Youngstown Playhouse facts for kids

The Youngstown Playhouse is a special place in Youngstown, Ohio. It's a community theater where people of all ages can enjoy live plays. It's a place where local actors perform and share amazing stories on stage.

How the Playhouse Began

The Youngstown Playhouse started a long time ago. On February 16, 1924, different local drama groups joined together. They formed one big group called the Youngstown Players. With help from local leaders, the group soon got its own building.

At first, the Youngstown Playhouse was in an old barn. This barn was fixed up to be a theater. In 1940, people who supported the Playhouse raised $30,000. This money was meant for a new building. Instead, they used it to fix up an empty movie theater. They turned it into a place for live shows. Two years later, in 1942, the Playhouse opened its new home. Their first play there was "Camille of Roaring Camp."

Growing and Improving

During World War II, the Youngstown Playhouse became even better. A director from Broadway, Arthur Sircom, helped them. He made the plays and performances much stronger. The Playhouse became known as a place where actors could learn and grow. Many actors who became professionals started here. One famous actress, Elizabeth Hartman, gained experience at the Youngstown Playhouse.

In 1959, the Playhouse moved again. It went to a brand new building on Glenwood Avenue. This new building had two different theaters. This allowed them to put on even more shows for the community.