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.

Seniors, Veterans, Active Military, and Students

Providing access to the arts is important to us. For this reason, we offer an ongoing discount of 10% per ticket for senior patrons, veterans, active military, and students.

Angel Tickets

Everyone should be able to experience the arts, and no patron will be turned away. This program is available thanks to the generosity of the Rupp Donor-Advised fund.

Discounted tickets are not available online, but can be purchased by calling or visiting the Box Office.

Tour the Theatre

The Renaissance is available for individual and group tours with something for everyone to enjoy! Whether you’re a history buff or a ghost hunter, the stories found within this nearly 100 year old building will give you something to talk about.

For more information, contact boxoffice@mansfieldtickets.com or by calling 419-522-2726.

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

Whether you’re hosting a concert, corporate gathering, wedding reception, or an intimate celebration, the Renaissance Theatre offers unique and flexible spaces to suit your needs.

Rand Smith Auditorium—Our historic 1,400-seat theatre is perfect for large-scale productions, speaker series, and live performances. Rentals include customizable options such as ticketing services, staffing, technical support, concessions, and bar service.
Ghostlight Lounge—Located beneath the Renaissance lobby, this speakeasy-style lounge includes a private bar and piano, making it ideal for receptions, cocktail hours, and social events with up to 75 guests in a stylish, atmospheric setting.
Theatre 166—A 120-seat black box theatre located just west of the main venue. With full sound and lighting capabilities, it’s a flexible space perfect for smaller performances, meetings, and creative events.
Additional Spaces—The Renaissance also offers unique rental areas including our elegant Ballroom (up to 80 guests), Lower Lobby (up to 200), and Bridge (up to 50), each with their own charm and flexibility.

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

Rooms with * have internet access