THE MIDLAND THEATRE AWARDED $100,000 STATE CAPITAL GRANT FOR SOUND SYSTEM UPGRADES
State Senator Tim Schaffer secures funding in Ohio’s capital budget for the historic Newark theatre; investment will enhance the experience for audiences, artists, students, and community groups as The Midland approaches its 2028 centennial.
NEWARK, Ohio (July 1, 2026) -- The Midland Theatre has been awarded a $100,000 state capital grant to fund upgrades to its sound system, part of Ohio’s biennial capital budget signed into law by Governor Mike DeWine on June 15, 2026. The appropriation was secured by State Senator Tim Schaffer (R-Lancaster) and is one of more than $6.8 million in community project investments Schaffer directed to Ohio’s 20th Senate District.
Sound is at the heart of nearly everything that happens on The Midland’s stage, from nationally touring concerts to school field trips, community productions, and the free summer movies that fill the historic house every year. Theatre leaders see the upgrade as far more than maintenance. Pairing state-of-the-art equipment with a beautifully restored 1928 venue strengthens The Midland’s ability to attract top touring talent, and it deepens the theatre’s commitment to every patron in the room, including those who rely on assistive listening support. For The Midland, that means moving past what accessibility compliance requires and toward genuine welcome.
“Great sound is one of those things you only notice when it is missing,” said Maryann Crist, Executive Director of The Midland Theatre. “When it is right, it disappears, and all that is left is the music, the story, and a room full of people sharing it together. State-of-the-art sound inside a theatre this beautiful helps us bring the best touring artists in the country to Newark, and it lets us care for every person in the audience, including patrons who need hearing assistance to fully enjoy the show. Arts for All has never meant doing the minimum. This helps us go well beyond it.”
The Midland is one of six Licking County projects funded in this year’s capital budget, alongside investments in parks, workforce training, and recreation across the county. For a nonprofit theatre that welcomes thousands of patrons and roughly 4,000 schoolchildren each year, the appropriation is both a practical upgrade and a vote of confidence in the role The Midland plays in the life of downtown Newark.
“The Midland is a real community gem that my family and I have enjoyed for years. I know that thousands of other local families and others from far-reaching locations enjoy performances there as well. It is truly a marvelous attraction that brings entertainment to our community.” said State Senator Tim Schaffer, who secured the appropriation.
The timing is meaningful. The Midland is approaching its 100th anniversary in December 2028, and preserving and improving the building for its second century has become a central focus for the organization. Investments like this one help ensure the theatre that opened its doors in 1928 remains vibrant, welcoming, and ready for the audiences of the next hundred years.
“We want to thank Senator Schaffer for championing this funding, and the members of the Ohio General Assembly who recognized the value of preserving community spaces that bring people together,” Crist added. “The Midland has always been more than a building. It is where children see their first live performance, where families gather, and where our community celebrates together. We are honored that the state has chosen to invest in that.”
The Midland Theatre is a nonprofit performing arts venue and welcomes community support year-round through its Annual Fund, volunteer program, and sponsorships. To learn more, visit midlandtheatre.org.
About The Midland Theatre
The Midland Theatre, Newark’s cultural cornerstone since 1928, stands as a testament to the enduring power of live entertainment and community connection. Located at 36 North Park Place in Newark, Ohio, this historic Spanish Revival theatre has been enriching the lives of audiences for nearly a century. Originally opening its doors on December 20, 1928, The Midland served as Newark’s premier entertainment destination for 50 years before closing in 1978. Following an $8.5 million restoration by The Longaberger Company completed in 2000, The Midland reopened as a vibrant performing arts venue operated by the Newark Midland Theatre Association, a local volunteer nonprofit organization. Today, The Midland continues its mission of making high-quality live entertainment accessible to the entire community through its “Arts for All” philosophy.
The Midland Theatre
36 North Park Place | Newark, OH 43055
740.345.5483 | yourfriends@midlandtheatre.org | midlandtheatre.org
Facebook: @TheMidlandTheatre | Instagram: @midlandtheatre
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