Twelfth Night Productions (TNP) began as a week long summer camp for children almost thirty years ago. As the children grew and returned year after year, the program grew with them. In 1995 we performed our first full length production, A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare, and the spirit of Twelfth Night Productions was born. We have continued to perform an annual summer production and over the years have grown to include a smaller ensemble driven spring and fall production, and a traditional holiday season show.
Over the years, and with each production TNP, has gained new performers, musicians, crew, and volunteers and have expanded our reach to include a multi-generational cast. Our productions often see artists ranging in age from 10 to 65, fostering an environment where mentorship and collaboration go hand in hand. As our students and players mature and grow, they then become mentors to both the new and younger actors. It is important that our students learn that one person can make a difference and collectively that we can inspire something larger than ourselves. As a producing organization, opportunities for mentoring emerge in the areas of acting, directing, stage management, hair and make-up, scenery, lighting, costume and sound. Such experiences encourage lifelong relationships with the arts. We also serve as a resource for community members interested in the development and production of on-stage performing arts. In addition to theater, we embrace other art forms, and strive to provide a creative foundation in the Youngstown Cultural Arts Center.
For the first eleven years of production, TNP donated all proceeds, amounting to nearly $20,000.00, to a variety of nonprofit organizations in an effort to cultivate lasting and meaning relationships with our community. Past recipients include the Compass Center, Habitat for Humanity, Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association, ArtsWest, Youth Advancement Through Music and Art (YATMA), and Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. TNP continues to donate a portion of our proceeds from our summer production to ensure that these relationships remain strong and meaningful.