Alice in Wonderland was fantastic. First time at this little gem of a theater. We had second row but honestly Not a bad seat in the house- The cast did a fantastic job- We went to the second to last night so everybody was in their groove Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum were a hoot!! Clean trendy theater- highly recommend!!! read more

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Just an outstanding experience! I've now been here twice and loved it. The facilities were beautiful and welcoming. The service was excellent and they answered all of my questions. The performances were amazing and I can't wait to return. Thank you for an incredible performance. read more

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Nice remodeled small theatre. Enjoyed a play there last night. It is different from other theatres because you are majorly looking down at the stage. They have a bar for drinks during intermission, but only food are candy bars. read more

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Saw my first show here and loved it! Excellent production of Maytag Virgin, and beautiful space. I also enjoyed their bar during intermission. They had classics like wine and beer, as well as a themed cocktail to go with the show. I attended their Young Professionals event that included some appetizers and drinks and time to chat with other people about the show. Looking forward to more YP events here! read more

Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati - Program for Maytag Virgin - Performing Arts Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

It's always an amazing experience at the ensemble theater. Quality productions, intimate, seating, always great.

Nice little theatre located in OTR. It's got no bad seats and a killer mezzanine to relax in or just people watch. The show we saw was Fiona the Hippo and it had so many cute songs in it. Lots of funny references to the area and to give adults a chuckle. I was impressed with the sound and set. The characters interacted with the crowd nicely. The seats are comfortable enough and they have special drinks and cookies geared towards the show. Cute little bar area with tables for you to sit. They have elevator and bathrooms on each floor. Third floor bathroom was clean and had a picture in it. We walked around to see photos of past shows which was impressive. I definitely will be back! read more

Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati - Set for Fiona the Hippo - Performing Arts Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Ok I don't know what kind of jerk gives a local theater less than 5 stars but yet, here I am. I'm the jerk. Local arts. I've become small budget obsessed. #supportlocalpassion Maybe hire someone to work the bar more hours thus more money at the bar. It's local theater. I'll be a fan. Always a fan. But leave the bar open!!! read more

Had a great first experience here seeing Cinderella. The atmosphere is intimate and the seating is very comfortable. The show was a great modern twist on the classic Cinderella. It was perfect for adults and kids alike. I do wish there was more of a lobby/ cocktail area similar to what the Shakespeare theater has. I'm looking forward to going back for another show though! read more

Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati - Performing Arts Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

We went to a couple of back-to-back one-woman shows (I Shall Not Be Moved and Your Negro Tour Guide; I'd have recommended both but the show has closed) and the Ensemble Theatre was as usual just great. The theatre occupies three historic buildings, including an old bank building; the theater itself is what was originally the vault. The lobby is large and clean with a small bar area, the big lobby windows let you know you're downtown. Just an all-around lovely space to come into. The theater itself is small and feels very intimate. For those tall enough to prefer aisle seats: be aware that what looks like the center aisle aren't "aisle seats". They're the end of the row, which is accessed from the side aisle. There is not actual center aisle. The area is wonderful. The southern edge of Over The Rhine, vibrant and full of restaurants and bars and other cultural venues. Parking can be an issue; there is sufficient parking in the area, but especially for weekend evening shows it's a good idea to arrive in the area early. Directly next door (to the south) is Copper & Flame, which is a pour-your-own place, perfect for a pre-show drink as it means if you've got another fifteen minutes, you can go get yourself a couple more ounces of libation instead of waiting for a full pour. read more

I've been to Over-the-Rhine often and did not know that this theatre existed. Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati is a professional equity theatre. It was founded in 1986. It is Greater Cincinnati's second largest professional theatre. It plays Off-Broadway, plays and musicals. My friend got tickets to "Hands on a Hardbody". We scheduled for friday night at 8:00 p.m. Storyline: It takes place in the state of Texas at a car dealership. A contest where 10 Texans has to keep their hands on the Truck. Whoever can hold on the longest, wins. Each person has a story and reason of winning the truck. The musical was 2 hours long with intermission. This musical has great harmony and a great storyline. The cast was very upbeat and kept the suspense going. What I loved about this theatre is the vintage seating and intimate setting. Totally different from Aronoff Theatre. We had no problem finding our seats. We pickup our tickets at the box office. It was a fast and easy transaction. The staff was very friendly and helpful. My only con was that they did not except credit cards for alcohol/drinks. read more

