The North Canton Playhouse, Center for the Performing Arts is a charitable and educational institution, whose mission is to provide entertainment, enrichment, education and to encourage theatrical arts throughout the North Canton Community, Stark County and the Northeastern Ohio area.

This year, the North Canton Playhouse will be continuing it’s 31st consecutive season of community theatre. 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, and John and Sue Leonatti, the 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 in 1976. Throughout the next 20 years, the NCP developed several community outreach programs and therefore developed a need for a larger building in which to house all of these programs. In 1995, the North Canton Board of Education invited the NCP to be a part of the expansion to Hoover High School’s North Campus. The NCP raised the necessary funds with the help of various grants and the generosity of organizations throughout the community.

Today, the North Canton Playhouse is governed by a volunteer member Board of Trustees. The Board is assisted by an Artistic Director, Mary McManaway and her Artistic Board Staff, along with a volunteer staff, which assist the NCP in providing service to over 50 community organizations.. The NCP office has paid personnel consisting of a part time Office Administrator and Executive Director.

The North Canton Playhouse Center for the Performing Arts celebrated its 30th Anniversary in 2006, and continues to expand in our 31st year. From inception to present, we continually strives to give something back to our wonderful community, by bringing quality entertainment and enrichment into the area. The North Canton Playhouse is Community Theatre at it’s best!