The Midland Theatre

What The Midland Theatre does

The Midland Theatre is a historic 1928 Spanish Revival performing arts venue located on the town square in downtown Newark, Ohio, operated by the Newark Midland Theatre Association, a volunteer-led nonprofit. After operating as a movie house for 50 years and closing in 1978, the venue was restored in 2000 through an $8.5 million investment by The Longaberger Company and now hosts more than 80 events annually, including touring concerts, theatrical performances, classic film screenings, immersive cabaret series, youth arts residencies, community festivals, and private rentals. The organization is guided by an 'Arts for All' mission, supported by the Ohio Arts Council, Licking County Foundation, Huntington Bank, and a network of resident companies including Central Ohio Youth Ballet, Missoula Children's Theatre, Patty's Dance Center, and the Black Jacket Symphony.

The core offering is the physical venue and its event programming rather than a technology product; the supporting infrastructure consists of standard ticketing (OvationTix/AudienceView), point-of-sale (Square), web analytics (Google Analytics), and basic digital marketing channels. Programmatic products include Upcoming Events (national touring acts), the Stage Door Cabaret Series (intimate on-stage concerts with approximately 120 guests), the Summer Movie Series, Newark Summerfest (free outdoor community celebration), and recurring resident-company productions including The Nutcracker and the Missoula Children's Theatre Red Truck Tour residency.

The business model is a hybrid nonprofit revenue mix. Earned revenue comes from ticket sales (with a $4 Historic Preservation Fee, $5.50 Service Fee, and optional $2 Printed Ticket Fee per transaction), venue rental for private events, concessions, and gift cards. Contributed revenue comes from the Annual Fund membership program (tax-deductible recurring donations with presale ticket access), the Curtain Call Campaign, general donations, and tiered corporate sponsorships ranging from $250 to $5,000. The primary customer segments are the general Licking County and Central Ohio community, families with school-aged children, performing arts enthusiasts, private event organizers, and local business sponsors; pricing is intentionally accessible (summer movies at $7, seniors free, group discounts for 20+ patrons).

Name

The Midland Theatre

Legal name

The Midland Theatre

Website

https://midlandtheatre.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1928

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Midland Theatre is a nonprofit historic 1928 Spanish Revival performing arts venue in Newark, Ohio, operating 80+ events annually through ticket sales, venue rental, donations, and corporate sponsorships, and serving Licking County and Central Ohio community audiences, families, and private event clients.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Performing Arts Venue

NAICS

Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports, and Similar Events with Facilities (71131)

SIC

Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990)

akta.pro primary industry

Theater & Performing Arts Venue Operations (Playhouses, Opera Houses) (MPAGALAB)

Keywords

• Live performing arts
• Concert venue
• Theatrical performances
• Historic theatre
• Community arts venue

Headquarters

HQ city

Newark

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Ticket Sales: Primary revenue stream from ticket sales for concerts, theatrical performances, movies, and special events. Tickets are sold online through OvationTix platform, at the Box Office, and by phone. The theatre charges a $4 Historic Preservation Fee, $5.50 Service Fee, and $2 Printed Ticket Fee per transaction.
2. Annual Fund Membership: Membership program providing early access to tickets, exclusive experiences, and recognition. Contributions are tax-deductible and support programming, operations, and community initiatives including the Yellow Bus Series and volunteer support.
3. Venue Rental: The theatre is available for private and public events including weddings, corporate meetings, performances, photo shoots, and celebrations. Rental includes various spaces: Gallery/Bar, Lobby, Lobby Balcony Area, Auditorium, Stage, and Backstage/Dressing Rooms.
4. Donations and Fundraising: Tax-deductible donations support the theatre's 'Arts for All' mission, programming, and facilities maintenance. The Curtain Call Campaign and Annual Fund are key fundraising initiatives.
5. Sponsorships: Corporate sponsorship opportunities at various levels ($250-$5,000) for events like Summerfest, providing brand visibility, social media recognition, and event presence.
6. Concessions: Sale of beverages including alcohol, water, and soda during events. Drinks may be taken to seats.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

The Midland Theatre operates a historic 1928 performing arts venue hosting 80+ events annually, including concerts, theatrical performances, classic film screenings, community festivals, and youth arts education residencies. The theatre offers ticketed live entertainment, venue rental for private events, Annual Fund Membership, concessions, and community-focused programming through resident companies (Central Ohio Youth Ballet, Missoula Children's Theatre, Patty's Dance Center, Black Jacket Symphony). Revenue is generated through ticket sales, venue rental fees, donations, sponsorships, and Annual Fund memberships.

