Near West Theatre

Near West Theatre Ordinary people. Extraordinary theatre.

Near West Theatre builds loving relationships and engages diverse people in strengthening their sense of identity, passion, and purpose, individually and in community, through accessible, affordable and transformational theatre arts experiences. Our institutional values encompass Love, Inclusivity, Accessibility, Affordability, Integrity, Creativity, Artistic Excellence, Social Justice, and Contin

uity of Relationships. Get to know us by following us and meeting the incredible people who make our community theatre unlike any other that you've met before.

Yesterday, we were proud to march alongside our LGBTQIA+ family, friends, and community members at Pride in the CLE! Per...
06/07/2026

Yesterday, we were proud to march alongside our LGBTQIA+ family, friends, and community members at Pride in the CLE!

Performing at PRIDE is one of the highlights for us at NWT! Every year, our community shows up to celebrate authenticity, share their voices, and support a world where everyone belongs. We are so lucky and grateful to have artists, volunteers, staff, supporters, and community members join us throughout the day.

It was so emotional to see so many organizations, businesses, and advocates standing together in celebration, visibility, and love. Congratulations to the and everyone who helped make this year’s Pride celebration such a success.

PRIDE is a reminder of the power of community, acceptance, and belonging. Thank you to everyone who marched, performed, volunteered, cheered from the sidelines, and showed up with love.

06/06/2026

Building the Dream: Episode 1

Welcome to the first episode of Building the Dream, our new weekly series following the journey of bringing Ragtime to life through the eyes of our SOAR! Teen Production Assistants, Lux and Yamini.

In episode 1, you'll get a behind-the-scenes look at the early stages of the creative process. From design concepts and inspiration boards to auditions.

Tune in every Friday to see how the next generation is helping to bring the powerful story of Ragtime to life both on and off the stage.
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Ragtime runs July 17 through August 2
Tickets are $20 with Pay What You Choose options available.

Get your tickets here: https://prod5.agileticketing.net/websales/pages/info.aspx?evtinfo=597822~9245a13d-e541-4ef8-8c5f-0e1f77ed1994&

Book by Terrence McNally
Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens
Music by Stephen Flaherty
Based on the novel, Ragtime by E.L. Doctorow
Original orchestrations by William David Brohn
Additional orchestrations by Kim Scharnberg

Directed by Trinidad Snider
Assistant Directed by Jasmine Banes*
Choreography by Jailyn Harris
Assistant Choreography by Zoe Hinton*
Musical Direction by Olivia Tassone
Season Artwork by Noah Hrbek

* Ragtime is our Teen Summer Production, developed in collaboration with participants in our SOAR Youth Leadership Program, where young artists grow as creative leaders through hands-on experience in the technical and production process.

Ragtime (9-Piece Orchestration) is presented through a special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI www.mtishows.com

Congratulations to our Volunteer of the Year, Maggie Chapman! Maggie is the heart of what makes our Near West Theatre co...
06/04/2026

Congratulations to our Volunteer of the Year, Maggie Chapman!

Maggie is the heart of what makes our Near West Theatre community so special. Her kindness, dedication, and sense of humor shine through every production she volunteers at. Whether she’s helping behind the scenes, supporting fellow volunteers, or simply offering a warm smile and encouraging presence, Maggie consistently goes above and beyond for everyone around her.

No matter how busy or demanding a production run may be, Maggie is always there — ready to help wherever she’s needed, never hesitating to give her time and energy to support our theatre, often staying through to the end of the performances to help with additional tasks after the show finishes. Even when she’s balancing the demands of being in a production herself, her
commitment to this community never wavers. We've even gifted her the "Popcorn MVP" award, which has stuck around even since last season.

Near West Theatre is stronger, warmer, and more connected because of Maggie. We are endlessly grateful for all that she gives to this community, and we are incredibly lucky to call her part of the Near West Theatre family.

🌈 Happy Pride Month! 🌈We can’t wait to celebrate with you all month long! June is filled with opportunities to connect, ...
06/02/2026

🌈 Happy Pride Month! 🌈

We can’t wait to celebrate with you all month long! June is filled with opportunities to connect, celebrate, and build community together, both at Near West Theatre and throughout Cleveland. From our Pride festivities and community events to our annual Juneteenth Celebration, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Check our June Event Calendar and mark your calendars! We hope to see you at one (or all!) of these incredible events.

Pride in the CLE - June 6
Pride Performance, 1:22 PM - 1:32 PM
Pride in the CLE Main Stage
FREE

Guardian’s Pride Night Resource Fair - June 8
Progressive Field Main Concourse between Section 151 - 155, 5 PM - 10 PM
Game Ticket Required

Juneteenth Celebration - June 12
Near West Theatre Plaza, 5 PM - 10 PM
Family friendly event with live music, resource tables, crafts, and food!
FREE

The Hooley Fest (Kamm's Corner) - June 13
Lorain Avenue & W.168th Street
NWT Table from 2 PM - 6 PM
NWT Performance from 3 PM - 3:30 PM on the Family Stage
FREE

Q***r Prom - June 20
Near West Theatre, 6 - 10 PM
For ages 14-19, register at lgbtcleveland.org/queerprom/
FREE

Pride Celebration - June 26
Near West Theatre Plaza, 5 PM - 10 PM
Family friendly event with live music, resource tables, crafts, and food!
FREE

At Near West Theatre, we believe everyone deserves a place where they can be fully seen, heard, and celebrated. Thank you for being part of our community. We can’t wait to celebrate Pride, honor Juneteenth, and make memories with you this month!

