The Akron Civic Theater will announce its 80th Anniversary Season event line-up while providing a free lunch, theater tours, ticket giveaways, organ concert and exciting party to the community on Wednesday, September 16 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. The event will take place in front of and inside the Civic Theatre.
“The Akron Civic Theatre has been a staple in the Akron area for a long time, and we’re scheduled to have our best season yet with events that will engage and enchant guests of all ages and backgrounds,” said Howard Parr, Civic Theatre executive director.
Events scheduled for the 80th Anniversary season include AkronNites, a music, art and cocktail series; The Temptations and the Four Tops; and children’s shows, including Hansel and Gretel and the Nutcracker. Events will be posted on the Civic Theatre’s website, www.AkronCivic.com, throughout the season.
80 for 80
Each year, the Civic Theatre raises funds that are used to pay for essential programs, including All Access which offers show vouchers to social service agencies throughout the area, such as Summit County Children’s Services and the Battered Women’s Shelter. The vouchers provide cultural opportunities to guests of all ages and from all walks of life. In addition, the theatre provides an enriching historic environment for the community at large.
In celebration of its 80th anniversary, September 16 marks the start of the Civic Theatre’s year-long campaign to raise $80,000. The campaign, 80 for 80, will focus on small, personal donations. The theatre will encourage all who enjoy its shows and programs throughout the year to donate a small amount, as little as a few dollars, at each show they attend.
In addition to making donations at the Civic Theatre, donors can call the Civic Theatre Development Office at 330.535.3179 or download a pledge form at the Civic Theatre’s website.
History
The Akron Civic Theatre first opened its doors as a movie house in 1929. At that time, it was called the Loew’s Theatre. The Akron Civic Theater was built in 1929 by Marcus Loew and designed by famed theater architect, John Eberson. The interior structure was fashioned after a Moorish castle featuring Mediterranean decor, including medieval carvings, authentic European antiques and Italian alabaster sculptures. In June 2001, the theatre underwent the most comprehensive restoration and expansion project in its history, whereby it was brought up to modern performance and patron standards. Support for the theatre has been an investment in the community that fuels the economy and drives downtown revitalization. The Civic Theatre is one of only 11 atmospheric theatres left in the nation.
