About EJ

Feel the energy as the renowned Akron Symphony Orchestra fills the hall with music, be captivated by the world-class performances of the Tuesday Musical Association, share the joy with the Children’s Concert Society, and witness the talent of the Akron Youth Symphony, all right here at their cherished home. 
 
This iconic venue stands as a tribute to Edwin J. Thomas, the visionary Chairman and CEO of The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, a long-serving University Trustee, and a driving force for community advancement for over half a century. His legacy lives on within these walls. 

Prepare to be awestruck by the architectural brilliance of Caudill, Rowlett and Scott (Houston) and Dalton, Van Dijk, Johnson and Partners (Cleveland), who collaborated to craft a multi-purpose hall celebrated globally for its design, acoustics, and innovative technology. Imagine a space where the very ceiling can move! Thanks to the pioneering work of theatre consultant Dr. George Izenour (Yale) and acoustician Dr. Vern Knudsen (UCLA), the massive 44-ton ceiling can be precisely positioned to sculpt the sound and shape the space, creating an unparalleled experience for every performance. 

With seating for 2,955 in a welcoming continental layout, the three-tiered auditorium's centerpiece is undoubtedly the mesmerizing movable ceiling. Watch as it transforms the hall in approximately 15 minutes, creating intimate settings or grand expanses. And marvel at the 40+ tons of gleaming Witzman Counterweights in the Goodrich Lobby, the silent giants that power this incredible feat of engineering. From the intimacy of legitimate theatre to the sonic richness of a symphony hall (thanks to the adaptable orchestra shell), E. J. Thomas Hall offers a truly dynamic and unforgettable experience.