In June, the Akron Civic Theatre helped usher in a new era of theater and programming when it announced its collaboration with The Goodyear Theater, a partnership that allows for the two separate-yet-well-loved facilities to expand their theater offerings. For Akron Civic Theatre executive director Howard Parr, the collaboration is built to help Akron grow as a theater destination. “It allows us to bring more programming into the market,” says Parr.
As the Akron Civic Theatre continues to book up for this year and next, the Goodyear Theater can serve as an auxiliary theater that can host everything from ballet performances to graduations and beer festivals. Parr estimates the two theaters should combine for anywhere from 200 to 350 acts per year. Goodyear Theater began hosting shows on Aug. 15. “We're having more conversations, with agents, promoters and artists (about) the possibilities that we can bring into Akron,” says Parr.
The two theaters — which are located about two and a half miles away from each other — combine to hold almost 4,000 people along with both having suite and club seats. “(We have) an opportunity to bring the most diverse array of acts into Akron,” says Parr.
