We began in 2008 as part of the Madisonville Arts Center, transformed from a forgotten building into a fully renovated, multi-use arts and education venue. Our goal was to promote and support community arts through performances, classes and exhibitions on every level.
It soon became clear that the demand for the arts was best served directly in the schools and communities. With transportation issues negated and logistics simplified, we had a growing and receptive after-school audience–and convenience for parents, students and educators.
We quickly saw a dramatic increase in demand: what began as a single school being served in 2009 steadily increased each year. CAI was recognized as the go-to source for free-of-charge-after-school arts programming.
Unfortunately, the pandemic changed all this. With after-school programming halted, we looked for new ways to reach the underserved. The Kaleidoscope Project was created to bring theater arts to adults with mental and physical challenges. A pilot project, the first of its kind in the United States, was launched with a collaboration with Metzcor in 2020. What started as a weekly theater arts program for 23 participants has grown to now reaching over 200 participants on a regular basis!
Brooke Steele has been teaching for Community Arts Initiatives since 2010. Brooke is a local performer singing and acting around Cincinnati. Brooke has appeared on many local stages, including Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati, Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati and The Cincinnati Shakespeare Company. Brooke loves to share the arts with the students in CAI’s classes. She believes that all the arts, visual and performance, are vital to boosting self-confidence and expression. Brooke is grateful to be a part of this program which allows her to share these methods of expression with so many. Community Art Initiatives brings the arts into underserved communities, creating opportunities for all. Brooke is currently working with the Kaleidoscope Project co-directing a musical created for performers with all abilities.
When not teaching or performing Brooke spends time with her daughters, husband, and pets in Kennedy Heights, Ohio.
Brooke Steele
Theater Practitioner
Rose Quackenbush is a student at Clark Montessori High School. They are involved in the entirely student-run theater program at the school. The program, EPIC, is the only fully student-run theater program within this school district. They have assistant stage managed 3 shows, co-stage managed 1 show, and staged managed 1 show.
Rose Quackenbush
Website Designer