Sit in the very same seats where the premiere of The Shawshank Redemption was shown on Tuesday, September 13, 1994.

Visit ShawshankTrail.com for information on all filming sites.

General Scoop & History:  The Renaissance opened its doors in 1928 as the Ohio Theater, a magnificent movie palace built in the “Grand Baroque” style by the Variety Amusements, Inc. (soon after bought out by Warner Brothers Management Co.). With its marble floors and stairways, its one-and-a-half-ton crystal chandelier, its imposing “Mighty Wurlitzer” theatre organ, and its breathtakingly beautiful 1400-seat auditorium, it’s the premiere showcase as well as the home of The Mansfield Symphony, Miss Ohio Pageant, Neos Dance, Broadway Series and Mansfield Symphony Youth Orchestra.

Haunted Testimonials & Tidbits:  Patrons and employees alike have reported many ghostly encounters over the years. Footsteps have been heard on the elegant grand staircase and along the dark hallways and twisting corridors outside the second-floor grand ballroom. Spectral figures have been spotted in the balcony. Disembodied voices, laughter and even music have been heard coming from the theatre – long after the audiences have gone.

The projection booth is the purported haunt of “Pete” – who took up residence at the Renaissance shortly after his beloved projector was transplanted here from the demolished Madison Theatre down the street. The wall sconces in the elegant marbled grand salon in the lower lobby are said to have a mind of their own and, when the building is unlocked in the morning, are often found turned completely upside-down.

Whispered voices have been heard in their catacomb-like rooms under the stage – and on more than one occasion, actors and crew members have seen a shadowy “woman in white” standing in the wings during a performance. The most haunted area of the theatre is the lobby, which was where theatre manager Edward Rafter was murdered in a botched robbery attempt on the night of Oct. 30th, 1929. A man disguised in women’s clothing shot Rafter four times and then fled into the night. For over eighty years, witnesses have reported seeing a forlorn Rafter pacing back and forth along the marble floor– and some have even seen the ghost of his assailant, hiding menacingly in the darkest corner of the lobby.

What to Expect:  A tour of the Renaissance Theatre will be given to participants and known hot spots and paranormal occurrences will be pointed out. Guests are then welcome to proceed with their paranormal investigation. We go backstage and in the basement area, all throughout the upstairs ballrooms and even camp out in the bathrooms where we have had paranormal experiences.

Seen On:  A&E’s My Ghost Story.

Hours, Pricing & Contact:  Individuals/groups can organize their own private investigation by calling Kara Bechstein, Programs Manager. 419-522-2726 ext 213, kara@mansfieldtickets.com.

Visit HauntedMansfield.com for information on all Haunted sites.

Bring your group to a show or tour the breath-taking Renaissance Theatre, a 1928 vintage movie palace. The guided tour will give you a peek behind the scenes, learn about the grand chandelier, hear celebrity stories, a walk across the 48 ft. stage to see the view of the stars & enjoy freshly popped popcorn & soda.

An historic 1928 movie palace in Grand Baroque style, the Renaissance Theatre is the premiere venue for live entertainment in North Central Ohio. Home of the Mansfield Symphony Orchestra and the annual Miss Ohio Scholarship Pageant, the Renaissance also presents local theatrical and musical productions, rock and country concerts, comedy shows, and many educational programs.

GROUP TRAVEL CONTACT:
Kara Bechstein, Programs Manager
kara@mansfieldtickets.com
419-522-2726, ext. 213

GROUP INFORMATION:
Group tour price: $6.00 per person, Backstage guided tour includes popcorn/soda (More information)
Payment policy: Deposit required and balance at time of tour
Reservations required: Yes, must reserve two weeks in advance
Open for special hours: By Appointment
Length of time for tour: 1 hour
Maximum # of motorcoaches at one time:
Motorcoach parking: on grounds
Escort & driver complimentary: Yes
Handicap accessible: Yes
Number of restrooms available (men/women): Men 12, Women 12

A cost-effective and advantageous location for business meetings and presentations, the Renaissance Theatre provides an inviting atmosphere of extravagance and charm, yet offers hassle-free, productive meetings at affordable prices. We offer a one-of-a-kind establishment that can provide you with the work space, banquet facilities, and overnight accommodations you need. The Renaissance Theatre is conveniently connected by a skywalk to the 139-room Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites. So, when business ends and play begins, there is a restaurant for fine dining, a lounge for socializing, and an indoor pool for a relaxing swim.

The main auditorium seats 1,400 people. The stage is 47′ wide, 36′ deep, with a 27′ high proscenium arch. There is 10′ of wing space on stage left and 20′ on stage right, making it one of the largest stages in Ohio.

MEETING PLANNER CONTACT:
Bow Office
419-522-2726

SERVICES & AMENITIES:
Lodging property: Holiday Inn & Suites is attached to the Theatre, 139 rooms
Restaurant: Nearby
In-house catering: No
External catering permitted: Yes
Wifi Access: Yes
Projector available: Yes
A/V Screen: Yes
Handicap accessible: Yes

TOTAL SPACE/CAPACITY:
# of meeting rooms: 8
Total meeting space (sq.ft.):
Largest meeting space (sq.ft.):

Rooms with * have internet access