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This is probably my favorite theatre. You will find it next to Taste of Belgium on Vine. They do more fun and edgy pieces than other mainstream theatres. Hedwig and the Angry Inch pushes the edge with the incredible vocals of Todd Almond. The band also blew me away! But it was the costumes and makeup that really made the show for me. The transformation onstage was nothing short of incredible. Great lines such as "You Cunt!..always get what you want." Show runs through July 1 and is sure to sell out quickly! read more

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this theater is pretty awesome inside, came to see Luna Gale with a friend, it was a very intense play. I had never been to this theater and it was a small and intimate venue. All the seats arw are great but our seats was closer to the floor and to the stage. The ushers were great showing us to our seats. I would definitely go back to this venue to see another show and experience the theather better. read more

We went to Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati recently and really enjoyed ourselves. Because it is a smaller theatre, there isn't a bad seat in the house. I'm always amazed at how set designers can transform the stage into something totally different to showcase the production. This place was no exception, especially since you know that they are working with a much smaller budget than the Aronoff. Sound acoustics were good, too. I'd read about the big renovation that occurred not that many years ago and all the improvements that were made and what a difference! I would go back in a heartbeat! read more

I had the good fortunate to experience another excellent performance at this theatre. This night I saw Time Stands Still*, a great play about a photojournalist and freelance writer. The only negative thing I noticed this time was a slightly distracting noise the seats make when people move or adjust themselves. Not a big deal by any means, but thought I'd mention it. The bathrooms need some decorations or something, they are rather dull and institutional. I like the concession offerings. I saw an older lady eating a large Reese Cup and was very tempted to buy one of my own. I think it would be great if they offered some kind of last minute Rush Tickets for a reduced rate. I am not sure and didn't ask the ticket attendants so they might already offer this. There were almost 2 full rows of empty seats when I attended! Fill those up with college kids or something. They might have already been sold and the people were no-shows, I don't know. The seats towards the top are high above the stage and give you this God-like view of everything. You might want to buy seats more towards the middle or closer up if this doesn't sound appealing to you. But keep in mind that the views from all seats are great. Let's keep supporting artistic venues in the city as well as other businesses. It will only help us. *Some plays/musicals are designated as fairly adult in either theme, language, etc. This play did have some profanity, but it was neither excessive or unrealistic. It was appropriate for the conversation/dialogue. read more

What a fantastic theatre! I was treated to a showing of Hedwig and the Angry Inch... I believe it was the final show of the run.. or possible the one right before the last one? I can't remember what day we were there. The lobby is spacious and inviting. The lineup at the bar was not outrageous and moved quickly. All the staff were very friendly and very excited to show off the recent improvements made during the theatre's renovations. Now... for the show. The production values are phenomenal, and it's easy to forget that you are in such an intimate theatre. The sound quality is fantastic and the set design really gets you into the show. Unfortunately, my mom had to leave about halfway through the show because the smoke machine was irritating her lungs. Once she got back to the lobby, the staff were amazing with her. They got her water and made sure she was comfortable. Once she was able to breath normally again, they offered to sneak her in the back so that she didn't have to walk in front of the stage again. They truly went above and beyond and I am incredibly appreciative of that. read more

A charming theatre in the heart of the OTR Gateway Quarter, Ensemble is noted for its grandiose pillared exterior while having a modern, comfortable theatre sitting underneath their roof. The theatre features stadium style seating, giving everyone in the 125-seat audience a good view. I've seen a few plays here, ranging from complex sets that encompass three walls, floor to ceiling, to ones that are minimalist. I can't say I've ever seen a set change here; all the actors work within one area which makes their performances even more unique. Casts tend to be small, ranging from two to five actors. Some shows have one actor portraying several roles at once. My favorite thus far has been Mrs. Mannerly, a hilarious mystery featuring a 10-year-old's antics in an etiquette class run by an intimidating older woman. The young boy was portrayed by a 30-something man wearing knickers, knee socks, and an oversized suitcoat. From there, humour ensued. The actor transitioned into six of the seven characters in the play on a whim's notice, which added to the dimension of the show. The Ensemble is known for contemporary plays and is a great place to catch a new regional premiere. With fantastic acoustics, beautiful sets, and good views from each seat, an evening at the theatre is sure to be top notch. Price per person: $40.00 read more

