Ensemble Theatre Receives Governor's Award For Arts Education

Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati (ETC) is the proud recipient of the 2019 Governor's Award for Arts Education. The Governor's Awards for the Arts in Ohio is a statewide program showcasing and celebrating Ohio artists, arts organizations, arts patrons, and business support of the arts. The award for Arts Education is given to an individual or organization that has made significant contributions through leadership and creativity to advance arts education in Ohio's schools and community organizations.

ETC was founded in 1986 with the belief that Cincinnati should have an Equity theatre that could support local professional artists and actors. ETC then later expanded its mission to include vital educational opportunities and impactful engagement initiatives for artists and patrons of all ages-particularly among underserved audiences-throughout the Greater Cincinnati region.

In recent years, ETC's educational programming has expanded significantly and now includes: the Hunter Heartbeat, Prelude, and Fairy Godmother programs which focus on providing access to the arts among underserved audiences;

Teen Scene, Student Matinees, and ETC Summer Stock which are dedicated to cultivating young arts patrons and artists; and a variety of other workshops and classes. Although the schools, socioeconomic status, and abilities of participants may vary, the desire to have a creative outlet is universal. The majority of ETC's education and engagement activities is funded by the generosity of sponsors and donors.

"To have our education and outreach programs be named as a Governor's Award winner by the Ohio Arts Council is truly an honor and a wonderful celebration of ETC's identity and spirit," says Producing Artistic Director D. Lynn Meyers. "We are beyond grateful. Even when there were little or no resources for an education department, somehow Ensemble always found a way to have one. Now that we have completed our renovations, now that we have entered the next chapter of our story, it's paramount that we continue our work for the community."

Lauren Carr, ETC's Director of Education, Engagement, and Inclusion, adds, "Being recognized among all arts organizations throughout the state of Ohio is a testament not only to our current and ongoing programming, but also the dedication of the theatre itself to maintaining the important mission of bringing the theatre arts to those who otherwise would not have had the opportunity for decades."

The Governor's Awards program is presented by the Ohio Arts Council and the Ohio Citizens for the Arts Foundation. Nine winners have been selected to receive awards at the 2019 Arts Day & Governor's Awards for the Arts in Ohio luncheon and ceremony on Wednesday, May 15, 2019. The event will take place at noon at the Columbus Athenaeum in downtown Columbus. The Governor's Awards luncheon, a ticketed event open to the public, is held in conjunction with Arts Day, an annual arts advocacy event sponsored by the Ohio Citizens for the Arts Foundation. Learn more about the Governor's Awards at www.oac.ohio.gov/governorsawards.