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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Our Store Is Now Open
Our re-designed store is now open! Both books about the Playhouse, A Place Where the Stars Still Shine, and A Youngstown Playhouse Scrapbook are available for purchase. The documentary, The Youngstown Playhouse - A Centennial of Live Theater is also available to purchase in flashdrive format, as are all 39 On the Marquee interviews and are available in individual sets of 8 or as an entire set of all 39.
TV 27 News Clip
Monday, August 12, 2024; the day of the book release
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Breaking ground at Glenwood Ave. for the new theater. Left to right: Frank Warren, Dr. Fred Essig, W.E. Bliss
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Light board at either Arlington St. or Market St. Left: Pam Arbogast; Right: Judith Chambers
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Curtain Call Cafe in the Arena on Glenwood Avenue.
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Dedication of The Moyer Room. Left to Right: William Cossler, Helen Moyer, Sidney Moyer -- Oct. 12, 1979.
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Ernie Pysher working in the shop at Glenwood Avenue.
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Susan McQueen sewing a costume for a Youth Theatre production during 1988/1989 season. Actor unknown.
The entire Centennial Project is being dedicated to the late Michael A. Rossi. He was co-producer of both videos in the project as well as the cinematographer. He also served as the director for On the Marquee. Mike’s passion for this project was endless. He will be greatly missed.
“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