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Arts Administration

Ed Stern & Buzz Ward

Nominated By: Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park

Often referred to as the “Dynamic Duo,” Ed Stern and Buzz Ward have led the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park with a singularly steady hand for the past 20 years. Under their leadership, the once-struggling theater has been transformed into an innovative, thriving playhouse recognized across the nation for its artistic excellence.

The turnaround story helmed by Stern and Ward is remarkable. Upon joining the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park in 1992, the pair inherited a $1.25 million accumulated deficit and facilities in disrepair. But Ward’s fiscal acumen combined with Stern’s unparalleled gift for producing extraordinary theater made for an unbeatable team. Under their leadership, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park has maintained a budget surplus for 19 consecutive years, successfully completed a $7 million facilities renovation, and increased the theater’s current and expected endowment from $1.7 million to an astounding $13 million.

Today, the Playhouse offers productions 10 months out of the year, attracting more than 15,000 season subscribers and nearly 200,000 people annually to its two theaters. Over the theater’s past 20 seasons, Stern’s artistic vision has created more than 35 world premieres and has garnered the Playhouse significant recognition. In 2004, the Playhouse received the prestigious Regional Theatre Tony Award®, and in 2007, the Playhouse was honored with its second Tony Award® in three years when Company was named that year’s Best Revival of a Musical. 

Recognized by award-winning actors and playwrights as a truly professional theater company, the environment fostered by Stern and Ward has catered to both audiences and theater artists alike. And their commitment doesn’t stop there—Stern and Ward are also dedicated to the arts beyond the theater doors. Both serve as leaders in the Cincinnati community, partnering with funders and organizations to implement such programs as the Rosenthal Next Generation Series, the Macy’s New Play Prize for Young Audiences, and the Off the Hill outreach tour. Through these programs, the Playhouse has been able to reach more than 55,000 young people in 20 neighborhoods across Cincinnati’s 15-county region.

Ed Stern & Buzz Ward video tribute (8:57 minutes)