A Safe Place to Learn
The Renaissance has been helping people to express themselves for decades. Whether you have an interest in the arts or you just want to try something new or maybe you are an arts educator looking for opportunities to sharpen an existing skill, education programming at the Ren provides experiences for people of all ages.
Education Director
Dauphne Maloney, is a director, costume designer, educator, and actor. She founded the acclaimed Mansfield Youth Theatre (MY Theatre), serves as the youth theatre director at the Mansfield Branch of The Ohio State University, and directed the Mansfield Playhouse Youth Theatre for over two decades. Dauphne has deep roots in the Mansfield area, collaborating with various community, educational, and arts organizations, including the Mansfield Symphony Orchestra Chorus, Friends of the Symphony Guild, and more. She has extensive experience in performance and technical roles with organizations like Renaissance Youth Opera Theatre, Mansfield Playhouse, and others. She currently instructs in Pioneer Career and Technology's Performing Arts/Entertainment Marketing Program. In 2012, she was selected as one of thirty teaching artists nationwide for the National Seminar for Teaching Artists by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Dauphne, along with her late husband Michael, has three children.
Student Programs
MY Theatre
Mansfield Youth Theatre (MY Theatre) was founded by Renaissance Education Manager Dauphne Maloney. These performances take place in collaboration with the Renaissance and provide an excellent opportunity for students between the ages of 5 and 19 to gain theatre experience in a nurturing environment, as part of a large production. Sensory-friendly performances of each show will be offered.
RYOT
Renaissance Youth Opera Theatre (RYOT) embraces a child’s curiosity and gives students in grades 2–12 the chance to explore the world of theatre. Whether they are interested in acting, singing, dancing, assisting with lights, helping to create costumes and props, or building the set, there are opportunities for everyone. Under the direction of Lori Turner, RYOT is an intensive experience in which students work directly with experts to learn choreography, music, acting, and technical aspects of the theatre.
Youth Orchestra & Youth Strings
The Mansfield Symphony Youth Orchestra (MSYO) is the premier ensemble of exceptionally talented high school musicians in North Central Ohio. Led by Conductor Stephen Domka, this program provides a unique platform for young musicians to excel and grow their musical abilities.
The Mansfield Symphony Youth Strings (MSYS) program is the perfect platform for young students to harness their musical talents and cultivate a collaborative spirit. Led by Conductor Alora Eyerly, this exceptional program empowers aspiring musicians to excel and grow in a supportive environment.
Teddy Bear Concerts
Teddy Bear Concerts are perfect for children ages 2–13. Inspired by the Kennedy Center’s family programming, these concerts are set up to allow children an up-close experience with symphonic instruments, live acting, and basic music concepts. During these interactive and sensory-friendly concerts, children become part of the story and are free and invited to be wiggly and noisy.
Broadway Camp
Renaissance Broadway Camp! offers immersive and inclusive musical theatre programs for students of all ability levels. Led by renowned teaching artist Dauphne Maloney, participants will engage in theater games, singing, and dramatic play, culminating in a special performance for family and friends.
Improv Underground
Improv Underground classes are the perfect outlet for high school and middle school students to unleash their creativity, build confidence, and enhance communication skills through fun and engaging improvisation exercises. Join us for this six-week after-school course starting in February and get ready to shine on stage in our exclusive “one night only” performance.
MindSprouts
The MindSprouts Creative Writing program offers students in kindergarten through 12th grade the opportunity to unleash their imagination and showcase their talent through captivating short stories, plays, and poems. With renowned judges like Tina Fey and Rachel Dratch, this is a chance for young writers to have their work recognized and adapted for the stage at the prestigious Renaissance Theatre 166. Don't miss out on the chance to make your epic and awesome life story come to life!
Adult Programs
Professional Development
In collaboration with the Mansfield Art Center and Mansfield City Schools, the Partners in Education Program at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts provides high-quality professional development to educators. Workshops are open to any area teacher or school administrator and are a fun, valuable opportunity to gain contact hours toward Continuing Education Credits (CEUs).
Financial Aid & Scholarships
It is our goal to provide access to the arts for every individual. If you or a student you know are in need of financial assistance in order to participate in one of our programs, please contact Education Manager Dauphne Maloney who can help by providing scholarships funded by our generous donors.