Vibrant and diverse productions
Each year, YSU’s University Theatre presents a vibrant season of plays, musicals, cabarets, student-produced events, and special projects. Events are selected with thoughtful consideration to provide a diverse portfolio for our students. Our annual seasons includes original works and student projects, which allows our students to explore all facets of performance and contribute within their areas of focus.
TIcket information
The Box Office is located in the Bliss Hall Lobby on the campus of Youngstown State University. Tickets are available online at ysu.tix.com, by calling the Box Office (330-941-3105), or in person. University Theatre Season Subscriptions will go on sale Monday, August 7. University Theatre Season adult subscriptions are $55 and are available at ysu.tix.com, by calling the Box Office (330-941-3105), or in person.
Current Season Productions & Events
With a lineup that includes Zombie Prom, Scapin, It's a Small World (or the Robot Play), and Once Upon a Mattress, theater enthusiasts can expect an exceptional experience at each performance. From the laughter-inducing zombie romp to the captivating futuristic tale, each production will offer a unique and engaging experience for audiences of all ages.
Zombie Prom
October 6-7 & 13-14 @ 7:30 PM | 8 & 15 @ 2:00 PM
YSU FORD THEATER, BLISS HALL
Directed by Adam Howard, M.F.A.
Music Direction by Joseph Spurio, M.M.
Costume Design by Katherine Garlick, M.F.A.
Scenic & Lighting Design by Todd Dicken, M.F.A.
Pit Orchestra Directed by Kent J. Engelhardt, Ph.D.
Kicking off the season on a high-energy note, Zombie Prom is a hilarious musical that infuses the undead with a touch of rock 'n' roll. Set in the nuclear 1950s, this exuberant production tells the story of a teenage love affair gone awry, resulting in a zombie transformation. Will love conquer all, or will societal norms prevail? Prepare for toe-tapping tunes and infectious laughter as Zombie Prom takes the stage.
Scapin
November 10-11 & 17-18 @ 7:30 PM | 12 & 19 @ 2:00 PM
YSU Ford Theater, BLISS HALL
Scapin, a delightful comedy by Molière, promises to put audiences in stitches. This classic farce follows the misadventures of Scapin, a conniving servant with a knack for mischief and manipulation. As he navigates a web of love triangles and schemes, the play explores themes of deception, forgiveness, and the triumph of wit.
It's a Small World (or the Robot Play)
February 16-17 & 23-24 @ 7:30 PM | 18 & 25 @ 2:00 PM
YSU FORD THEATER, BLISS HALL
Taking theater into the realm of science fiction, It's a Small World (or the Robot Play) is a thought-provoking and visually stunning production exploring artificial intelligence's implications. Set in a future where robots coexist with humans, this play delves into the complexities of technology, humanity, and the blurred lines between them. Audiences can expect a mesmerizing fusion of futuristic storytelling and poignant social commentary.
ONCE UPON A MATTRESS
April 5-6 & 12-13 @ 7:30 PM | 7 & 14 @ 2:00 PM
YSU Ford Theater, Bliss Hall
Closing the season on a whimsical note is the enchanting musical Once Upon a Mattress. Based on the beloved fairy tale The Princess and the Pea, this delightful show brings a cast of unforgettable characters to life. With hilarious twists, catchy tunes, and a dash of romance, Once Upon a Mattress offers a lighthearted and entertaining journey through the kingdom of merriment and happily-ever-after’s.
Past Productions & Events
- 2022-2023 Academic Season
Philip huber: Suspended Animation
Pipino Performing Arts Series
September 9, 2022, 7:30 PM
YSU Ford Theater, Bliss Hall
The Revolutionists
by Lauren Gunderson
Directed by Matthew Mazuroski
September 30–October 2 & October 7–9, 2022
Spotlight Theater, Bliss Hall
Godspell
Music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz
Book by John-Michael Tebelak
Directed by Adam Howard
November 11-13 & 18-20, 2022
In collaboration with the Dana School of Music
YSU Ford Theater, Bliss Hall
The Last Five Years
by Jason Robert Brown
Directed by Matthew Mazuroski
February 16-19, 2023
In collaboration with the Dana School of Music
Spotlight Theater, Bliss Hall
Antigone
by Sophocles
Adapted by Jean Anouilh
Translation by Lewis Galantiere
Directed by Todd Dicken
March 31-April 2 & April 7-9, 2023
YSU Ford Theater, Bliss Hall
- 2021-2022 Academic Season
ALMOST, MAINE
by John Cariani
Directed by Matthew Mazuroski
