Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Tour of the Akron Civic Theatre

Up to 8 guests can take this tour and enjoy beverages in the Grand Lobby (wine, beer and soft drinks courtesy of the Civic). The tour is recommended for scheduling later this fall in order to have the full experience of the capital project. Availability: Mutually agreeable date.

Enjoy a private, behind-the-scenes tour of the Akron Civic Theatre with Executive Director Howard Parr and Associate Director Val Renner. You'll learn the history of the theater and discover its many architectural features and original art assets.

You'll also experience how the recently completed $9 million capital campaign has resulted in the transformation of one of Akron's architectural and culture gems.

• The Grand Lobby and Entry Arcade have been restored to their 1929 grandeur.
  
  
• The renovation of the historic Whitelaw building on the Civic's north side, now now renamed the John, James and Clara Knight Stage, has resulted in an intimate new 200-seat performance space.
  
  
• Through the construction process, the Civic uncovered the opportunity for a third performance and event venue on the canal level behind the main theater; it's now known as Wild Oscar's.
  
  
• Spectacular murals on the north- and south-facing walls of the Civic, created by nationally renowned muralists El Mac, Aiseborn and Ouizi, have put a dramatic artistic mark on the neighborhood.

Remaining elements of the project are on track to be finished by fall, making the outside of the theater as much of a community asset as the inside. A large outdoor video wall on the south side of the Civic will feature live-feed performances from the main auditorium stage and Knight Stage and additional arts and culture content gleaned from local, regional and national sources. A deck overlooking Lock 3 on the south side of the Civic will be the site of gatherings before and after events in the building as well as a space for unique programming and entertainment. Additional public art will be featured in exterior and interior sites around the Civic campus with a goal to showcase the best of our local and regional artists.