MANSFIELD — Chriss Harris put into perspective this week what a $1 million state contribution could mean for a new Mansfield Playhouse.
Victory.
“I think success breeds success … and donors support a winning organization like the Mansfield Playhouse,” said the fundraising guru.
“People will see this $1 million we are getting from the state of Ohio — which clearly believes in this project — and understand we are going to make it and we are going to get this building built.”
Harris, in her final campaign with Chriss Harris Consulting, is helping to push a multi-million effort to build a new home for the historic community theater, which is about to conclude its 100th season in the city.
The Ohio House made the $1 million to the Playhouse official on Wednesday, approving the same $3.7 billion capital budget that unanimously passed the Ohio Senate last week.
The bill sets aside money for state and local construction projects such as building and renovating K-12 schools, universities and state facilities; improvements at state parks and local arts and cultural sites; and updating services.
How can you help?
The Mansfield Playhouse is asking individuals, businesses, companies and philanthropic organizations to join the campaign for a new community theater home.
The campaign seeks to engage new donors while strengthening relationships with long-time supporters. Contributions of all sizes will play a vital role in making the project a reality, organizers said.
Gifts to support the 100th Anniversary Capital Campaign can be sent to the Mansfield Playhouse at 95 E. Third St., Mansfield, Ohio, 44902 or by visiting the Playhouse website at www.mansfieldplayhouse.com.
The Mansfield Playhouse launched its capital campaign in March 2025, originally hoping to raise $7.5 million.
It has since reduced its goal to $5.5 million, which would get the new building constructed on the parking lot on the west wide of the current building at 95 E. Third St.
The seven-figure donation from the state — largely thanks to Sen. Mark Romanchuk and Rep. Marilyn John — pushes the drive past the $3 million mark, more than halfway to the goal.
“The Mansfield Playhouse is a unique and cherished part of Richland County’s identity,” John said Wednesday after the House vote that sends the capital spending plan to Gov. Mike DeWine for signature.
“I congratulate everyone involved on receiving state capital budget funding,” said John, whose district is Richland County.
“This investment will support the continued preservation and growth of this historic venue, allowing it to serve as a center for arts, culture, and community for years to come,” the lawmaker said.
Last week, when the Senate approved the package, Romanchuk said he was pleased to deliver funding for projects across his senate district, which includes Richland, Ashland and Medina counties.
“I’m proud to deliver funding for these projects supporting communities across the 22nd District. The funding secured in this year’s capital budget will bring a significant economic impact throughout the region,” he said.
$1 million in state funds adds to Playhouse campaign momentum
Harris said the state funding helps build the momentum that will help make the dream of a new Mansfield Playhouse a reality.
“We hope those on the fence about our campaign will help us now since we are well on our way to get what is most important … building a new home for the Mansfield Playhouse,” Harris said.
Once the $5.5 million goal is reached, Harris and Playhouse Artistic Director Doug Wertz said architects and contractors can be employed to build the new theater.
“We want to get the remainder of the funds secured by the end of 2026 and start building in 2027,” said Harris, who has helped raise funds for some of the biggest recent improvements in the area, including the Sterkel Community Park for All and the Ohio Bird Sanctuary.
After the work is complete, the current tech assets at the theater, including lights and sound, will be moved into the new home. Additional funds would then be sought to demolish the old building and create the additional parking spaces.
“We decided, as a Playhouse board, to just get the building done. Fund it at $5.5 million. After it’s built, we believe we can get the funding for the teardown of the old building and to make a new parking lot,” Wertz said.
Harris added, “We believe that as soon as we start building, we will be able to secure (that additional) funding. We are going to get this building built.”
The plan is to continue to use the current theater while the new one is being built.
“It’s our revenue source,” Wertz said.
New Mansfield Playhouse will be accessible to all
Wertz said the important thing is to get the new Playhouse built to replace the century-old brick building that was originally constructed as a church. The Playhouse moved into the facility nearly 60 years ago.
“We are going to build a new, accessible building that will preserve our 100-year legacy,” Wertz said. “It will allow us to continue to deliver the same high-quality, affordable theatrical experiences.”
Wertz, who has been involved with the the 501(C)(3) non-profit organization for nearly half a century, has said the new 15,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art building would include two theaters (main and Second Stage).
It would offer improved amenities and a more inclusive environment that is ADA-compliant — something the current structure is not. That accessibility is paramount to Wertz.
“There are so many people in this community who cannot attend our shows,” he said. “I get calls from people for every show saying, ‘We want tickets for tomorrow night’s performance. I am bringing my cousin and she has a walker. You have an elevator, right?’
“Every single week. That’s not an exaggeration. That accessibility … the ability for everyone to see our shows. That is such an important piece for us,” Wertz said.
The two-story theater, with the main theater upstairs, has no elevator and its lack of accessibility makes it difficult to secure additional grant funding. The public restrooms in the current Playhouse are also located at the bottom of steps and are not fully accessible to everyone.
When the capital campaign was launched in 2025, Wertz took media members on a tour of the aging, brick building.
The west wall of the theater has taken the brunt of the weather abuse over the years. Wertz pointed out many locations where the brick exterior and the interior walls are simply no longer water-proofed.
“We have water that comes in when we get heavy rains. There is water damage all along the (west) foundation. We get slammed on that side,” he said at the time.
“Upstairs in the auditorium, I can show you where the walls are starting to buckle because it’s actually coming through the masonry into the plaster. If you go up the (backstage steps), you can physically feel the movement on the metal and concrete staircase,” Wertz said then.
New Mansfield Playhouse would add to economic upturn in Mansfield
Harris and Wertz both said a new Playhouse would be a key component to economic development in downtown Mansfield.
“This is a new build,” Harris said. “We haven’t a new build like this downtown for decades. Mansfield is on the upswing and we are getting a lot of positive vibes.
“Our (state) representatives believe this is a great thing for Mansfield,” she said.
Wertz, the only full-time Playhouse employee, said the new building will allow for additional staff members.
“With where we are located and what is projected to happen downtown in the next five to 10 years, this new building will put us in an ideal situation to remain a self-sustaining, viable theater organization,” he said.
“We want to continue our mission of cultural and economic stability downtown and make community theater affordable for everyone. I think our theater is a melting pot and a new facility is the best-case scenario for everyone,” Wertz said.
“We are going to build a new, accessible building that will preserve our 100-year legacy. It will allow us to continue to deliver the same high-quality, affordable theatrical experiences.”
