Grand Theater for the Performing Arts - Steubenville Ohio

06/23/2026

Some photos of the balcony coffered ceiling with just primer on it after restoration!! More photos in a couple weeks!

06/12/2026

As of today we are in process of applying for another POWER grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission. That grant requires a match of other funds and I would like to thank Ohio State Senator Chavez and Representative Ron Ferguson for assisting the Grand in getting a $400,000 Ohio Capital Bill Grant that will be used for part of that match. The required match is $860,000 for a $2,000,000 ARC grant. The next phase of construction is focused on mechanicals.

Scope of work: Phase 2 construction will complete core systems and accessibility improvements required for expanded, full-capacity operations. Baseline deliverables include: new restrooms serving lobby and ballroom levels; completion of HVAC/mechanical systems; installation of fire suppression and required life-safety systems; and installation of an elevator for ADA access to ballroom levels. Operational activation work includes auditorium readiness upgrades for larger audiences (seating, sound reinforcement, theatrical lighting), completion of flyloft/stage systems for safe productions, and painting/finishes required to place the auditorium and ballroom into service for expanded public use.

Whether we get all this completed depends on how much of this grant we are able to get and how much work it will get done. So we need to find the rest of our match, or more, to get this phase completed. If you know of anyone who can donate some or all of the $460,000 match we still need to achieve, please have them contact me. Thanks!

In the mean time we will be opening for some smaller events hopefully starting this fall as we are allowed to have up to 299 folks in the theater with everything as it is now.

06/12/2026

The Grand retains some of its original DC arc projectors, and we have one DC arc Spotlight. None of which are hooked up to a DC generator anymore. But they can be seen on a tour when we reopened for tours. I’m not sure if we will ever make them operational enough for a demonstration. They’re sort of dangerous and hot. But they are very interesting to look at.

06/10/2026

06/10/2026

Do it for Pete! 🐧🥹

Applications for the Fall 2026 semester are still open! Come join us at our new Steubenville campus and be a part of the Penguin family...we can think of a certain flightless bird that would be over the moon!

Learn about programs and apply here: https://brnw.ch/21x3fmW

06/06/2026

Wurlitzer Wurkshop today. And we have started painting all the plaster in the theater. Just primer and base coat for now. More colors later!

06/03/2026

We should create this in the attic of the Grand!

05/31/2026

Interesting!

Joe Bortz GM Motorama Concept Cars at Gilmore Museum 2026-20271953...