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 Verge, Pete the Penguin’s Vintage Variety Show, Playboy 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follows a group of musical theater students as they embark on a hilarious journey to modernize a hopelessly outdated script for a vaudeville-style performance.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
