Support

Deep in The Underground, our Cabaret Stage is where we take our biggest risks on emerging local talent. Artists and audiences collide through octKNOWber, Serials, and Cincy Fringe Late Night, as new artists test their work in a place where it is okay to fail, so long as they keep trying!

$250 pays the crew who make one Cabaret Stage night happen: the venue tech running sound and lights, and the bartender keeping the Underground open late.

Our current 2026 – 2027 Cabaret Stage season offers local, independent programming:

octKNOWber Nights
A full month of spooky, independent programming.
Dates: October 22–30, 2026

Serials
5 Local Writers. 5 New Plays. Episodic Theatre over 5 Monday Nights.
Dates: January 25 – February 22, 2027

A 14-day celebration of theatre, art, music, film, dance, and everything between —  it’s Cincinnati’s Summer Theatre Party! The Cincy Fringe (as it’s succinctly known) presents over 150 performances of 35+ theatre productions during the first two weeks of June, plus free Late Night programming every night of the festival at Fringe Headquarters – the Know Theatre. 

The Cincy Fringe – like all other Fringe Festivals – exists to give opportunities to artists — especially independent artists — to present their work. The freedom artists have to create whatever they want — within the parameters of an hour — makes Fringe Festivals a popular destination for more experimental and unusual productions. The Cincy Fringe has grown into an exceptional opportunity for independent theatre artists — both local and touring — to present brand new or in-progress work. Our low upfront costs make the Cincy Fringe a low risk financially, and our immensely supportive core of patrons – the All-Access Pass Holders — are deeply invested in seeing as many productions as possible. We intentionally curate a smaller festival in order to create the opportunity for artists and patrons to see every production presented over the span of the two week festival.

Fringe exists to say yes to artists working outside the usual rules. Low entry costs put the financial risk on us, not them, so more voices get a stage, and a small, intentionally curated festival means patrons can actually see everything.

$125 paves the way for an emerging Cincy Fringe producer by covering their production fee.

Founded in Season 27, the Know Theatre of Cincinnati provides dynamic educational programs that blend dramatic artistry with technical stagecraft: youth theatre camps, understudy programs, and educational matinees.

Our education programs treat kids, college students, and adults as real collaborators. Three pillars form the foundation of education at the Know: classes and camps for youth artists exploring the stage for the first time; understudies, internships, and workforce development for emerging professionals; and educational performances for local schools. Needs-based scholarships keep our programs open so that everyone can feel like they belong, including over half of our education students.

$400 sends one child to summer camp with InBocca Performance on full scholarship, so cost is never the reason a kid does not get to write, direct, and perform their own show.

Our current 2026 – 2027 Education Programs:

Summer Devised Theatre Camps
Formed via a collaboration with InBocca Performance for grades 3–12. Students completely write, direct, and perform their own 90-minute production.
2026 Program: The Road To Oz

Fall Theatre Camps
Specific thematic sessions are offered for grades 3–12, taught by local artists. Courses integrate ensemble building, playwriting, costume/set design, and vocal acting.
2026 Program: Puppetry & Performance

Educational Matinees
Our educational matinees for the 2026/2027 MainStage Season is for Wuthering: A Musical on the Moors.

Understudy Program
The Know Theatre Understudy Program is an educational and professional development initiative created specifically for current college students and recent graduates. Launched by Bridget Leak in Season 27 (with14 understudies that covered the 2025/2026 Season), this program bridges the gap between academic theater and professional career opportunities by embedding early-career actors into MainStage productions.

Know Theatre of Cincinnati exists to build belonging through bold theatre. We are deeply committed to paying local theater-makers a fair wage for their work and providing resources to help local independent artists thrive. We believe in reciprocity over transaction. Collaboration shows up in how our team supports artists, how Fringe facilitates rather than prescribes, and how staff rely on one another across roles. We lead with transparency and truthfulness. From staff transitions to donor communications, integrity ensures we tell the truth even when it is difficult. We are entrusted with resources—financial, artistic, and relational—and we manage them with care for the future. Stewardship is accountability in practice.

Get Involved & Support Your Local Artists

Donate Directly: As a non-profit company, donations and sponsorships directly fund local artist payouts and program resources.

Attend a Show: MainStage tickets are typically $40, but we offer Welcome Thursday Tickets for $15 to keep local theater financially accessible.

Purchase a Season Pass: The 2026–2027 subscription costs include tickets to all four MainStage productions, five Serials! performances, and complimentary cabaret tickets.

Volunteer as an Usher: Get involved with local theatre by helping out with guest hospitality and earn free tickets to upcoming productions.