Product overview

The Midland Theatre is a historic 1928 performing arts venue in Newark, Ohio operated by the Newark Midland Theatre Association. The organization operates a multi-faceted live entertainment business centered on its Spanish Revival theatre venue, offering a diverse portfolio of programming including touring concerts and performances, classic film screenings, immersive cabaret experiences, community festivals, and youth arts education residencies. Key products include Upcoming Events (national touring acts and tribute shows), Midland Movies (classic film series), the Stage Door Cabaret Series (intimate on-stage concerts), Newark Summerfest (free outdoor community celebration), and resident company programming featuring Missoula Children's Theatre, Central Ohio Youth Ballet (Nutcracker), Patty's Dance Center, and Black Jacket Symphony. Supporting services include venue rental, Annual Fund Membership, and gift cards. The venue hosts over 80 events annually and serves as an Official Venue for Ohio Goes to the Movies. The theatre was restored in 2000 following an $8.5 million restoration by The Longaberger Company.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Stage Door Cabaret Series: An immersive on-stage concert experience where patrons sit at tables on the historic stage to enjoy intimate performances by singer-songwriters. Approximately 120 guests per show.
• Missoula Children's Theatre Residency
• Summer Movie Series
• Newark Summerfest
• Yellow Bus Series

Products and services

• Upcoming Events (Concerts & Live Performances) Live concert and performance programming featuring touring national acts, tribute shows, and special events on the historic 1928 stage, offered to general public attendees in Licking County and Central Ohio.
• Midland Summer Movies Classic film screenings in the historic venue during summer months, featuring community-curated lineups of classic cinema at $7 per adult ticket with senior free admission, offered to general public attendees.
• Stage Door Cabaret Series Immersive on-stage concert experience where approximately 120 guests sit at tables on the historic stage for intimate performances by touring singer-songwriters, offered as a subscription or individual show purchase.
• Newark Summerfest Free outdoor community celebration on the Newark Town Square featuring live music, food vendors, and hometown hero recognition, offered as a free public event to Licking County and Central Ohio residents.
• Missoula Children's Theatre Residency (Red Truck Tour) Free week-long theatre residency where local students grades 1-12 audition, rehearse, and perform a full production on the historic stage with professional touring directors, offered to families and youth.
• The Nutcracker (Central Ohio Youth Ballet) Annual holiday performance featuring approximately 50 young dancers from the Central Ohio Youth Ballet in a production of the classic ballet, offered to families and ballet enthusiasts.
• Patty's Dance Center Recitals Annual dance recitals showcasing dancers ages 3-18 from a Newark dance studio that has taught in the community since 1970, offered to families and dance enthusiasts.
• Black Jacket Symphony Performances Recurring performances by a Birmingham-based ensemble that recreates classic albums note-for-note, performing rock's greatest records with symphony-level reverence, offered to rock music fans.
• Venue Rental Private and public event rental of the historic theatre for weddings, corporate meetings, performances, photo shoots, and special celebrations, offered to event organizers, businesses, and individuals.
• Annual Fund Membership Membership program providing early access to ticket sales, exclusive invitations, and recognition while supporting the theatre's 'Arts for All' mission, with tax-deductible contributions supporting programming and operations.
• Gift Cards Gift certificates available online and in person for live entertainment experiences at the venue, offered as a flexible gifting option.

