Cleveland Public Theatre’s (CPT) Executive Artistic Director Raymond Bobgan is proud to welcome Nicole Sumlin as the new Education Director. Nicole Sumlin’s extraordinary artistry, demonstrated leadership, and array of experience from in-school programming, out-of-school arts programs, and community-based engagement, align with CPT’s values and public commitment. Read More ›

Cleveland Public Theatre

CLEVELAND ACT NOW Academy

Announces FREE Summer Virtual Workshop

August 17 – 21

FOR ages 7 – 10 & 11 – 14 years old

Description

Yes, We CAN!, taking place online over three days (90 minutes each day), includes storytelling paired with social-distance curriculum that reinforces health and safety learning, and provides creative coping activities to help young people navigate our current times. At-Home Enrichment packets will also be mailed to participants. OPTIONAL: in person Social Distance Family Workshop at Herman Park for 90 minutes of fun activities that support social-distance learning as well as a face mask distribution. This program is offered at no cost thanks to the support of the Cleveland Foundation and other supporters. Classes are taught by CPT Director of Community Ensembles, Faye Hargate, and CPT Education Associate, Zyrece Montgomery. Read More ›

We are all grieving as our hearts are broken again and again—not just by police, but by the wider system we are all part of. This onslaught of racism and violence against black lives is not new and it impacts us all, especially those who must witness people who look like them and their brothers, mothers, children, and loved ones murdered in the streets. We acknowledge this. It needs to be said again and again. Black Lives Matter.

And we acknowledge we occupy lands stolen from the indigenous people of this region.

Amidst our anger and hurt is also gratitude to the many black and brown people who have shared their stories with us and continue to share, even when it costs them to do so. We are also grateful to those who lived and worked on this land before us; their stewardship and resilient spirit make our residence possible on the traditional homeland of the Lenape (Delaware), Shawnee, Wyandot, Miami, Ottawa, Potawatomi, Iroquois, and other Great Lakes tribes and nations, and we acknowledge the thousands of Native Americans who now call Northeast Ohio home.

We at CPT are committed to learn.

And we are committed to our mission to nurture compassion and raise consciousness.

We are committed to justice for all people and this is so urgent for black people.

We recognize the horrors done unto indigenous people and the countless oppressions against all people of color. And on this day we want to especially emphasize: Black Lives Matter.

We will continue to center black voices and black stories as we strive to disrupt and dismantle racism and oppression.

-Raymond Bobgan, CPT Executive Artistic Director

Cleveland Public Theatre is proud to be a member of the National New Play Network (NNPN). Below you’ll find a statement that Raymond, who is also President of the Board of NNPN, and Nan Barnett, the Executive Director of NNPN, released.