Cover Story: Youngstown Playhouse Expansion

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For a hundred years now, the Youngstown Playhouse has provided community theatre to the Mahoning Valley, making it one of the oldest ongoing community theaters in the U.S.

The Playhouse just announced they are adding a third venue, to accommodate performances they previously have not been able to do.

Renovations at the Youngstown Playhouse building on Glenwood Avenue are wrapping up with a new roof, just in time to showcase one of their biggest productions in years, Oklahoma.

The big theatre inside fits nearly 500 patrons and the Moyer Room, also inside, seats around 70 for more intimate productions.

Soon the Playhouse will open a newer venue in downtown Youngstown that will seat around 175 people. It's been a long time coming and much-needed.

"You can't do those in between plays like "Death of a Salesman" or "Street Car Named Desire," Youngstown Playhouse President Dr. John Cox said. "Those shows are too big for that stage or too small for the main stage. This venue would offer us a place to do more of those shows and some of the different fringe shows that don't get done on many stages."

The theatre is on the third floor of the Western Reserve Ballet building on West Boardman Street. Years ago it was called "The Oakland."

"We've been looking to rehabilitate this space and also lease it out to a good partner," Ballet Western Reserve Secretary Leah Wilson said. "We decided why not take this leap of faith and allow the Youngstown Playhouse to come in here rent-free for a period of time while they get the space up and running. It's a win-win for both arts organizations."

The Playhouse managed to secure some funding in order to do some upgrades to the facility including the seating area, sound system and lighting.

Dr. Cox said the Playhouse needs about $100,000 to get the space to where they want it. They also want to put some money aside to start an endowment.

That money will used to hire a national-level executive director to be in charge of all of the playhouse operations.

Dr. Cox said the downtown venue will bring an atmosphere you can't get anywhere else.

"You go to the show, there's the lights, restaurants, activity of people coming in and out of a show talking about it," Dr. Cox said. "Hopefully we can provide economic value for downtown and help build that up as well."

The Playhouse is even using Western Reserve Ballet dancers for Oklahoma. Both organizations say practicing together and performing together has been a great fit.

"To be in one space together as a family with the children practicing their craft and what they love in Youngstown is why we really value the partnership," Wilson said.

The current plan is to stage around three shows per year, beginning next April.