After months of preparation and scheduling, I was finally ready to photograph Cincinnati Music Hall and Taft Theatre in downtown Cincinnati. This building sits across from the P&G headquarters and a few blocks east of Fountain Square. These two iconic buildings downtown were the final two elusive theaters in Cincinnati, Dayton, and Columbus that I have not photographed. However, that changed today! These interior photos were taken in 2018. I was able to take photos from the stage as well as the auditorium. Capturing onstage photos in these cool performance venues is one of the most thrilling things I do.
Originally built in the late 1920s as a beautiful movie palace, the Taft Theatre Cincinnati has been meticulously preserved, allowing guests to revel in its timeless beauty and opulence. From the ornate plaster friezes to the stunning chandeliers, every detail exudes sophistication and a sense of occasion. One oddity that shows the building’s age is the basement bathrooms. They are modern, but you have to do a lot of walking to find them.
In 2023, the Taft Theatre stands as a great performing arts venue, hosting an array of world-class productions such as smaller live concerts, the top comedians in the country, and children’s theater shows. Most of the shows I have seen here have been comedians. Normally, I sit in balcony seating and can say that there isn’t a bad seat in the house. I photographed most aspects of this theatre, and the photos are below. I love being a commercial photographer and getting access to these great venues. Beyond its stately theater walls, the Taft Theatre boasts an intimate setting that invites patrons to embrace the experience fully. Its impeccable acoustics ensure that every note sung and every line spoken resonates throughout, creating an immersive atmosphere that transports you into the heart of the performance.
Being a historic theater automatically makes this a beautiful building. For me, it is one of the least attractive spaces both inside and out. Don’t get me wrong. It is a good place to see a show and it is well-maintained. The management company does a great job running and booking this place. It just isn’t my aesthetic.
Parking near this venue can be tricky if there is a Cincinnati Reds game or a Cincinnati Bengals game happening. This is close to Great American Ball Park. Additionally, if there is an event at the Aronoff Center, parking may be tough. One nice thing is that most shows take place on nights after the work crowd exits downtown or on weekends.
Check out some of my other commercial work here.
Black Ankle Vineyard Mt. Airy Maryland Outside Baltimore And Frederick
The Monument Dayton Apartment Complex By Developer Crawford Hoying
3CDC’s Cincinnati Memorial Hall OTR Interior Photos
Kay WalkingStick An American Artist’s Exhibit Now Open At Dayton Art Institute