Magical on Course to Educate and Inspire.

Founded in 1972, Magical Theatre Company is a not-for-profit, resident and touring, educational and entertainment resource for young audiences. In partnership with schools and other organizations, we strive to become leaders in providing a positive cultural service. As a strong and energetic theatre serving Summit and 23 surrounding counties, we enhance learning, growth and civic improvement through live theatre.

Programming is made up of resident performances at the Park Theater for school and family audiences; touring productions to schools; and workshops in creative dramatics, acting and improvisation. These programs serve to introduce young people to the Theatre, provide positive messages through Drama, encourage creativity, increase communication skills, build teamwork, and offer alternative methods to problem-solving.

In November, 1992, the Board of Trustees hired Holly Barkdoll and Dennis

O'Connell to streamline operations, curb and reduce the growing debt, and redirect the artistic focus to include all young audiences and their families. Since then, the long-standing debt has been retired, the budget balanced, and new programming introduced for middle school and high school students.

Recent collaborators have been Akron Civic Theatre, Akron After School, Barberton Citizens Hospital, Cuyahoga Valley National Park Association, Project R.I.S.E., and Wayne Center for the Arts.

Magical Theatre Company has been accepted into the OAC's Presenting/ Touring Program, and is a member of the Ohio Arts Presenters Network, Akron Area Arts Alliance and the Cleveland Theatre Collective.

In 1997, a grant from the Ohio Historical Society enabled Braun & Steidl Architects to do a comprehensive study of the historic Park Theater.  Phase I of this $1.5 million renovation was completed in December 2000, providing Magical Theatre Company patrons with heating and air conditioning, a restored facade, new marquee and new seats.

Magical Theatre Company received the Outreach Award from the Akron Area Arts Alliance, as well as the Community Collaboration Award from Summit County Housing Network in 2003.