The Mission
Know Theatre is Cincinnati’s Theatrical Playground. The Know showcases unexpected voices, new works, and plays that embrace the inherent theatricality of the live experience. Know Theatre seeks to be a place where artists and audiences feel welcome to take artistic risks, creating work that is cutting edge and accessible.
Values
Community
The Know is the synthesis of a community of artists and audience rooted in Cincinnati, that has branches extending across the nation (and globe). We have a commitment to fostering the voices of artists within our own city. We have a commitment to the vibrancy of our changing neighborhood, ensuring that no one is overlooked. We have a commitment to building understanding through connection.
Collaboration
Collaboration is more than simply the work of creating a production. We thrive on partnering with a diverse collection of artists, organizations, and professionals in all aspects of our company. Our theatre belongs to Cincinnati, our work is built in collaboration with the city and our audiences.
Play
For the Know, play is the process and the outcome. The spirit of invention and discovery leads us to new works, to test new programs, and create a welcoming environment for patrons and artists. A visit to the Know should be more than just a trip to see a show, it should be an experience.
Vision
We envision a theatre that elevates underserved voices; has a commitment to gender parity, diversity and inclusion in the playwrights it produces and artists it employs; that creates a welcoming space in which to wrestle with challenging ideas; that is accessible for everyone regardless of economic circumstances; and that pays artists a living wage for the work that they create.
We envision a theatre that can change the world.
The Space
Know Theatre is a 99 seat contemporary black box theatre located in the David C. Herriman Center for the Performing Arts at 1120 Jackson Street in historic Over-the-Rhine.
Our lobby, the Underground, has a full bar and cabaret stage for second stage programming and special events.
Our second floor MainStage is an intimate space with general admission seating. No audience seat is more than 20′ from the playing space.
We open the Underground bar an hour before performances, and begin seating approximately 10 minutes before each show’s start time.
Accessibility
We do have elevator access to our upstairs MainStage. Because the configuration of our space frequently changes, patrons using the elevator are accompanied by ushers.
If you or a member of your party have mobility concerns, it’s helpful if you give us a call ahead of time at 513.300.5669.
A Note About Climate Control
One of the most common issues at any theatre is keeping the space at comfortable temperature for both audiences and actors.
We have a new HVAC system which is very effective at moderating temperature in the space, but audience experience can vary dramatically if you happen to be seated under or near one of the vents above the first and last rows.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, our fans run continuously during performances to ensure a robust level of air exchange with fresh, outside air.
So please keep this in mind, and think about layering appropriately to maximize your comfort when you come to the theatre.