Our History

The North Canton Playhouse continued its tradition of extraordinary community theatre with its 45th anniversary season in 2021-22. We are proud to offer live, quality entertainment and a variety of productions and programs that allow opportunities and enjoyment for all.

Founded in 1976 by Leonard and Mary McManaway, North Canton Playhouse’s first production, “Mame,” was performed at Hoover High School South Campus in October 1976.

The North Canton Playhouse was first housed in a rental building (owned by the Hoover Company) as a small 40-seat theatre. Throughout the next 20 years, the North Canton Playhouse developed several special programs and community outreach programs and therefore developed a need for a larger building in which to house all theatre productions and programs. In 1995, the North Canton Board of Education invited the North Canton Playhouse to be a part of the expansion to Hoover High School’s North Campus. The Playhouse raised the necessary funds with the help of various grants and the generosity of organizations throughout the Stark County community and moved in to our present space in 1997.

Today, the North Canton Playhouse is governed by a volunteer member Board of Directors. The Playhouse has an Executive Director, Office Administrator, and a Theater Coordinator.

The Playhouse produces a strong lineup of entertaining productions each year, including a strong mix of musical theater, riveting dramatic plays, holiday favorites and cult-classic thrillers. We serve a large contingent of youth through main stage and youth theatre productions.