YSU’s University Theatre closes 24/25 season with [title of show]

Youngstown State University’s University Theatre will close out its 2024-2025 production season with [title of show], a meta-performance of actors portraying themselves portraying themselves, in the Spotlight Theater, located in YSU’s Bliss Hall, April 4 – 6 and 11 – 13.

This production – truly called [title of show] – follows Hunter and Jeff as they rapidly compose a musical they want to submit to a festival of new works with the help of their friends Heidi and Susan. The play showcases the struggles of writing for yourself versus writing for a job, revealing the heartbreak of reality over the fantasy of writing for a living.

“[title of show] is as much about the writing process as it is about what show business can do to friendships. Art creates jobs [and] art saves lives, whether it’s epic in scope or silly and fun. I’d like to think [title of show] is both,” Director Adam Day Howard said.

Student cast for [title of show] includes Liam Burk, Youngstown, Ohio; Ben Podnar, Wampum, Pennsylvania; Lex McCaughtry, Lowellville, Ohio; Natalie Horvath, Hubbard, Ohio; Sam Nabring, Aurora, Ohio; Maria Anastasiades, Warren, Ohio; and Owen Mills, North Royalton, Ohio.

Student crew includes Olivia Vargas, Austinburg, Ohio; Adriana Rosario, Youngstown, Ohio; Stephanie Simon, Boston, Massachusetts; Sam Law, Hudson, Ohio; Sarah Robles, Mt. Morris, New York; Grace Beil, Lisbon, Ohio; and Abby Underwood, Niles, Ohio.

Faculty crew includes professor Katherine Garlick as costume designer; professor Todd Dicken as scenic designer; Gunnar Carwile as technical director; Jonathan Zelezniak as lighting supervisor; and Howard as director.

Friday and Saturday shows will begin at 7:30 p.m., with the Sunday matinee productions beginning at 2 p.m. Tickets can be purchased by visiting ysu.tix.com.

For more information, contact Katie Merrill, Cliffe College Coordinator of Community Engagement and Events, at 330.941.2307 or kamerrill@ysu.edu.