I have seen a number of plays here. Some I have loved and some that fell a little short for me. I think that's to be expected with any theatre. I wanted to mention their production of Outside Mullingar was outstanding! Not only well written, but well cast, and the production was amazing. One one small stage, they managed to really draw you in to the characters and developing story. They had one set change with actual water falling on a roof and dripping to a drain on the floor. The visual effect and realistic sound was amazin read more

Last night I went to see the last showing of the play "Tribes," it was an intense play held in a spectacularly designed set! I won a pair of tickets to see the show, and opted for the day and time during which I could have seats in the third row! I was accompanied by my friend, and we both enjoyed our selves immensely. I had some peanut M&M's at intermission. The prices are good at the concession, and they have wine and soda too. The ladies room was well attended, and had nice smelling gel hand soap. I also want to make a comment on their set design, it was immaculate! The hard wood floors, the decoration of the house, and how they hid a fold down bed in the wall to create another place to hold a scene. It was ingenious! I loved it! I've been to two productions at this play house now, and I highly recommend taking in this local cultural flavor now and again. Hope to see you there some day! read more

Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati - The poster for the show I went to tonight, on tickets I won from Yelp! - Performing Arts Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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Fantastic place to see a show. The theater is conveniently located right in OTR, giving plenty of pre and post option food/drink choices. I love the intimate environment Ensemble provides, while the theater is relatively small, every single seat is a great seat. The shows, the talent, the sets are always worth seeing! I always leave thoroughly entertained and usually with a new song stuck in my head. Tickets are priced fairly and they offer special deals for first time visitors and students. read more

If you're looking for a new place to see theater, check out ETC. Ensemble is probably my favorite theater to attend and not just because they have delicious treats at intermission on opening night, although the way to my heart is always my sweet tooth. I love how their stadium-style seats mean no seat has blocked sight lines and you feel so close to the stage. But it is an older theater so you could have the misfortune of sitting next to a stranger who sits legs spread wide (awkward). If you have a chance to take a tour of ETC and stand on stage, you'll see it is bigger than you expect. And the sets they put on this stage are fantastic! read more

Intimacy is powerful. That is what you need to be prepared for when you go to a show at Ensemble. It's an intimate setting, and being that close to the show (whether you are seeing a comedy, drama, or musical), you will feel something. Or you're soul is dead. And if you're soul is dead, well, I can't help you there. Being a former actor, I know Artistic Director D. Lynn Meyers, and I can promise you she's one of the hardest working, most creative AD's in the country. Cincinnati is lucky to have her. That leadership shows in the way the theater is run. The shows are first rate. You will see some of the best actors in Cincinnati, bar none. Speaking of bars. That is the one downfall. The prices at the bar are reasonable for this area, that's not the problem. The problem is that it is basically just off the entrance way. Being that the atrium is also quite cozy, there isn't much room for a comfortable wait in line, and on a packed night (which most performances are), I continually felt like there was going to be a "drink malfunction" that would leave either me, or my partner, much wetter than a theater patron should be when upon entering the performance. The performance prices might seem expensive, but are pretty much in-line with this region and the quality of house size that this theater. Currently, they are raising funds to expand the area as well. So go see a show now, contribute, and then maybe it won't be so cozy the next time, right? Either way, it is worth it for a special night out. No doubt. read more

