Our History

The Western Reserve Playhouse began in 1956 as the Bath Community Players, performing in the old Bath village town hall.

The current barn theater was acquired in 1966. A small, dedicated group of community players drew audiences from a widespread area of Summit, Medina, and Cuyahoga counties.

In 2006, WRP grew when it assumed the assets of Phoenix Stage Productions, itself a conglomeration of the Goodyear Community Theater and the Church Street Players.

In 2017, it hired its first Executive Artistic Director with the responsibility of re-establishing WRP as a community asset and improving its financial security.

Today, Western Reserve Playhouse boasts a 6 to 8 production season, in addition to its recurring summer education camps for children, the $5 Bucks Staged Reading series, Short-Cuts Play-Writing Festival, CaBARet Series, and year-round theater arts education.

1886: The Barn was Born

Originally a dairy barn before being acquired in 1966 by a small dedicated group of thespians.

2017: Hired First Executive Artistic Director

Dawn Sniadak-Yamokoski was hired in 2017 as Executive Artistic Director, adding direction and new life to the theatre.

2023: New Directions

Upon her retirement in 2023, Western Reserve Playhouse hired it’s current Artistic Director, August Scarpelli.

2024: Historic Barn of Bath Ohio

In the summer of 2024, WRP was officially recognized by the Bath Community Foundation as a Historic Barn of Bath Ohio.

Our Mission

The Western Reserve Playhouse engages, inspires, entertains, and challenges audiences with theatrical productions which range from mysteries, musicals, and comedy, to new works and children’s productions. We educate and support the next generation of theater artists through our education programs promoting life-long learning to a diverse community and celebrate the essential power of local theatre.