting in Fall 2024 is based on Ensemble’s beloved annual holiday shows!
Specifically created for people with disabilities, including Autism, By Heart gamifies each of the holiday shows that ETC produces and uses them to teach theatre and life skills to students. Using simple and repetitive games, this program teaches imperative skills such as confidence, setting boundaries, creative self-expression, collaborating with others, and more while getting students started on their acting journeys. Songs from the actual musicals are included as well!
The program operates throughout the school year, August to December and February to May. Weekly sessions are typically 30 minutes to an hour long and customized to students’ and classroom’s needs.
Relaxed Performances
Relaxed performances are designed to create a performing arts experience that is welcoming to all theatre patrons with Autism or with other disabilities that create sensory sensitivities.
These performances create a comfortable, inclusive, and fun environment to enjoy the performance in the way that is best for each individual.
To learn more, including how to get tickets, please visit our Relaxed Performances page.
Prelude Program
Introduce the dynamic, collaborative, and fun process of creating live theatre to your students in one of our most popular arts education programs, based on K-12th Grade Theatre State Standards for the state of Ohio.
This in-school residency is a fun, interactive, and hands-on introduction to theatre and allows students to write, design, rehearse, and perform their own play. The program engages students to be active arts participants and work collectively, encouraging creative problem-solving and critical thinking skills. This program is great for students who are new to theatre!
Fairy Godmother Program
Each year, thousands of children and teens from under-resourced schools attend our student matinees for free.
Student Matinees
Our student matinees provide engaging learning experiences for young audiences, support curricular goals, and spark personal connections.
Camps
From budding performers to behind-the-scenes artists, we offer a variety of unique opportunities for kids and teens to shine on stage as well as off.
Photo credits | Accessibility, Phil Fiorini and Nathan Robert Pecchia in Fly by Night (Ryan Kurtz); Fairy Godmother Program, Cast of Sleeping Beauty (Ryan Kurtz)
Donate now
Your gift makes an immediate impact!
Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati relies on hundreds of donors each season to help create extraordinary and socially-relevant productions of the highest artistic caliber and programs that challenge, excite and engage audiences.
1127 Vine Street