Prospective students invited to attend University Theatre and Dana School of Music Open House
October 5, 2026
YSU’s Dana School of Music and University Theatre invite prospective high school students and their families to experience campus life firsthand during the departments’ annual Open House events Wednesday, October 14, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Bliss Hall.
"This event offers high school students and their families a valuable opportunity to experience life as music and theatre undergraduates," Dr. Joe Carucci, Dana School of Music and University Theatre director, said. "Participants will spend the day engaged in classes, rehearsals, performances, and productions, while also connecting with YSU faculty and students. Bliss Hall provides a vibrant environment where artists cultivate the skills and knowledge needed to launch successful careers.”
“Music Major for a Day” will provide interested high school students with an insider’s view of YSU’s performing arts community. Attendees will have the opportunity to observe classroom experiences, bring their instrument or warm up their voice to perform with our ensembles or choirs, sit in on a panel discussion with current music students, join specialized clinics, and interact with the music faculty.
Similarly, “Theatre for a Day” will allow students to observe acting techniques in rehearsal, try their hand in scene workshops, participate in ensemble activities, connect with current students through informal discussions, and explore specialized training opportunities that match their artistic interests. Faculty will be available throughout the day to discuss academic pathways and career possibilities in theatre.
"Theatre is about bringing people together to tell stories that matter," senior lecturer Todd Dicken said. This open house gives prospective students a chance to experience that collaboration firsthand—to see how we build productions from the ground up, how we develop as artists, and how we create meaningful work in our community. [Open House is] a great way to explore whether this path is right for you."
This day-long event is designed to showcase the full spectrum of musical and theatrical education offered at YSU. Participants can shadow current students and faculty throughout their daily activities, tour professional-grade facilities and performance spaces, and experience behind-the-scenes operations. Attendees will also learn about degree programs, career paths, and opportunities in music and theatre while connecting with the artistic community that makes YSU’s performing arts programs distinctive.
Cliffe College’s music and theatre departments offer undergraduate and graduate programs designed to prepare students for successful careers in performance, education, and the music or theatre industries.
To register for either the Dana School of Music or University Theatre Open House, please visit ysu.edu/music-theatre-OH. Entry is free, but pre-registration is required.
For more information, contact Katie Merrill, Cliffe College Coordinator of Community Engagement and Events, at 330.941.2307 or kamerrill@ysu.edu.