Karamu House

2355 E 89th St, Cleveland, OH 44106
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Our missionThe mission of Karamu House is to produce professional theatre, provide arts education, and present community programs for all people while honoring the African-American experience.
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Support Karamu

Support Karamu

Karamu House

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Ways to help

Support Karamu Paver Campaign

Name a Paver There are a limited number of etched pavers that still remain. Honor or memorialize a loved one, your family, or a local organization. Pavers start at just $150, and can be purchased today. See full description
  • Adults (18+)
  • Ongoing
  • Anytime
  • Individuals, Families, Corporate Teams
  • Virtual
Purchase a paver today!

Karamu Arts Education

Welcome to Karamu Arts Academy, where we bring together both children and adults with arts education classes and programs throughout the year. Explore our catalog of classes and programs, including our Fall and Spring Arts Academy semesters and our Summer Intensive program. www.karamu/events/summer-intensives     See full description
  • Children (5-12), 12-15, 16-18, Adults (18+), 55+
  • Ongoing
  • Virtual
Learn More to Enroll today
How you helpKaramu House has been supported by large numbers of dedicated volunteers since its founding in 1915. Opportunities for volunteering are as ushers during our performances and special events, as well as involvement with education, fundraising, and other projects.
About usRecognized as the oldest African-American producing theatre in the nation, Karamu House is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places and featured in the Smithsonian’s African-American Museum. Legendary artists including Langston Hughes, Ruby Dee, Robert Guillaume, Ron O’Neal, Bill Cobbs, James Pickens, Jr., Vanessa Bell Calloway, and Imani Hakim have been associated with the 104-year old “place of joyful gathering” (the meaning of “Karamu” in Swahili.) Oberlin College graduates Russell and Rowena Jelliffe opened the Playhouse Settlement in 1915 to offer a place for people of different races, religions, and economic backgrounds to come together through the arts. As the community became predominantly African American, Karamu responded with programs geared to their needs and interests. We are experiencing a revival of theatre excellence, yet maintaining tradition and leveraging a future for Karamu. Our renaissance is evidenced in our sold-out performances and highly regarded reviews. Karamu is cited as one of Cleveland’s top four treasures. We want to continue this momentum by providing state of the art experiences for wider and larger patronage. We know to continue and sustain the growth we must create new and independent revenue opportunities. The next phase of renovations provides several opportunities for creating sustainable revenue streams. We need you to plant the seed of investment in our future.
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