Considered the oldest ongoing community theatre in the country, The Youngstown Playhouse has entertained audience members of all ages for a century since its opening in 1924.
The History of the Playhouse
The Youngstown Playhouse traces its roots back to 1924 when four women read plays for their own enjoyment. This became “The Youngstown Players,” an organization that would open the first version of the Playhouse on 128 Lincoln Avenue in a converted barn. This original theater had 165 seats and a 25-foot stage. Now the Playhouse is located off Glenwood Avenue. Its mainstage seats 400, and its black box space, the Moyer Room, features 75 seats. It’s supported by partnerships with local businesses and individual sponsors, maintained by board members and features the artistic work of local actors, technicians, builders and designers.
The 100th Anniversary Season
The 2024-2025 season marked
100 years of community theatre at The Youngstown Playhouse. To celebrate the historic season, they announced planned productions of Oklahoma, Spamalot, the Thanksgiving Play and the area premiere of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, featuring Tony and Emmy-Award Winner Michael J. Moritz Jr. as music director.
Star-Studded Alumni
Alumni of The Youngstown Playhouse have forged careers on both Broadway and Hollywood. Dozens of well-known directors, actors and producers credit their success to the skills they honed on the main stage at The Youngstown Playhouse. Actors Ed O’Neill, Joe Flynn, Elizabeth “Biff” Hartman and Billy Saluga all got their start at the playhouse. Additionally, Broadway Producer Michael J. Moritz Jr. spent time at The Youngstown Playhouse early on his career as the resident music director for many years as well as managing director in 2003.
The Playhouse Youth Theatre Program
The Youngstown Playhouse fosters talent of all ages in the Mahoning Valley. Their Youth Theatre Program requires no participation fees and allows nearly 150 young participants to participate in classes, workshops and full-scale youth productions.
Get Your Tickets
Tickets can be purchased online at
experienceyourarts.org. Online ticket sales close two hours before the show begins. You can purchase tickets in person at the DeYor Performing Arts Center Box Office. DeYor is located in downtown Youngstown at
260 W Federal St, Youngstown, OH 44503. The box office is open Monday through Friday from 10 am to 5 pm. Tickets can also be purchased 1 hour before performances begin at The Youngstown Playhouse.
