Cleveland Public Theatre receives major funding for expansion

by Joey Morona, cleveland.com

Cleveland Public Theatre received a big boost Wednesday with a $4 million matching grant from the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Supporting Foundation, pushing the organization past the halfway point of its $12 million capital campaign.

Under the terms of the gift, the Mandel Foundation will contribute $1 for every $1.50 CPT raises, up to a maximum of $4 million. The funds will go toward expanding and renovating the theater’s Gordon Square campus.

“Cleveland Public Theatre represents the impactful integration of both neighborhood engagement and the humanities— two key areas of focus for the Mandel Foundation,” said Mandel Foundation president and CEO Dr. Jehuda Reinharz in a statement. “The Foundation’s support of CPT is not only an investment in its groundbreaking work, but also an investment in the Gordon Square Arts District as a hub of creativity and community in Cleveland.”

The grant continues a bountiful period for the theater. Earlier this month, the estate of late costume designer Joan Yellen Horvitz contributed $6 million, including $2 million earmarked for the renovations. The Ohio legislature also allocated $500,000 for the project in the state’s capital budget.

“This is an important time for CPT and our community,” said CPT executive artistic director Raymond Bobgan. “We have followed a different path than most theatres and that work, over decades, is needed now more than ever. CPT leads the region in developing new plays and producing world premieres, a majority of which are by artists who are Black, Latine, Arab and other people of color.

“Through our education programs and onstage productions, we are fostering deep connections throughout Cleveland’s diverse communities,” he added.

Planned improvements include a unified main entrance, an expanded and enhanced student classroom and a refreshed campus facade featuring new illuminated signage and LCD displays.

The most significant transformation, however, will come from the renovation and activation of the former St. Mary’s Orthodox Church, located next door on Detroit Avenue. Built in 1904, the old church and parish hall will be converted into rehearsal, studio and performance space, with renderings showing a contemporary-style addition to the original structure. The larger footprint will allow the theater to expand its offerings, support new play development and provide year-round programming.

CPT expects to begin the first phase of construction by the end of the year.