Opened in 1911, The Emery Theatre was once the spot to take in a show in downtown Cincinnati. The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati was even welcomed to perform their productions at the opulent Emery starting in 1949. Yet in 1969, the Emery’s curtains were drawn, the stage went quiet and the audience was emptied. The shell of the Emery remained dormant for years while The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati carried on, growing at an exponential rate. 

In 2025, The Emery Theatre will once again be the spot to take in a show in downtown Cincinnati! The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati has staked their claim in making The Emery their home theatre, investing over $50 million to reimagine the historic destination into the 21st cenutry. 

Leading up to The Emery Block Party, where the public will get to see it for themselves, Cincinnati Family Magazine was lucky enough to get a sneak peek at this simply breathtaking theatre. 

The Emery Theatre is a prime example of historic meets modern. This certainly is appropriate considering The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati is the oldest theatre program designed for children! And the theatre itself has been thrust into tech times, with the most cutting edge theatrical lift and built-in turntable around. The oldest children’s theatre program now has the most technologically advanced theatre! We are lucky enough to have both right here in Cincinnati.

Stepping into the theatre is awe-inspiring. I challenge you to enter the theatre, find your seat and not say “Wow!” It may not just be a challenge, it may very well be impossible. There are touches of royal deep purple and rich gold throughout the theatre. The ornately carved wood detailing can be found high and low. The arched ceiling frame is skillfully crafted, with swirly wood accents… but even the stage framing has entered into modern times as it also serves as a projection screen that will serve to immerse theatre guests into the storyline of the show they’re seeing. 

Having stood on all floors of the theatre, I can attest that every seat of the 1500 capacity theatre is a good one! And the thing that made me happy is that the theatre is for ALL. There is elevator access on each level, and a calming room located on the main floor. Sensory kits, which are made in-house and available for borrowing during the show, include fidgets, headphones and more. And in true inclusive TCT style, sensory dates will be available for each show, too. 

Every step walking through The Emery puts the spotlight on glimpses of history and also playful pop art. Families are simply going to adore taking in a show at The Emery, it is the perfect destination for a children’s theatre experience! Families can even add-on an autograph pass when they purchase tickets, so their young thespians can meet the stars of the show ON the big stage. The very first Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati season at the reimagined Emery Theatre will be absolutely appealing for families…

–The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition  October 10-26, 2025
–Elf Jr. The Musical December 5-21, 2025
–Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Musical: February 20-March 8, 2026
–DreamWorks’ How to Train Your Dragon Jr. April 17-May 3, 2026

In the meantime, YOUR family has a chance to get a sneak peek of the theatre during The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s Block Party at The Emery! This community event is family-focused and is going to be so much fun. Here are all of the details:

TCT Block Party at The Emery Theatre

Sunday, September 7th, noon-4 p.m.
The Emery Theatre: 1112 Walnut Street, Cincinnati, OH
FREE event, food available for purchase from LaRosa’s, Kroger’s On-The-Rhine Eatery and Graeter’s
-Ribbon cutting ceremony at 12:30 p.m.
-Hosted by Local 12 and TCT hometown star Bob Herzog
-Tours of the theatre
-Music from Q102
-Balloon animals, glitter tattoos, face painting
-Character meet-and-greets
-Bengals home game on the big screen outside
-MORE 

Check out all of the details about the TCT Block Party by clicking here.