As we approach our 100th Anniversary Season, The Youngstown Playhouse remains committed to our mission of presenting quality theatre arts performances, providing educational initiatives, and establishing and maintaining community partnerships while supporting and participating in the revitalization of the City of Youngstown. The Playhouse annually serves over 9,000 audience members from Northeast Ohio and Western Pennsylvania with a full season of 10 musicals and plays complemented by workshops, readings, and concerts in our mainstage theater(400 seats) and our intimate blackbox space (75 seats). Our vibrant Youth Theatre serves nearly 150 participants annually through classes, workshops, and fully staged productions. 

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The ongoing COVID-19 public health crisis has presented extraordinary circumstances for the performing arts which have halted our ability to safely produce live theatre since March 15, 2020. In the absence of ticket revenue, we have reduced our operating expenses to the bare minimum associated with utilities and occupancy of our historic facility, having furloughed artistic staff until such time we can resume production. Despite these challenges, we have continued engaging our community in the arts by transitioning our Youth Theatre to remote programming until we can safely offer in-person classes. 

 

Your support will allow The Youngstown Playhouse to safely re-open our facility. Re-opening components include, but are not limited to, the following protective measures:

 

• Initial deep-cleaning of the facility

• Regular cleanings between events/performances

• Cleaning of HVAC system and improved filtration

• Installation of protective plexiglass barriers, distancing stanchions, hand sanitizer dispensers, and informational signage

• Anti-viral surface coating

• PPE including gloves, masks, and sanitizer for audiences, artists, staff, and volunteers 

• Usage of technology including thermometers and oximete 

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The timing and nature of our re-opening will be in accordance with regulations from the Ohio Department of Health and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control. Further safety provisions specific to live theatre will be enacted in alignment with principles set forth by Actors’ Equity Association/OSHA and the American Repertory Theater/Harvard University Roadmap for Recovery and Resilience for Theater.  

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Following COVID-19, live theatre will be needed more than ever before, and The Youngstown Playhouse intends to play a leading role in healing our community through the arts.