Love the intimate space of this charming theater. (NB: If you have a fear of heights, try for lower levels as the top tiers can feel a bit dizzying.) While located in what used to be a rather sketchy neighborhood, ETC now cozies up to some of the hottest new restaurants and bars that OTR has to offer with abundant close, well-lit, reasonable parking. I've seen a few productions here over the years and always leave saying that I need to come back more often. My most recent experience there was seeing "Freud's Last Session" (Spring 2013) and it was wonderfully done--interesting set, talented actors, and a top notch show overall. ETC also offers all kinds of discounts on tickets: group rates, student, last minute tickets, discounts with Enjoy the Arts & ArtsWave, and even Pay What You Can performance previews for most shows. read more

This is an intimate little venue (every seat has a perfect view of the stage), and the acoustics were fine, and the performance I went to (I've only been once so far) was good. The reason I'm only giving 3 stars is that I'm pretty average height (5' 5") and I wasn't comfortable in the seating, and honestly it was so uncomfortable that it took my attention away from the performance. My husband is also fairly average height/weight and he could not get comfortable...it's maybe that the space to put your legs is fairly short or something. I would like to address the location: Folks, this area is ABSOLUTELY safe! There are several nice restaurants and shops around, and even though it is in Over-the-Rhine--this is the shiniest, most cleaned up portion of OtR there is. Please do not avoid this theatre because of the location, because you would really be missing out. read more

Love it! We had a girl's day out to see Sleeping Beauty on New Year's Eve matinee. Four adults and six kids ages 4-11 all had a wonderful time, and at a very reasonable price. Tiered seating means everyone has a great view. They even had New Year's Eve party favors for everyone. What a treat - we hope to make it an annual tradition. One note: So many people warned us about the neighborhood, but it was perfectly fine for us. Evening shows might be a bit sketchier. read more

I saw "Next Fall" here and was extremely impressed. They attract great actors for a variety of interesting plays. Most of the seating provides a nice view of the stage. The building seems old, but very functional and clean. I will be back to this unique theatre. read more

I went to see Hands on a Hardbody at the Ensemble Theatre. I wasn't sure what to expect because I had only been to larger theaters but it was great! I loved that it was smaller and you could see the actors and actresses up close. As for the musical it was really good! The storyline was great as well as the songs. It was also interesting to find out that it was actually based on a true story and there is a documentary on it. Now I am on the hunt for the documentary! read more

I visited for the first time this weekend to check out their 'Detroit 67' stage play. The play was fantastic! Talented actors, great plot, realistic set, etc. I actually liked the smaller size of the venue. However, I did not really enjoy sitting far in the back - felt like you were going to tumble over! They should get rid of those last three rows or so. They also need to step up the game on their concession stand. read more

Not only was this my first time at the Ensemble Theatre but it was also my first play. The outside of the theater was cool looking, the columns have been intriguing me for a while. So glad i finally got to go inside. The set, stage, lighting, and sound effects were really great. They even had water dripping into a pan to simulate a leaky roof. The seating was that of your normal high school auditorum, not much room in the leg or waist. Didn't stop us from making friends on either side. The seating area was very steep, which was nice because you could see the entire stage. But since out tickets were towards the top, it was like watching it on a hilltop. The play itself was The Whipping Man. This is a great show that really got me into the characters early on. Beth loved it as well, although the beginning part was a little rough for her. I wouldn't suggest taking kids to this play, its definitely a mature teenager and up audience. read more

First time coming to this theatre, and let me tell you, I will MOST DEFINITELY be a regular. A small venue, with amazing talent. Thank you, thank you, thank you Ensemble Theatre, for such an amazing performance. My 12 year old daughter and I saw Cinderalla Ever After Ever. We had a smile plastered on our faces the entire time. I've watched so many plays, musicals, ballets, concerts, etc., and this show is now at the top of my list of favorites. On another note, this theatre is in a great location. Perfect for an afternoon in OTR or downtown Cincy in general. Plenty of places to shop and eat before and after the show. There's also a streetcar stop right around the corner. Just perfection. I'm in love with this place. read more

