Gift from the Peggy and John Garson Family Foundation and Ann and Scott Garson will provide assisted listening devices for all productions beginning in Karamu’s 2026–2027 Season
CLEVELAND, OH — June 15, 2026 — Karamu House, the nation’s oldest continuously producing Black theater, today announced it has received a grant from the Peggy and John Garson Family Foundation, a supporting foundation of the Jewish Federation of Cleveland, together with Ann and Scott Garson, to purchase assisted listening devices that will be available to patrons at every production, beginning with the launch of Karamu’s 2026–2027 season.
Beginning with the opening production of the season in September 2026, the devices will be available free of charge to audience members who are deaf, hard of hearing, or may benefit from amplified sound. The investment represents an important step in Karamu’s ongoing commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and ensuring that all members of the community can fully experience the power of live theater.
Founded in 1915, Karamu House continues to remove barriers that prevent individuals and families from participating in cultural experiences. The addition of assisted listening technology will allow patrons to hear dialogue, music, and sound more clearly, creating a more engaging and equitable theater experience.
“This gift does something both simple and profound and ensures that more people can fully experience the stories being shared on our stages,” said Aseelah Shareef, Interim President and CEO of Karamu House. “Accessibility is fundamental to our mission and our vision for Karamu’s future. We are deeply grateful to the Peggy and John Garson Family Foundation and Ann and Scott Garson for helping us create a more welcoming and inclusive experience for every member of our audience.”
“Karamu House has long served as a gathering place where storytelling, culture, and community come together,” said Ann and Scott Garson. “We are honored to support the purchase of these assisted listening devices and help ensure that more individuals can fully engage with the performances on Karamu’s stages. Karamu has always meant a lot to us, especially to Ann as she attended preschool there, and her stepmother was its director. Seeing the institution invest in its accessibility is a meaningful use of our philanthropy.”
Assisted listening devices use personal receivers to deliver amplified sound directly to patrons, helping address one of the most common barriers faced by individuals with hearing loss. Devices will be available through Karamu’s box office at all performances throughout the 2026–2027 season, and accessibility information will be included on Karamu’s website and ticketing platforms.
This grant reflects the power of partnership in creating a more accessible arts community and reinforces Karamu’s commitment to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to participate in the transformative experience of live performance.
As Karamu enters its next chapter, investments like this help advance a vision of a theater that is welcoming, inclusive, and accessible to all—strengthening the organization’s ability to serve artists, audiences, and the broader Cleveland community for generations to come.