SPOTLIGHT ON THE KNOW at Know Theatre Of Cincinnati

Know Theatre calls itself Cincinnati's "theatrical playground," and that description couldn't be more apt. Running with a small staff that belies its level of output, the theatre is currently producing its 19th season which includes (let me take a big breath here, it's a lot): a unique mainstage season including world premieres and local works, a rollicking Second Stage, a tour for young audiences, an 11-day Fringe Festival that is "weird, like you," adult acting and writing classes, a partnership with the local improv troupe and finally, their Democracy in Action Series.

Since Andrew Hungerford took over as producing artistic director in 2014, the Know has been focused on diversity in their casting and the playwrights they choose to produce, even reaching near, if not actual, gender parity for the last three seasons. Mr. Hungerford, loyal to those in which he sees promise, has invested in local Cincinnati artists, giving them a literal stage on which to "play," or develop their craft. Paul Strickland is a fine example of a local artist that Hungerford has taken under his wing. Starting as a very popular Fringe Festival performer/writer, he moved on to writing for the Second Stage's episodic Serials (a series of fifteen minute plays that compete head-to-head and are voted on by the audience.) After winning his Serials installment, Strickland was given a chance to develop his winning serial, Andy's House of Blank, into a full length play as part of the Know's 18th main stage season. This season he's back having written the music and lyrics for the mainstage show, Darkest Night at the Gnarley Stump, and acting in a starring role in Jenny Connell Davis' The Dragon Play, which closes this weekend.

But the fun doesn't stop with the mainstage. Know's Second Stage, called The Underground, produces the five weeks of Serials, and often hosts Fringe Encores where audience favorites from the Fringe Festival return for encore performances. The cabaret style stage in Know's underground is also used for their Jackson Street Market Project which lends "logistical support, resources, space and eventually financial support" to "artist collaborators who have ideas, passion and motivation, but need the kind of support resources that Know Theatre has readily available." Their Market program currently supports OTR Improv, which is thriving, and will embark on its third Cincinnati Improv Festival this year, drawing big names in comedy and eager audiences.

On top of all of this is the Cincinnati Fringe Festival (perhaps Know Theatre's most popular offering) held in May/June. The ever-growing Fringe Festival, dubbed "weird, like you," will cram over 150 performances into 11 days. The performances range from one-person shows, to dance, to musical acts--you name it. It is such a colossal event that Know Theatre has a dedicated Fringe producer as part of its tiny staff.

Last, but definitely not least, is the Democracy in Action Series, where politicians, artists, and community members are invited to engage in a dialogue about art, humanitarianism, and local politics. The series was started by Maggie Lou Rader, Know's education director, and Alice Flanders, their managing director, and has proven to be extremely popular. The final installment is on February 21st and will involve Bystander Training. You can register for the event, or see videos of past events here.

The Know's special brand of gumption has created a lively and popular theatre spot for a variety of people and truly deserves continued support. They work themselves hard for their community and Cincinnati is richer for it. Next up on the mainstage is Steve Yockey's (a perennial favorite of Know Theatre) Heavier Than... described as "a darkly comic mash-up of Greek myth that unfolds in the heart of a labyrinth where Aster the Minotaur contemplates turning 30 in a world that sees him as nothing more than a murderous oddity..." Heavier Than... runs March 10-April 1 at Know Theatre of Cincinnati. Go to knowtheatre.com for tickets.

To post a comment, you must register and login.