September 24-26 & October 1-3, 2021
Spotlight Theater, Bliss Hall
Tanglewood Marionettes: The Dragon King
Pipino Performing Arts Series
October 9, 2021, 7:30 PM
YSU Ford Theater, Bliss Hall
LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS
Book and lyrics by Howard Ashman
Music by Alan Menken
Based on the film by Roger Corman and screenplay by Charles Griffith
Directed by Ian Silverman
October 29-31 & November 5-7, 2021
YSU Ford Theater, Bliss Hall
WINTER CABARET: THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR
Coordinated by Maria Fenty Denison
December 10, 2021
B&O Station Banquet Hall
Ten-minute plays
Coordinated by Matthew Mazuroski
December 12, 2021
Spotlight Theater, Bliss Hall
The Music Man (Concert Version)
Directed by Maria Fenty Denison
February 25-27, 2022
YSU Ford Theater, Bliss Hall
Puffs, or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years as a Certain School of Magic and Magic
by Matt Cox
Directed by Todd Dicken
April 1-3 & 8-10, 2022
YSU Ford Theater, Bliss Hall
- 2020-2021 Academic Season
The Glass Menagerie
by Tennessee Williams
September 25-27, 2020 | Virtual Event
Directed by Matthew Mazuroski
ELEGIES: A Song Cycle
Music & Lyrics by William Finn
November 13-14 & 20-21, 2020 | Virtual Event
Directed by Maria Fenty Denison
Music Direction by Amada Beagle
Chillin' in a winter wonderland: An evening of seasonal jazz and pop tunes
December 4, 2020 | Virtual Event
Coordinated by Maria Fenty Denison
An Evening of 10-minute plays
December 6, 2020 | Virtual Event
Coordinated by Matthew Mazuroski
Now You See Us . . . An Evening of virtual dance
Coordinated by Amy Wright
March 25-27, 2021 | Virtual Event
An Evening With Billy Shakes
April 9-18, 2021 | Virtual Event
Curated & Directed by Matthew Mazuroski
Welcome Spring!
April 23, 2021 | Premiere | Virtual Event
Coordinated by Maria Fenty Denison
Festival of new work
April 24, 2021
Coordinated by Matthew Mazuroski
Spotlight Theater, Bliss Hall
- 2019-2020 Academic Season
Speech & Debate
by Stephen Karam
Directed by Connor Bezeredi
September 29-30, November 6-8, 2019
Spotlight Theater, Bliss Hall
Pinocchio: National MaRionette Theatre
Pipino Performing Arts Series
October 12, 2019
YSU Ford Theater, Bliss Hall
The Heavy hitters: Musical Theatre Cabaret
October 18, 2019
Coordinated by Maria Fenty Denison
DeYor Performing Arts Center
Cabaret
Music by John Kander
Lyrics by Fred Ebb
Book by Joe Masteroff
Directed by Matthew Mazuroski
Music Direction by Maria Fenty Denison
In Collaboration with Dana School of Music
November 15-17 & 22-24, 2019
YSU Ford Theater, Bliss Hall
Ten-Minute PLays
December 8, 2019
Coordinated by Matthew Mazuroski
Spotlight Theater, Bliss Hall
Skeggs Lecture Series Presents: Bryan Terrell Clark
January 29, 2020
YSU Ford Theater, Bliss Hall
A Kiss To Build A Dream On: A Valentine's Day Cabaret
Coordinated by Maria Fenty Denison
February 14, 2020
B&O Station Banquet Hall
YSU Dance Ensemble Concert
Coordinated by Amy Wright
February 27, 2020
YSU Ford Theater, Bliss Hall
Festival Of New Work
Coordinated by Matthew Mazuroski
March 6, 2020
Spotlight Theater, Bliss Hall
- 2018-2019 Academic Season
HUber Marionettes: Suspended Animation (Behind The Strings)
Pipino Performing Arts Series
August 31, 2018
YSU Ford Theater, Bliss Hall
Miscast Cabaret
Coordinated by Maria Fenty Denison
September 26, 2018
Eleanor Beecher Flad Pavilion DeYor Performing Arts Center
The Addams Family
Book by Marshall Brickman & Eric Elice
Music and Lyrics by Andrew Lippa
Directed by Matthew Mazuroski
Music Direction by Maria Fenty Denison
October 19-21 & 26-28, 2018
YSU Ford Theater, Bliss Hall
HOW I LEARNED TO DRIVE
By Paula Vogel
Directed by Pat Foltz
November 9-11 & 16-18, 2018
Spotlight Theater, Bliss Hall
TEN-MINUTE PLAYS
Coordinated by Matthew Mazuroski
December 8, 2018
Spotlight Theater, Bliss Hall
CABARET UNREQUITED
Coordinated by Dr. Maria Fenty Denison
February 15, 2018
Eleanor Beecher Flad Pavilion, DeYor Performing Arts Center
YSU's DANCE ENSEMBLE IN CONCERT
Coordinated by Amy Wright
February 27, 2019
YSU Ford Theater, Bliss Hall
INTO THE WOODS
Book by James Lapine
Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim.
Directed by Matthew Mazuroski
Music Direction by Maria Fenty Denison
In Collaboration With Dana School of Music
April 12-14 & 18-20, 2019
YSU Ford Theater, Bliss Hall
Festival of new work
Coordinated by Matthew Mazuroski
April 26, 2019
Spotlight Theater, Bliss Hall
