By 1812Blockhouse
Looking for exciting and enriching activities to keep your kids engaged this summer? The Renaissance Theatre (The Ren) has a lineup that promises fun, creativity, and learning for children of all ages. From Broadway camps to free outdoor movies and classic theatre productions, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a closer look at what The Ren has in store.
Broadway Camp & Broadway Camp Showz!
Broadway Camp: June 17-21
Broadway Camp Showz!: June 24-28
The Renaissance Theatre’s Broadway Camp programs are perfect for budding actors and performers. Open to students of all ability levels, these camps offer a chance to dive into the world of musical theatre. Participants will engage in theatre games, improv, dramatic play, and singing. Each session concludes with a special performance for parents and friends, showcasing the skills learned.
Broadway Camp Showz!, introduced in 2022, offers a day-long, immersive experience where participants present a fully staged Broadway Kids-style production. This camp is for students who have previously completed a two or three-hour Broadway Camp session. The cost for each session is $105, with full and partial scholarships available. Both sessions are sensory-inclusive, ensuring an all-inclusive experience for all children.
Renaissance Youth Opera Theatre: Trouble At The Mill! or Sawdust Becomes Her
Saturday, June 8 at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM
Sunday, June 9 at 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM
Travel back in time with the Renaissance Youth Opera Theatre’s interactive production of “Trouble At The Mill! or Sawdust Becomes Her.” This melodrama invites the audience to cheer the hero, boo the villain, and help save the heroine. Held on the green space at the Renaissance Theatre, this kid-friendly adventure is directed by Lori Turner and promises a fun-filled experience for the entire family. Don’t forget to bring your lawn chairs and blankets!
FREE Outdoor Movies
June 5: Space Jam
July 10: Jumanji
August 7: Shrek
Join The Ren for the 2024 Pictures on the Plaza Series, featuring free outdoor screenings of family favorites. Enjoy “Space Jam” on June 5, “Jumanji” on July 10, and “Shrek” on August 7. Activities start at 7:30 PM, followed by the movie at 8:30 PM. Presented in collaboration with the Buckeye Imagination Museum, Mansfield/Richland County Public Library, and YMCA of North Central Ohio, these events include free popcorn and are held in the Plaza between the Historic Renaissance Theatre and Theatre 166. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets for an enjoyable summer evening of entertainment and community fun.
Summer Musical: Disney’s Beauty and the Beast
Saturday, July 20 at 7:30 PM
Sunday, July 21 at 2:30 PM
Saturday, July 27 at 7:30 PM
Sunday, July 28 at 2:30 PM
Saturday, August 3 at 7:30 PM
Sunday, August 4 at 2:30 PM
Experience the magic of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast at The Ren. This beloved tale comes to life on stage, featuring all the enchanting songs from the Academy Award-winning film. Directed by Ryan Shealy with musical direction by Kelly Knowlton, this production promises to be a hit for audiences of all ages. Don’t miss this classic fairytale brought to life with stunning performances and beautiful music.
Mansfield Symphony: Classical Mansfield—A Free Community Concert
Saturday, September 21 at 7:30 PM
The Mansfield Symphony Orchestra, under the creative direction of Octavio Más-Arocas, will present a free community concert. Featuring over 55 talented musicians from the region, the orchestra aims to provide a quality symphonic experience for all. This event is a great way to introduce children to classical music and enjoy a night of beautiful compositions.
Source: Renaissance Performing Arts Association; Photo: Creative Commons License