Looking for an engaging summer theatre camp for your young artist? Register for Near West Theatre's Summer Camp today!Sp...
05/31/2026

Looking for an engaging summer theatre camp for your young artist? Register for Near West Theatre's Summer Camp today!

Spots are still available for Session 1 and 2!

Session Dates:
⭐Session 1: June 15–26, 2026
⭐Session 2: July 20–31, 2026

Under the leadership of trained teaching artists, students will work collaboratively to learn theatrical skills, build confidence, and find their voice. Campers will explore storytelling through acting, singing, and dancing while developing and rehearsing an original performance piece. The experience culminates in a final showcase for family and friends.

To learn more and to register for summer camp, visit: https://ow.ly/yx0Y50Z2uyS

The final Veranda’s Vaudeville of the season was a dazzling, delightfully over-the-top evening full of sparkle, surprise...
05/31/2026

The final Veranda’s Vaudeville of the season was a dazzling, delightfully over-the-top evening full of sparkle, surprises, and show-stopping talent – oh, and feathers.

A standing ovation to Veranda L’Ni, Kellen, Captain K, and Kathie Dice for serving up an unforgettable night. And to everyone who joined us in the audience: thank you for cheering, laughing, applauding, and lip-singing for your life!

The curtain may have fallen on this season’s vaudeville adventures, but we already can’t wait to welcome Veranda’s Vaudeville back for another round of glitz, glamour, and glorious mischief this Fall!






Join us on June 12 for an evening of music, dance, poetry, and community as we celebrate Juneteenth at Near West Theatre...
05/30/2026

Join us on June 12 for an evening of music, dance, poetry, and community as we celebrate Juneteenth at Near West Theatre's Community Celebration Summer Concert Series!

From powerful spoken word and community-centered dance to incredible live music and performances from our talented NWT youth, this free event is a chance to come together, honor Black culture and history, and celebrate freedom through the arts.

Event Schedule
Event Kickoff - 5:00 PM
Near West Theatre Youth Performers - 5:30 PM
D.O.C. Studios: Poetry & Spoken Word - 6:00 PM
Blakk Jakk Dance Collective - 6:30 PM
Djapo Cultural Arts - 7:00 PM
AfroFunk Revölution - 8:00 PM

Event Details
Near West Theatre Plaza
6702 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, OH
June 12 | 5 PM–10 PM
Free and open to the community

Along with live performances, there will also be a pop up food tent by Yum Village, resource and information booths, and fun crafts and activities for all ages!

Bring your family, friends, and a spirit of joy and unity! Together, we can foster understanding and community. We can’t wait to see you there!

Find more information here: https://ow.ly/F39f50Z5S22

05/29/2026

Please join us in welcoming the cast of Ragtime, our 2026 Teen Summer Production!

Set at the turn of the 20th century, Ragtime weaves together stories of hope, change, resilience, and the pursuit of a better future. This remarkable cast of young artists is ready to bring one of musical theatre's most powerful and moving stories to life.

Over the next several weeks, these performers will dive into the music, history, and heart of this extraordinary production, building a story that remains as relevant today as ever.

Join us in congratulating our cast, and stay tuned as we take you behind the scenes of the journey to opening night.

For full casting information, visit our website at nearwesttheatre.org/ragtimecast

Ragtime runs July 17 through August 2.
Tickets are $20 with Pay What You Choose options available.

Get your tickets here: https://prod5.agileticketing.net/websales/pages/info.aspx?evtinfo=597822~9245a13d-e541-4ef8-8c5f-0e1f77ed1994&

Book by Terrence McNally
Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens
Music by Stephen Flaherty
Based on the novel, Ragtime by E.L. Doctorow
Original orchestrations by William David Brohn
Additional orchestrations by Kim Scharnberg

Directed by Trinidad Snider
Assistant Directed by Jasmine Banes*
Choreography by Jailyn Harris
Assistant Choreography by Zoe Hinton*
Musical Direction by Olivia Tassone
Season Artwork by Noah Hrbek

* Ragtime is our Teen Summer Production, developed in collaboration with participants in our SOAR Youth Leadership Program, where young artists grow as creative leaders through hands-on experience in the technical and production process.

Ragtime (9-Piece Orchestration) is presented through a special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI www.mtishows.com

05/29/2026

Last year, our Juneteenth Celebration was filled with joy, music, movement, community, and powerful moments of reflection.

We can’t wait to welcome back everyone to our plaza for our FREE Juneteenth Community Celebration on June 12 from 5-10 PM!

Join us for a celebration of freedom, culture, and community as we honor Juneteenth!

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, commemorates the official emancipation of enslaved people following the announcement in Texas on June 19, 1865. It is celebrated as a day to honor freedom, community, and resilience. Our celebration is a joyful gathering for everyone to recognize our shared history and the ongoing journey toward equality.

There will be live performances and music, pop up food tents, resource and information booths, and fun crafts and activities for all ages!

Bring your family, friends, and a spirit of joy and unity! Together, we can foster understanding and community. We can’t wait to see you there!

Find more information here: https://ow.ly/aqYH50Z5pp3

⭐SUPPORTER SPOTLIGHT⭐ Adobe Express offers an easy-to-use app that helps you to create social media posts, flyers, and ...
05/28/2026

⭐SUPPORTER SPOTLIGHT⭐

Adobe Express offers an easy-to-use app that helps you to create social media posts, flyers, and videos! It’s beginner friendly, fast, and can work on desktop or mobile devices!

Thank you to Adobe Express for supporting Near West Theatre!

Interested in becoming a season advertiser for our 2025-2026 Season? Email our Guest Services manager, Kam, at [email protected]

Address

6702 Detroit Avenue
Cleveland, OH
44102

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+12169619750

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