Celebrating 100 Years of The Youngstown Playhouse

For 100 years the Youngstown Playhouse has provided first class entertainment to Youngstown, Ohio and the surrounding area.

From its beginning, in 1924, the Playhouse led the charge for the community theater movement in Northeast Ohio. As it evolved, it set the standard for quality, professionally run theatrical entertainment in the tri-state area.

From Meager Beginnings

Starting a new theater out in an old horse barn meant that The Youngstown Players (as they were known then) had to be very creative. And above all they needed the support of the public, both in onstage participation and as audience members. They got plenty of both.

Their Rise Was Meteoric

The rise and success of The Youngstown Players was almost instantaneous. With each production their popularity spread across the City of Youngstown. Youngstown’s first community theater. A theater that the people of Youngstown could call their own.

Welcome to The Centennial Project. Browse through our website and find out what we are all about. In the process get prepared for the 100th Anniversary of The Youngstown Playhouse.

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Book Pre-release Sales Promotions

Our online store will open on Monday, May 27, 2024 at 12:01 am. Although the books will not be released until August 12, 2024, we will be offering 5 weeks of pre-release sales promotions beginning May 27. During this time books may be purchased at special prices accompanied by special added promotions. Below is a complete schedule of our pre-release sales promotions.

WEEK #1 - MAY 27 - JUNE 2, 2024

Purchase A Place Where the Stars Still Shine at FULL PRICE - and get A Youngstown Playhouse Scrapbook at HALF PRICE

WEEK #2 - JUNE 3 - JUNE 9, 2024

Purchase A Youngstown Playhouse Scrapbook at FULL PRICE - get 2 tickets to a Playhouse show of your choice during the 100th season (Beautiful-The Carole King Musical not eligible)

WEEK #3 - JUNE 10 - JUNE 16, 2024

Purchase A Place Where the Stars Still Shine at FULL PRICE - get The Youngstown Playhouse - A Centennial of Live Theater documentary at HALF PRICE (DVD)

WEEK #4 - JULY 1 - JULY 7, 2024

Purchase A Youngstown Playhouse Scrapbook at FULL PRICE - get On the Marquee - Behind the Scenes with Playhouse Personnel interviews at HALF PRICE (DVD)

WEEK #5 - JULY 8 - JULY 14, 2024

Purchase A Place Where the Stars Still Shine AND A Youngstown Playhouse Scrapbook both at FULL PRICE - get The Youngstown Playhouse - A Centennial of Live Theater documentary (DVD) AND On the Marquee - Behind the Scenes with Playhouse Personnel (DVD) interviews both at HALF PRICE

NOTE: ALL ITEMS MUST BE PAID FOR IN FULL AT TIME OF ORDERING. - ITEMS WILL NOT BE SHIPPED UNTIL THE RELEASE DATE OF AUGUST 12, 2024. SEE ADDITIONAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS ON THE STORE PAGE.

NOTE: Promotion details are subject to change

  • Breaking ground at Glenwood Ave. for the new theater. Left to right: Frank Warren, Dr. Fred Essig, W.E. Bliss

  • Light board at either Arlington St. or Market St. Left: Pam Arbogast; Right: Judith Chambers

  • Curtain Call Cafe in the Arena on Glenwood Avenue.

  • Dedication of The Moyer Room. Left to Right: William Cossler, Helen Moyer, Sidney Moyer -- Oct. 12, 1979.

  • Ernie Pysher working in the shop at Glenwood Avenue.

  • Susan McQueen sewing a costume for a Youth Theatre production during 1988/1989 season. Actor unknown.

“The Youngstown Playhouse and all of our cultural arts provide the much needed spirit for our community.”

— Jim Tressel, former President of Youngstown State University

The Playhouse 100th Year celebration will be an event to remember for years to come. Be sure to join in.

“Youngstown Playhouse……the best place ever.”

——Greta Schultz, Sept. 2023