Welcome to Ohio State Mansfield Theatre Department

theatre stage with Ohio State Mansfield logo on the curtain

Information about our Theatre Program

The Theatre Program at Ohio State Mansfield is a division of the Department of Theatre, Film, and Media Arts on the Columbus Campus. Here students can start work toward a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre, or they can complete a minor in theatre while pursuing another major field. We offer an Introduction to Theatre course as well as courses in acting, directing, technical theatre, and multicultural theatre. We produce three main stage shows each year and a number of student-directed projects. Anyone from the campus or the local community is welcome to audition for all shows or participate backstage. Students can receive course credit for participation in these shows as well as other production-based projects in the department.

From building sets to directing shows, we offer many opportunities to experience the thrilling and unique education of working in live theatre. Many of our students work or study with the Renaissance Theatre, the Richland Academy, Mansfield's other cultural institutions, and The Ohio State University’s Departments of Music and Art. We have very active student and booster groups that create an inviting place for the campus and community to participate in the performing arts.

Did you know you can complete a Theatre Minor in Less Than 2 Years on the Mansfield Campus?

Any Ohio State student who does not major in Theatre but wishes to extend their knowledge of the theatre may undertake a Theatre minor. Minoring in Theatre, students are welcome and encouraged to audition or otherwise participate in all aspects of our production season.

The Theatre minor consists of 15 credit hours tailored to meet the needs and interests of the individual student. To complete the minor, students may choose from any of the theatre offerings that are open, including practicum and production courses (the courses that recognize activity related to our shows). Students may choose to specialize in one aspect of theatre or take on an array of different theatre subjects and production experiences.

We always have a need for actors and students interested in technical theatre, so if you would like to perform or learn how theatre lighting or sound systems work, or would like to work on costuming, makeup, or scenic construction, why not turn those fun show activities into course credit and earn a theatre minor?

Where is our Campus Theatre?

Founders Auditorium is a 339-seat theatre attached to Ovalwood Hall. As you approach Ovalwood through its main entrance, we are the glass-fronted one-story building to the left. You can also enter the Founders Lobby through the Scarlet & Grey Café or the Southeast Hallway of Ovalwood.

graphic map of campus with the theatre location noted

Friends of the Theatre

Friends of the Theatre are a pillar of support for the theatre program at Ohio State Mansfield, providing funds to underwrite the costs of performance each season. Licensing fees for the content, costumes, lighting and sound upgrades are all part of the operating costs of the theater, and this year is no different.

The arts continue to be a vital component of our lives so this season’s virtual performances are being provided at no charge to allow continued access. Your continued support as a Friend of the Theatre supports this continuity and enables us to bring the arts into our audiences’ homes.

Theatre Club

One of Ohio State Mansfield's student orgs is our Theatre Club.

This is a student-led group that creates studio shows throughout the year, performs service projects, and serves as a place for friendship in performance. Membership is open to all students and includes regular social gatherings. Look for special projects by our students and faculty, new works by local writers, staged readings, and less traditional fare in an intimate setting. Here you can direct, produce, design, or even write and perform your own show. We typically meet 1 hour a week. Time and days depend on each semester and our students' schedules.

If interested please visit go.osu.edu/manstheatresurvey to sign up for updates!

Three characters in full dress on stage
Photo taken by Jeff Sprang for our AU18 show, A Christmas Carol (Jeff Sprang)