Quantifiable outcome

• 80+ events annually demonstrating consistent programming and community engagement
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers15 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Huntington BankcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 2 June 2026Presenting sponsor of the 2026/27 Stage Door Cabaret Series. Huntington Bank's sponsorship enables intimate on-stage concert experiences with ~120 guests. The partnership provides brand visibility across event materials, marketing, and the theatre's digital presence.
• Ohio Goes to the Movies (America 250-Ohio)coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 8 May 2026Statewide Signature Event celebrating Ohio's contributions to American filmmaking across all 88 counties. The Midland Theatre is an Official Venue, hosting free screenings and special movie programming as part of the America's 250th anniversary celebration.
• Ohio Arts CouncilcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerState arts agency supporting the theatre with tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence, and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. Supports programming including Missoula Children's Theatre residencies and general operations.
• Licking County FoundationcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerFoundation partner supporting Missoula Children's Theatre residencies and arts programming for the community. The Constance C. Baldwin Fund of the Licking County Foundation is a presenting sponsor of the annual Red Truck Tour residency.
• The Longaberger CompanycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCompleted the $8.5 million restoration of The Midland Theatre in 2000, reopening it as a vibrant performing arts venue. The restoration saved and revitalized the historic 1928 structure.
• Mortellaro McDonald'sminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal McDonald's franchise (Mortellaro.Mcdonalds) providing team meals and refreshments for theatre staff and volunteers during events, demonstrating community business support.
• Missoula Children's TheatrecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerResident company bringing the Red Truck Tour annually, transforming local students into performers in one week. Professional touring directors lead week-long residencies with free auditions and guaranteed roles for all participants.
• Central Ohio Youth BalletcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerResident dance company presenting annual The Nutcracker production with 50 young dancers. Performs on the Midland stage each Thanksgiving weekend under direction of former National Ballet of Canada dancer Robert Cole.
• Patty's Dance CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerResident dance studio since 1970, teaching dance to ages 3-18. Annual recitals and holiday shows held at the Midland Theatre, celebrating over 50 years of dance instruction in Newark.
• The Black Jacket SymphonycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerResident ensemble performing two shows annually, recreating classic rock albums note-for-note. Founded in Birmingham, Alabama in 2009, the group brings nationwide reputation for faithful album recreations to the Midland stage.
• DankHouse BrewingminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHost venue for Nashville Nights events as part of Midland Shows on the Go programming, bringing country music artists to a local brewery setting.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Live Nation Entertainment: The largest live entertainment company globally, operating venues and promoting concerts. Comparable to the Midland at the category level (concert promotion, venue operations, ticketing) but operating at vastly greater scale and in larger markets.
• AEG Presents: One of the world's largest live entertainment presenters and venue operators. Comparable to the Midland as a live event promoter, though operating globally and focused on arena/amphitheatre-scale shows rather than community nonprofit theatre.
• CAPA - Columbus Association for the Performing Arts: The parent nonprofit operating multiple historic performing arts venues across Columbus (Ohio, Southern, Palace, Lincoln). Comparable to the Midland as a regional nonprofit venue operator with overlapping formats and audiences, but at meaningfully greater scale and portfolio breadth.

Direct peers

• Ohio Theatre (Columbus, OH): A historic 1928 Spanish Revival movie palace in Columbus converted into a performing arts venue, operated by CAPA. Shares the Midland's vintage, architectural style, and mixed-format programming (films, concerts, ballet).
• Capitol Theatre (Columbus, OH): A historic 1921 theatre in Columbus presenting music, theatre, comedy, and film, operated by a nonprofit. Comparable to the Midland in vintage, programming diversity, and community nonprofit mission.
• Lincoln Theatre (Columbus, OH): A historic 1928 performing arts venue in Columbus, Ohio operated by a nonprofit, hosting concerts, film, and community events. Closest comparable regional peer to the Midland given its similar vintage, nonprofit model, programming mix, and Central Ohio footprint.
• Southern Theatre (Columbus, OH): A historic 1896 performing arts venue in Columbus operated by CAPA offering concerts, theatre, and dance in a smaller, intimate setting. Comparable to the Midland as a vintage nonprofit venue in the same regional market.
• Palace Theatre (Columbus, OH): A CAPA-operated historic venue in Columbus hosting touring concerts, comedy, and Broadway tours. Comparable to the Midland in format mix and nonprofit operations, though at a much larger scale.

Emerging players

• Shadowbox Live (Columbus, OH): A nonprofit performance venue in Columbus producing original musical theatre and cabaret shows. Comparable to the Midland's Stage Door Cabaret Series as a smaller-scale niche cabaret/musical theatre operator in Central Ohio.
• Short North Stage (Columbus, OH): A nonprofit professional theatre company producing musicals and plays in Columbus. Comparable to the Midland as a Central Ohio nonprofit performing arts organization, though operating as a producing company rather than a venue operator.

Market position

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/TheMidlandTheatre
• Instagraminstagram.com/midlandtheatre
• Xx.com/MidlandTheatre
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-midland-theatre

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Midland Theatre