YSU University Theatre

04/27/2026

🎭 Let’s give a standing ovation to our graduating theatre seniors! Over the past month, they’ve taken the stage one final time, delivering unforgettable performances in their senior recitals. 👏

Congratulations to all of our soon-to-be theatre graduates on completing your senior recitals and projects. We can’t wait to see where your passion and creativity take you next!

04/22/2026

🎭 What a spectacular run of “Kiss Me, Kate”, our final production of the semester! Bravo to the performers, stage crew, pit orchestra, and everyone who helped make this musical a success.👏

We are deeply grateful for the hard work behind every aspect of this production, from costumes and sets to music and lighting. This production would not have been possible without our dedicated faculty, students, musicians, creative professionals, and supportive community. ❤

(📸 First picture captured by Eric Ballard and Chloe Camacho)

04/17/2026

🎭 “Kiss Me, Kate” is lighting up the Ford Theater stage at YSU! This weekend is your chance to see this high-energy musical filled with romance, rivalry, and backstage chaos.

Remaining showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 7:30 PM and Sunday at 2:00 PM. Tickets are available at the door and online at ysu.tix.com, and YSU student tickets are free with valid YSU ID. 🐧

Youngstown State University’s theater is closing its season with a winning production of a classic musical.

04/15/2026

🎭 Tomorrow is opening night for "Kiss Me, Kate" at YSU's Ford Theater! Come experience an unforgettable evening full of romance, comedy, and catchy musical numbers. 🎶

You can see “Kiss Me, Kate” from April 16-18 at 7:30 p.m. and April 19 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are available at ysu.tix.com, and YSU student tickets are free with valid YSU ID. 🐧

04/14/2026

The vibrant musical elements of "Kiss Me, Kate" came together during our recent sitzprobe rehearsal! 🎭🎶

During this collaborative rehearsal, the pit orchestra and performers focused on blending vocals and instrumentation into a cohesive sound that energizes the show.

You can see "Kiss Me, Kate" from April 16 - 19 inside YSU's Ford Theater. Showtimes are Thursday - Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:00 p.m. ✨

Tickets are available at ysu.tix.com, and YSU students get free tickets with valid YSU ID. 🐧

04/10/2026

It was a pleasure to welcome YSU alum Kayla Boye, a Chicago-based performing artist, to our Theatre Practicum class! During her visit, she spoke to our students about her experiences and insights from working in the theatre industry. ✨

Kayla has performed in numerous productions at theaters across the country and is the writer of two one-woman shows, “Call Me Elizabeth” and “Shake It Away: The Ann Miller Story”, which she will perform on April 11 at 7:30 p.m. at the Youngstown Playhouse. 👏

04/07/2026

🎭✨“Kiss Me, Kate” is coming to YSU’s Ford Theater, and our students and faculty are hard at work bringing the production to life!

Step into the whirlwind world of “Kiss Me, Kate” this April 16–19, 2026, at YSU’s Ford Theater in Bliss Hall. Showtimes are Thursday–Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are available at ysu.tix.com, and YSU student tickets are free with a valid student ID! 🐧

04/02/2026

There are just two weeks until opening night of “Kiss Me, Kate”, the final YSU University Theatre production of the season! 🎭

Step behind the curtain and into the chaos as Lilli Vanessi (Maria Anastasiades) and her ex-husband, actor/director Fred Graham (Benjamin Podnar), are forced to reunite for a musical take on “The Taming of the Shrew”—and sparks fly in more ways than one.

With tangled romances, backstage mishaps, and show-stopping numbers, this classic comedy delivers nonstop laughs and a clever, heartfelt look at love, rivalry, and second chances.

Don’t miss your chance to catch the magic live at YSU’s Ford Theater for one weekend only! Performances run April 16–18 at 7:30 p.m., with a matinee on April 19 at 2:00 p.m. Secure your seats today at ysu.tix.com. ✨

03/26/2026

🎭 YSU University Theatre is thrilled to announce the cast of “Kiss Me, Kate”, our final production of the season!

Passions run high as leading lady Lilli Vanessi (Maria Anastasiades) and her ex-husband, actor/director Fred Graham (Benjamin Podnar), clash onstage and off in a production of "The Taming of the Shrew". Packed with romance, comedy, and backstage antics, “Kiss Me, Kate” is a lively, unforgettable musical you won’t want to miss.

Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic at YSU’s Ford Theater for one weekend only! Performances run April 16–18 at 7:30 p.m. and April 19 at 2:00 p.m. Reserve your seats now at ysu.tix.com—YSU students attend free with a valid YSU ID! 🐧

02/23/2026

Congratulations to our cast and crew on a thrilling two-weekend run of "Episode 26"! 👏🎙 We couldn’t be prouder of the dedication and creativity our students brought to every performance.

Thank you to everyone who showed their support and attended the show! Stay tuned for our next production, “Kiss Me Kate”, inside YSU’s Ford Theater from April 16-19. 🎭

02/21/2026

Today, we hosted our final live Dana School of Music and University Theatre Audition Day of the Spring 2026 semester. 🐧✨

It’s been a pleasure connecting with so many talented prospective music and theatre students throughout this audition season. The future of the arts is truly in good hands. 👏

Although today was our final live audition day, there’s still time to schedule an audition for the Dana School of Music and University Theatre. To learn more, visit the links below:

🎶 Dana School of Music Auditions: academics.ysu.edu/dana-school-of-music/auditions

🎭 University Theatre Auditions: academics.ysu.edu/university-theatre/auditions