Editor’s Note: This mini spotlight is sponsored by The Renaissance as part of our local giving guide that highlights nonprofits leading up to Giving Tuesday on Nov. 30. Click to see more nonprofits
For the past 93 years, The Renaissance Theatre strives to engage, educate, and inspire our community by creating memorable experiences.
Originally called the “Ohio Theatre,” The Renaissance started off as a movie palace and grew into what would be billed as “a temple of amusement for the benefit of the people of Mansfield.”
Although shuttered for five months during 2020, the Ren has pivoted with every challenge.
“We have provided resources to families and teachers faced with remote learning, as well as creating a new “Backlot” Summer Drive-In Series to safely present films, concerts, and productions. We also launched the Ren Studios division to produce local productions for at-home viewing during the bleakest months of the past year,” Marketing Manager Ryan Shreve said, “We have served as a model for other organizations in both its pandemic operations and its safe reopening.”
Over 40,000 community members come through the doors of the historic Renaissance Theatre annually to learn, to be entertained, to explore, and to create memories.
“As a not-for-profit organization, the Renaissance relies on the generous support of our community to make high-caliber arts programming accessible in our area,” Shreve said, “The Ren is home to more than 60 performances, and operates 13 unique education programs, fully embracing its mission to engage, educate, and inspire our community.”
As we move forward to 2022, the community will see an expansion of opportunities at the Theatre 166 venue, as well as a partnership with Little Buckeye Children’s Museum.
“The Renaissance is solidifying the future of the Imagination District, a seed of inspiration that has become a catalytic anchor for downtown revitalization, which will continue contributing to the Mansfield Rising plans, from versatile green spaces, public art, improving the city’s arteries to downtown, and outdoor movies and events for families,” Shreve said.
“Contributing any amount – whatever an individual considers to be meaningful – makes a difference. It gives us the “warm glow” that connects us to others, brings out the best in us, and allows us to be a part of something bigger than ourselves – and that’s what makes the world go ‘round,” Shreve said.
To learn more, donate, or get involved, visit https://rentickets.org/ or call 419-522-2726.
