MANSFIELD, OHIO (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—The Renaissance Theatre proudly announces the highly anticipated 2025 Emerging Artists Festival, showcasing an extraordinary lineup of original plays, screenplays, and a musical that promise to captivate audiences with their creativity and depth. Under the guidance of Artistic Director Emeritus Michael Thomas, the Emerging Artists Program continues its mission to nurture and celebrate aspiring creators, providing a platform for innovative storytelling and collaborative artistry.

The festival will feature public readings and performances of four exceptional works throughout January 2025, offering audiences an exclusive opportunity to experience the creative process at its finest. These events will take place at Theatre 166 (166 Park Avenue West, Mansfield, Ohio), with tickets priced at $10 each.

Festival Schedule

  • January 15, 2025: “Switzerland” by Veronique Autphenne Two couples, Brin and Greg, Angela and Henry, are enjoying a holiday together in Europe, when Brin announces that she has decided the time and date of her death. “Switzerland” explores themes of friendship, marriage, mortality, the power of letting go, and the idea of controlling exactly when and how you’re going to die.
  • January 18, 2025: “What Remains Unseen, Still Is” by Matthew Piper In a cerebral exploration of the artistic process, Alona, in pursuit of her magnum opus, sacrifices everything, while her partner, Sebastian, struggles desperately to navigate their tumultuous relationship.
  • January 25, 2025: “MLES2GO” by Michael P. Adams In an attempt to find himself, Jordan sets out on a cross-country hitchhiking journey, leading to a confrontation that pits figures from his past and present against the potential of his future.
  • January 31 & February 1, 2025: “You Are Not Gay,” a new musical by Timothy Leech and Alexander Ronneburg A new musical about the landmark civil rights case brought by queer litigators against conversion therapy providers.

How It Works

Each season, the Emerging Artists Festival features plays, musicals, and films that have never been previously workshopped. Each selected work is given one week to develop under the guidance of a director and a cast of actors. During this workshop process, the creative team refines the work, exploring its themes, structure, and narrative depth. The process culminates in a public reading where audience members have the unique opportunity to provide feedback. This interactive program fosters artists’ creative thinking and evolves their ideas into smart, vital, and thought-provoking works.

“These workshops are essential for the evolution of new works,” noted Michael Thomas. “They allow artists to take risks, learn, and grow while engaging directly with their audience.”

“I love the collaborative nature of developing these incredible new works and working alongside the playwrights,” says Ryan Shealy, Renaissance Associate Artistic Director who will be directing some of the works participating in this year’s festival.

A Celebration of Creativity

These exceptional works were selected from hundreds of submissions worldwide, highlighting the Renaissance Theatre’s dedication to discovering and celebrating global talent. Reflecting on the festival’s significance, Michael Thomas stated, “This year’s lineup showcases a stunning array of voices that challenge, delight, and move us. We are thrilled to support these remarkable artists in bringing their visions to life.”

“We had over 375 submissions this year—the largest number of new works thus far,” says Michael Thomas. “We narrowed it down to 50, and it was still a very difficult decision choosing the top four. We are so excited to welcome these artists to Mansfield.”

The 2025 Emerging Artists Festival promises to be a celebration of originality and the transformative power of storytelling. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness groundbreaking works destined to shape the future of performing arts.

For more information or to reserve tickets, visit www.rentickets.org or contact the Renaissance Theatre box office at boxoffice@mansfieldtickets.com.