“A great theater is made great by the success of its participants, to guarantee its health now and into the future,” said Steve Arnold, Artistic Director of the Mansfield Community Playhouse Theater.
Arnold began what is actually act two of his directing career at the theater on July 2. Arnold previously held the position from 1997- 2000. He left when he decided to return to attending the Ohio State University from 2000-2004, ultimately receiving his BA in theater. In his absence, the Playhouse worked with a variety of guest directors, until the decision was made earlier this year to open the position for a full-time permanent director.
Settling into the new role, Arnold expressed in his view his history and familiarity with the theater and knowledge of the community is an asset he will draw on. “I don’t have to come here and figure out what kind of facility we have, I know and I know the community, I understand the mindset.”
Arnold was eager to implement his passion and time to creating a successful season. Part of that plan is to bring back musicals, Arnold believes the success they incurred in the past will be repeated. “My plan is to reinstate some of the old. Our future is our past.”
Arnold is hoping that the community will invest in the local performing arts. He seeks to secure funding and strengthening financial support necessary enable the theater’s ability to produce quality shows and to ensure a healthy long term future.
“Community theater is for the community, by the community.” Arnold said. “Theater is a very welcoming environment, it’s a hub of social interaction and expression.” said Arnold, “We are giving them something real, telling a story, engaging them and they become invested in that moment. It’s magic.”
“There is nothing like a live performance, nothing like being a part of an audience that is exposed to the emotion of a live performance,” he added. “Every live performance is unique. The will of the audience makes it special, every performance unique to that audience that night, that moment.”
The theater looks to redefine itself by embracing successes from the past to expanding its volunteer base and productions to include comedy, drama and increase musicals. To Arnold, that key to a successful community theater lies in manpower and appreciation. “We have very dedicated board members and volunteers and a great crew of actors.”
As the curtain opens this season, Arnold shared one wish he hopes to achieve from the directors’ chair,”To let the arts be that wonderful, crazy, inspiring all encompassing thing it is and can be.”
For tickets or reservations and show schedules visit www.mansfieldplayhouse.com or call 419 522-2883.
