Porthouse Theatre

Porthouse Theatre is Kent State University's summer professional outdoor theatre located on the grounds of Blossom Music Center. Porthouse has more than a dozen full-time administrative employees and hires more than 120 professionals and artists in training each summer. Porthouse Theatre operates under a University Resident Theatre (U/RTA) Contract with Actors’ Equity Association. Information about Porthouse's current season, audition dates, and employment opportunities can be found at www.porthousetheatre.com Porthouse Theatre was founded in 1968 following an agreement between Kent State University and the Cleveland Orchestra to develop educational and cultural facilities on 37 acres of university-owned land adjacent to the newly constructed Blossom Music Center. The program, under the direction of Louis O. Erdmann and William H. Zucchero, produced its first season in the summer of 1969. In October 1969, Cyril Porthouse and his wife Roberta made a $60,000 challenge gift to jump start the construction of a theatre at the Blossom site. This gift, as well as funding provided by Gerald and Victoria Read, allowed for the official dedication of Porthouse in July 1971. The theatre expanded in 1980 when James and Betty Hudkins donated their adjoining 95 acre farm.Since 2001, Porthouse has been helmed by Producing Artistic Director Terri Kent. Porthouse presents three musicals per summer and fully employs artists-in-training and professionals in all areas. Porthouse’s educational components have expanded as well with the introduction of academy programs for high school, college, and international students. 2018 marks Porthouse Theatre's 50th Anniversary Season and the end of a $1 million capital campaign initiated by the Gregory Hackett Family Foundation that has allowed Porthouse to construct a new box office, renovate and expand restroom facilities, and expand parking.