PANICd#: 2251
| The Hanna Theatre opened in 1921 as part of the booming theater district in downtown Cleveland. It was developed by businessman Daniel Hanna, son of the prominent political figure Marcus Hanna. |
2067 E 14th St
Cleveland , OH 44115
Phone: (216) 241-6000
Open to the public: Yes
https://www.playhousesquare.org/ven...
Lat: 41.5003
Lon: -81.6811
Database Summary:
Demographic Rank: 0
History: 1
Stories: 1
Claims: 8
Evidence: 0
Resources: 3
Retrievals: 2067
Vistor Rating: 0.0
Votes: 0
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History information is some background and history about the location. This is meant to be a basic summary. Below the history records you will find sources in which you can click on to find out more information. There may be multiple history records per location.
The Hanna Theatre opened in 1921 as part of the booming theater district in downtown Cleveland. It was developed by businessman Daniel Hanna, son of the prominent political figure Marcus Hanna. Designed as an elegant playhouse, the theater quickly became a centerpiece of live performance in the city, offering Broadway productions, comedies, and dramatic works to a growing urban audience.
During the early twentieth century, Cleveland was experiencing rapid industrial growth and cultural expansion. The Hanna Theatre reflected this prosperity with its grand architecture detailed interior design and comfortable seating. It was known for its intimate atmosphere compared to larger movie palaces, making it a favorite venue for legitimate theater productions.
As the decades passed, the theater faced the same challenges as many historic venues across the country. The rise of film, television, and suburban entertainment caused attendance to decline. By the late twentieth century, the Hanna Theatre had fallen into disrepair and struggled to maintain its role in the entertainment industry.
Efforts to preserve Playhouse Square gained momentum in the 1970s and 1980s, saving several historic theaters from demolition. The Hanna Theatre became part of this revitalization movement, although it would take decades before a full restoration could be completed. Community support and investment played a major role in bringing the building back to life.
A major renovation was completed in 2008, transforming the Hanna Theatre into a modern performance space while preserving its historic charm. Today it is home to Great Lakes Theater and continues to host live productions year round. The theater stands as a symbol of Cleveland's dedication to preserving its cultural and architectural history.
Added by: sdonley on 03/30/2026 DB#:843
Source(s):
Various Sources
Stories are just that. Stories and personal accounts that have been reported about the location.
Like many historic theaters, the Hanna Theatre has developed a reputation for unexplained activity over the years. Staff and performers have long shared stories of strange occurrences, especially during quiet hours when the building is mostly empty. Theaters are often believed to hold emotional energy from countless performances, and this location is no exception.
One of the most common stories involves footsteps heard on the stage or in the balcony when no one else is present. Actors rehearsing late at night have reported the sensation of being watched from the darkened seating area even when the theater is completely empty. These moments are often dismissed at first, but repeated experiences have kept the stories alive.
Another tale centers around the ghost light tradition, where a single bulb is left glowing on stage overnight. Some claim that shadows move beyond the light or that the bulb flickers without explanation. Theater lore often suggests that ghost lights are meant to appease spirits and prevent mischief from unseen presences.
Employees have also reported hearing faint voices or whispers echoing through backstage corridors. These sounds are often described as distant conversations or laughter that fades as soon as someone tries to locate the source. The acoustics of the theater may explain some of these experiences, but not all who have heard them are convinced.
There are also stories of objects being moved or misplaced only to reappear in unusual locations. Props and equipment have reportedly shifted without explanation, adding to the belief that something unseen may still linger within the theater. Whether these events are tricks of the mind or something more, the Hanna Theatre continues to inspire both curiosity and unease.
Added by: sdonley on 03/30/2026 DB#:1810
Source(s):
Various Sources
Here are the paranormal claims for this location. These have been found through Internet research, reports from members, or reports from personal interviews. To add a claim, your account must have contributor access or higher.
| Claim# | Claim |
| 4561 | footsteps are heard on stage and in the balcony when the theater is empty
Added: 03/30/2026 By: sdonley |
| 4562 | actors report feeling watched from the audience during rehearsals
Added: 03/30/2026 By: sdonley |
| 4563 | the ghost light flickers or reveals moving shadows on stage
Added: 03/30/2026 By: sdonley |
| 4564 | unexplained whispers and distant voices are heard backstage
Added: 03/30/2026 By: sdonley |
| 4565 | props and equipment are found moved without explanation
Added: 03/30/2026 By: sdonley |
| 4566 | cold spots are reported in seating areas and backstage corridors
Added: 03/30/2026 By: sdonley |
| 4567 | doors open and close on their own during quiet hours
Added: 03/30/2026 By: sdonley |
| 4568 | a lingering presence is felt especially late at night Added: 03/30/2026 By: sdonley |
Paranormal evidence is based on claims that have been reported for this location. There can be several types of evidence; however, we have grouped them based on media type for better organization. Here you will find evidence that are logs, audio, video, or photographic.
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This is a collection of Internet resources for this location. This section will house links to other websites that contain information related to history, claims, investigations, or even the location's website.
| Wikipedia Entry | Wikipedia entry for this location. |
| Added: 03/30/2026 By: sdonley | |
| HANNA THEATER | Encyclopedia of Cleveland History | Case Western Reserve University | The HANNA THEATER, located at E. 14th St. and Euclid Ave., has been a mecca of live THEATER in Cleveland for roughly a century. Along with the Hanna Building and Annex in which the theater is enclosed, the Hanna opened in 1921., |
| Added: 03/30/2026 By: sdonley | |
| Marcus Alonzo “Mark” Hanna (1837-1904) - Find a Grave Memorial | Known as the 'President-Maker', he backed Garfield and McKinley. He was elected to the US Senate in 1897 and 1903. Beatrice, Nebraska Daily (Sunday, February 16, 1904): Washington, Feb. 15. (Special to the Daily Sun) Senator Marcus Hanna died this evening at 6:40. When the end came, he was surrounded by his family and... |
| Added: 03/30/2026 By: sdonley | |
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