Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: American Legacy Theatre
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As: ALT
Mailing Address: 2162 BUDWOOD CT
City: CINCINNATI
State: OHIO
Postal Code: 45230
Main Phone: 5134435429
Main Fax:
Organization Website: https://americanlegacytheatre.org/
Employer ID Number: 81-3820270
Organization Tax Status: 501c3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3/11/2026
Requested Amount: $10,000

Project Title: ALT In Classrooms Student-Led Theatre
Project Description:

In Classrooms aims to improve and transform the lives of children and young adults by equipping them with the tools to succeed and achieve their full potential. Theatre arts are a critical component in this work, yet arts education is often underprioritized in schools. Nomadic by strategy, In Classrooms addresses this gap directly and meets youth where they are.

In the 2024–25 school year, ALT partnered with 18 Cincinnati public schools to lead 45 cohorts serving 676 students, of whom over 90% were economically disadvantaged. Students work with ALT Teaching Artists in 5- to 16-week cohorts at their schools to write and perform original plays about issues important to them, with 5 to 10 cohorts debuting their productions at ALT’s first-annual In Classrooms Community Performance Festivals in May 2026.

ALT programming seeks to change behavior, rather than teach to a test. From start to finish, the program is a true collaboration between ALT teaching artists, classroom teachers, and guardians. In Classrooms goals include:

– Serve a minimum of 600 youth, including 500+ in Ohio’s public school system, with 80% at no cost
– 55% of participants and audience members will report increased ability to empathize with different perspectives
– 90% of participants will identify ALT programming as a safe space
– 5-10 cohorts each year will debut productions at ALT’s Students Create Change Festival

With ALT programming, Pre-K students achieved 92% measurable movement on TS GOLD Standards after just 10 hours of instruction over 5 weeks, compared to the Cincinnati regional bar of 60% movement over 52 weeks. End-of-programming surveys show 96% of students reported that the program provided a safe space, 86% reported growth in empathy, and 88% found a trusting adult. These results show that In Classrooms breaks down barriers and enables youth to reach their full potential.

Total Project Budget: $398,514

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Hamilton County Job & Family Services $50,000 National Endowment for the Arts $40,000 The R.C. Durr Foundation $25,000 Ohio Arts Council ArtsNEXT $22,000 Andrew Jergens Foundation (Greater Cincinnati Foundation) $12,000 Nellie Leaman Taft Foundation $10,000. The Edelweiss Foundation – $75,000 Unnewehr Foundation – $75,000 The Foundation Office Fifth Third Bank – $50,000 The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation – $20,000 The Antero Foundation – $20,000 ArtsWave Sustaining Impact Renewal – $10,000 Erie Insurance Giving Network – $10,000 Hamilton County INSPIRE – $5,000 Agnes Nordloh Charitable Trust – $2,000

Project Duration: One year
Geographical Area Served: Communities in Ohio and Northern Kentucky
Age Group To Be Served: Pre-K to High School

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mr.
Contact First Name: Matthew
Contact Last Name: Gellin
Contact Title: Executive Artistic Director & CEO
Contact Phone: 716-812-8035
Contact Email: matthew.gellin@americanlegacytheatre.org