I have seen 4 or 5 things here and have generally enjoyed them. Their plays tend to be a little offbeat, but not completely fringe. The seating is in an extreme stadium style. You may feel like you are going to fall off the world while in your seat, but every seat has a good view of the stage. Before the show and during the intermission, they have simple food and drink (wine and beer included) that you can take into the theater during the show. I always enjoy a theater that is less worried about the upholstery on their seats than the patrons at their plays. My one complaint is that if you need to go to the bathroom during a show, it is almost impossible to do so without having to walk directly in front of the action. This made for a very miserable last 20 minutes of a show last night! read more

Amazing space, theatre and people! Have been to a number of shows here and they are all very good. This theatre is housed in an old German Bank in Over the Rhine. They focus on new productions (either regional premiers or national premiers). Small, intimate space with the stage being very close to the stadium style seats (if you sit in the front row you can touch the stage). All the people working here are extremely friendly. Overall a great place to check out a show, highly recommended if you are visiting or live in Cincinnati. read more

Last night I saw another great show at the Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati. When We Were Young and Unafraid is by Sarah Treem. She was one of the original writers on House of Cards. This is a dramatic story from the year 1972 with touches of humor. All the actors do a great job presenting this emotional & scene driven production. It also has a lot of adult themes. The overall story is a little messy and not as strong as the individual scenes that present the complicated & often confusing feelings and relationships that we have with each other. The set is fantastically real making you think you are actually inside the home which is also a B & B & a safe house for abused women. I recommend that you go see this play but I must say that is not for everyone. Three people did walk out during the show apparently over the representation of lesbians in the story. read more

Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati - When Were Young & Unafraid by Sarah Treem - Performing Arts Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

I visited Ensemble Theatre for the first time recently to see Alice in Wonderland with my family. The first pro in cold weather like this is that there's a convenient parking garage right across the street! The front of the theatre is recently redone, I believe, and it looks great. Inside, the lobby is small but inviting. The theatre itself is smaller than I originally imagined, but it lends to an intimate atmosphere that I really enjoyed. We were seated in the very last row, but I didn't feel as though we were that far away. The show itself was really great. All of the actors were incredibly talented, and I was extremely impressed by how energetic it was. I'm really looking forward to making return trips to see more of what Ensemble Theatre has to offer. read more

Definitely not my favorite theatre that I'd ever been to, but the Ensemble is quite the intimate little venue! I've seen two plays here: Othello and The Whipping Man. Both were wonderful performances with a talented crew - both on-stage and behind-the-scenes. Its small size allows for great acoustics regardless of where you're sitting. The issue that I have with the Ensemble Theatre is that the waiting area inside is very small and uncomfortable when it gets closer to showtime. The seats are very uncomfortable, although because the rise of the steps is so great that every seat is an unobstructed view. Still, the seats themselves gave me a knee ache because I couldn't find a comfortable position during the entire show. Regardless, if the price is right and the show sounds good, I won't hesitate to check out more performances at the Ensemble Theatre once in a while! read more

The Ensemble is an acceptable regional theater producing excellent contemporary works. NB: I base the following review solely on the two productions I have seen here - The Whipping Man and Time Stands Still. Certain aspects of Ensemble's productions are exceptional: the set designs in both productions I've seen were impressive. The selecting committee for the season has chosen challenging, critically acclaimed plays: the original Broadway production of season opener Next to Normal won a Pulitzer for Drama and three Tonys, including one for Best Original Score. Whipping Man playwright Matthew Lopez earned an award from the New York Outer Critics Circle for his play. And the Broadway production of Time Stands Still was nominated for a Tony for Best Play. On paper,at least, the season is a winner. But while the plays themselves give the productions a solid core and the technical qualities lend them a fine gloss, other aspects of the Ensemble are somewhat lacking. Perhaps because the Ensemble selects such challenging works for its productions, weaknesses in the acting and direction become more apparent. No doubt this is a professional-level theater doing very good work, but the productions I saw faltered at moments when one would expect them to peak: in Time Stands Still, for example, the actors stumbled through a heart-wrenching revelation at the center of the play. The climax of The Whipping Man suffered similar troubles. While other reviewers have admired the architecture of the Ensemble's building or complained about the bathrooms, I am only concerned with what happens in a theater after the action begins. That said, the amenities are perfectly acceptable. In addition to the above observations, I found that my experience was marred both times by extraneous concerns: the seats were noisy, and fidgety patrons distracted other theatergoers. The sight lines were decent on my first visit, but on my second visit I was seated two rows from the back of the theater, and that distance from the stage makes it difficult to read the actors' faces. I also found that I could hear the techs in the lighting booth back there; the staff ought to know well enough to use their "backstage voices." Overall, while this is a fine choice for theater in Cincinnati, I would not feel comfortable recommending it to the serious theatergoer looking for a season subscription. But I would recommend going to a play and seeing for yourself. Art is subjective, after all. If you are considering visiting the Ensemble for the first time, a good option might be to go to the final dress rehearsal of a production. On those nights, the Ensemble offers an attractive "Pay What You Can" deal for patrons. read more

