On Stage

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 include original works and student projects, which allow 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. Adult subscriptions are $59 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 On the VergePete the Penguin’s Vintage Variety ShowPlayboy of the Western World, a production that is actually named [title of show], and our annual Winter Cabaret, theater enthusiasts can expect a wonderful—and sometimes wacky—experience at every performance this season. From an outrageously funny variety show to the beautiful landscape of Ireland and back to Youngstown, each production will offer a unique and engaging experience for audiences of all ages—as well as several special guests throughout the season!

 

On the verge
October 4-5 & 11-12 @ 7:30 PM | 6 & 13 @ 2:00 PM
YSU FORD THEATER, BLISS HALL

In 1888, three intrepid women explorers—Mary, Fanny, and Alex—unite to conquer Terra Incognita, the final mysterious frontier. As they traverse jungles and ice sheets and negotiate with eccentric characters like a chameleonic cannibal and a demanding Troll, they reminisce about past adventures and confront their differences. Eric Overmyer’s On the Verge is a whimsical journey through space and time, blending lyrical dialogue with surreal imagery and requiring a strong ensemble cast.

PETE THE PENGUIN'S VINTAGE VARIETY SHOW
November 22-23 @ 7:30 PM | 24 @ 2:00 PM
YSU Ford Theater, BLISS HALL

Pete the Penguin’s Vintage Variety Show: A Musical Comedy Extravaganza follows a group of musical theater students as they embark on a hilarious journey to modernize a hopelessly outdated script for a vaudeville-style performance. With the pressure of real-time updates, they infuse the show with a 21st century flair while navigating mishaps and madcap moments. Featuring two acts packed with musical performances, laugh-out-loud humor, and a live band, the show promises a riotous romp through the past and present of entertainment. 

Winter Cabaret
December 6 | Dinner @ 6 PM, show @ 7:15 PM
B&O Station Banquet Center

University Theatre's Annual Winter Cabaret will be a reimagining of its production of Pete the Penguin's Vintage Variety Show for a more intimate setting. The evening will feature less "show" and more enchanting music, all performed by our talented students! In addition, a very special guest, or two, may even make an appearance. Join us for a cozy and unforgettable celebration of musical theatre this winter season!

PLAYBOY OF THE WESTERN WORLD
February 14-15 & 21-22 @ 7:30 PM | 16 & 23 @ 2:00 PM
SPOTLIGHT THEATER, BLISS HALL

Step into the uproarious world of J. M. Synge's classic masterpiece, Playboy of the Western World. Set against the rugged backdrop of rural Ireland, this timeless tale unfolds with humor, wit, and unexpected twists. Follow the charming yet controversial Christy Mahon as he captivates a small village with his tall tales of heroism, leading to uproarious laughter, scandal, and ultimately, a poignant exploration of identity and acceptance.

[tITLE OF SHOW]
April 4-5 & 11-12 @ 7:30 PM | 6 & 13 @ 2:00 PM
SPOTLIGHT Theater, Bliss Hall

In the vibrant world of theatre, [title of show] is a delightful musical that breaks the fourth wall with infectious charm. Follow Jeff, Hunter, Susan, and Heidi as they navigate the exhilarating highs and daunting lows of creating a musical about creating a musical. With witty dialogue, catchy tunes, and a dash of self-awareness, this Tony-nominated production celebrates the creative process with humor and heart.


Past Productions & Events

  • 2023-2024 Season

    Zombie prom

    Directed by Adam Howard
    October 6-8 & 13-15, 2023
    YSU Ford Theater, Bliss Hall 

    Scapin

    By Molière
    Directed by Todd Dicken
    November 10-12 & 17-19, 2023
    YSU Ford Theater, Bliss Hall 

    IT’S A SMALL WORLD (OR THE ROBOT PLAY) 

    By Amber Palmer 
    Directed by Todd Dicken 
    February 16-18 & 23-25, 2024
    YSU Ford Theater, Bliss Hall

    ONCE UPON A MATTRESS 

    Music by Mary Rodgers
    Lyrics by Marshall Barer
    Book by Jay Thompson, Dean Fuller, & Marshall Barer 
    Directed by Adam Howard 
    October April 5-7 & 12-14, 2024
    YSU Ford Theater, Bliss Hall 
     

  • 2022-2023 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 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 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 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 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