Friends of the Ohio Theatre reports ADA upgrades, hires events coordinator and expands programming

Friends of the Ohio Theatre told the Jefferson County Board of Tourism that last year’s $50,000 allocation helped the group hire a coordinator and fund capital work, and that programming this year will broaden to attract visitors from markets more than 35 miles away.

Elizabeth Ochs, board president of Friends of the Ohio Theatre, said the organization used grant dollars to hire a full‑time coordinator and to repair the theater floor and add ADA access to the stage, a project she described as costing $78,000. Ochs said the theater held 40 events last year and increased attendance by roughly 1,700 despite being closed for four months for repairs.

Cord Montgomery, the new coordinator, described early progress in his first month: about 17 events were already booked or in planning, with a mix of free community offerings and paid, premium performances. He said the theater’s marketing and volunteer base helped secure a diverse slate of bookings and that the organization is working to reach audiences in nearby cities such as Cincinnati.

Ochs told the board the group would not request additional salary funding this cycle because increased event activity should sustain the coordinator’s role. Board members thanked the theater’s leadership and welcomed the new coordinator.