Penned by Nadia Schroth, Project Manager/Guide at EA.
If you love the arts, Cleveland has you covered. We all know about the theatres of Playhouse Square and the fabulous museums of University Circle, but did you know that Cleveland is host to one of the premier author’s series in the nation? The William N. Skirball Writers Center Stage is hosted in partnership by The Cuyahoga County Public Library and Case Western University. This series brings world-renowned authors to the Maltz Performing Arts Center in University Circle to discuss their work, share anecdotes, and connect with their local fans.
When I first started attending the Writers Center Stage, I went to individual talks by authors whose books I liked. I enjoyed the events so much that I decided to become a season subscriber and have been one for the past few years. I usually attend the series with friends, carpooling and making an evening of it. This year, we decided to have a book club based on the series – an idea that I highly recommend.
Some of my favorite authors from the past season (and the books we read) were Isabel Wilkerson (Caste), Amor Towles (The Lincoln Highway) and Cleveland’s own Anthony Doerr (Cloud Cuckoo Land). Anthony Doerr’s presentation was particularly entertaining as he talked not only about his work but also about growing up in Cleveland and attending University School. Other literary stars from years past include Judy Blume, John Grisham, and Michael Ondatjee. During the pandemic, when events were virtual, friends from far away were able to enjoy the series as well. The caliber of the featured authors is so spectacular that the talks have national appeal. The virtual option continues for the upcoming season.
The Skirball Writers Center Stage offers multiple ticketing options: subscription packages, which include tickets to all events as well as a parking pass, individual in-person tickets, and tickets for virtual attendance. The schedule for 2022-23 is linked here. Tickets go quickly. Attendees can expect to enjoy a shared sense of community with fellow bibliophiles who gather for an intimate evening with a beloved writer. The evenings typically include both a question-and-answer segment as well as book signings. The opportunity to listen to and interact with stars of the literary world, in a widely accessible way, is just one of the many benefits to living in Cleveland.