I've seen many plays here and have not been let down yet. Your best value is to buy a series flex-ticket. read more

Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati - Collected Stories 9/10 - Performing Arts Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Wowsers! No Cincinnati theatre has continuously moved me like the performances I've been privileged to see at Ensemble Theatre. The intimate setting, original works, and friendly staff make Ensemble an absolute delight! So far I've seen Next Fall and Next to Normal here and will jump at any chance to see anything else! Something else I love is that the majority of the performances put on by Ensemble are new original works. The idea that you are the first person to see a play come to life is very exciting. The theatre is very intimate and there are literally no bad seats in the house. Ensembles building was actually a bank at one point and still has the old bank vault in their backstage area. They also have their own parking lot, which makes parking a dream (though I've often found street parking even closer). The outside can be a bit confusing. It's not really labeled, and still very much looks like a bank more so than a performance space, but it's well worth the hunt! The staff are all extremely kind and clearly have a lot of passion for what they do, and it shows in every aspect of Ensemble Theatre. Truly one of Cincinnati's greatest treasures in theatre Ensemble is sure to delight, intrigue and just plain entertain you! read more

I recently checked out the Ensemble Theatre for the first time...why did I wait so long?! Cincinnati in itself has numerous theatres and offers a little bit of everything to everyone, how nice. My experience started on the phone selecting tickets, they were very helpful in finding a seat for a show that was filling very quickly. I was even impressed by their social media skills with twitter haha, following up to let them know how my experience was after the show. Little communication things like that really help make the guest feel special and make for a well rounded experience, at least for myself. So the night of the show parking was fairly easy to obtain, that corner can be quite congested, we parked in a garage right on the corner for 2bucks... sweetness. The ticket desk was well organized as well as concessions. Again everyone was friendly and helpful and we were directed to our seats alllll the way at the top. Even at the top they were great seats and the interior is pretty intimate. The set was beautiful and the performance of Freuds Last Session was superb. I highly recommend getting there this week for their final shows or I'm sure any of their future productions will be just as great! read more

I vaguely remember going here when I was a mere child to see a production of Peter Pan. If my memory serves me, I enjoyed it throughly. Twenty plus years later I fine myself at the Ensemble Theatre freshly painted white as if Tom Sawyer himself did it or perhaps Tom convinced his friends to paint it for him! The white does look nice but honestly I think its a shame to cover up such beautiful stone even if the look is dated, but enough with the exterior. Let's go inside. As mentioned by many the lobby is tiny, but what can they do its a small place. The inside of the theatre is much larger than it would appear from the outside and the the play that I did go see "Life Could Be a Dream" set was wonderfully done. It was as if I went back in time. Moments of the play had me laughing but I'm not fan of musicals. The girlfriend enjoyed it throughly! read more

Ever wondered what that building on Vine with the crazy columns was? I did! It's the very wonderful Ensemble Theatre. At the Ensemble, you will enjoy a very intimate and small venue- no matter where you are sitting, you do feel very close to the cast. Both shows I've seen at the Ensemble Theatre were well done. It's a wonderful venue to have in OTR (and you can enjoy browsing in the local shops or grab a meal at one of the great restaurants there before or after the show). The theater also has a security guard outside the door when they are open and it really is a safe venue. It's located by several well-lit and reasonably priced parking lots. If you like supporting the arts in Cincinnati, this is a venue you must visit. read more