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L-R: Ohio University College of Fine Arts Dean Peg Kennedy-Dygas; Dan Dennis, artistic director, Tantrum Theater; Michael Lincoln, artistic director/head, Theater Division (Ohio University)
L-R: Ohio University College of Fine Arts Dean Peg Kennedy-Dygas; Dan Dennis, artistic director, Tantrum Theater; Michael Lincoln, artistic director/head, Theater Division (Ohio University)

OU Launches New Professional Theater in Dublin, Ohio


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Ohio University’s College of Fine Arts has announced the formation of a new resident professional theater company called Tantrum Theater in Dublin, Ohio.

Created in partnership with the City of Dublin and the Dublin Arts Council, Tantrum Theater will initially produce a three show summer theater festival with plans to expand to a year round operation within five years. Productions will be performed in the Abbey Theater until the City of Dublin completes the construction of a performing arts center planned as part of the Bridge Park development.

In addition, Tantrum will provide educational workshops to high school students in and around Dublin, impart Ohio University students with practical experience in a professional theater in order to develop rich skills in their field by their graduations, and help grow the arts scene of Dublin, its surrounding communities and Ohio University.

“I am thrilled beyond words that Tantrum Theater has been approved and supported so enthusiastically by everyone involved,” said Michael Lincoln, the artistic director and head of Ohio University’s theater division. “The Theater Division has been working toward this goal for nearly two years, but now the real work begins. We dared to dream big and I’m proud and deeply grateful that we have achieved this milestone, but daunted by how far we have to go to realize the complete dream. It is a challenge of an era and a game changing opportunity for the Theater Division and all the partners.”

“The board, staff and I extend a heartfelt welcome to Tantrum theatre program and are thrilled for the opportunity to continue our collaboration to offer educational and performance opportunities in the community and beyond,” said Dublin Arts Council Executive Director Dr. David S. Guion. “Tantrum will be a great addition to the cultural fabric of our community and will enhance creative offerings for those who live, work, learn and play in Dublin.”

The theater program also fulfills membership and accreditation requirements for the Ohio University theater division with the University/Resident Theater Association and the National Association of Schools of Theatre. Both organizations require that universities with professional training programs uphold continuous connections to professional theaters. Tantrum Theater would serve as the professional theater providing apprenticeships and learning opportunities for Ohio University students by allowing them to work alongside accomplished professionals in the field.

“The success of the Ohio University center at Dublin has inspired both Ohio University and the city of Dublin to envision a partnership in arts and culture,” said Daniel C. Dennis, the artistic director of Tantrum Theater and a visiting assistant professor of voice and movement at Ohio University’s School of Dance, Film, and Theater. “This is a game-changing opportunity for our students and our programs, providing on-the-job training and a much needed bridge to the profession. We look forward to starting a conversation with our new audience through our first season of professional theater in Dublin this coming summer.”

Tantrum Theater will be funded through Ohio University alumni donations, corporate sponsorships, subsidies from Ohio University and the College of Fine Arts and earned revenue from ticket sales, educational workshops, and concessions.

The theater’s name, Tantrum, references the the collective noun “tantrum of bobcats” – otherwise known as group of bobcats. The bobcat is the mascot of Ohio University.