Downtown Mansfield: A Hub of Arts, Revitalization, and Exciting New Beginnings!

Renaissance Theatre in downtown Mansfield - 138 Park Avenue West

Downtown Mansfield is buzzing with a wide variety of arts and entertainment, from lively musicals and poetry to fun art classes and plays. The Renaissance Theatre stands out as a vibrant hub, hosting everything from Broadway shows and concerts to exciting local performances, making it a cornerstone of the community’s cultural scene. We had the opportunity to sit down with Chelsie and Julie at Renaissance Theatre to dive into the upcoming events and hear their thoughts on the exciting revitalization happening downtown!

Pictured: Jillian Henry, Director of Marketing (left), and Chelsie Thompson, President & CEO (right).

From her early days as a part-time employee at The Renaissance Theater, Chelsie Thompson’s passion for the arts has driven her to become Mansfield’s current President & CEO. Since returning to Mansfield in 2010, she has witnessed firsthand how the city “is always changing for the better,” and her childhood memories of listening to downtown’s gifts of music which continue to inspire her dedication to the local arts scene. Chelsie talked about how downtown is transforming while still preserving its unique character, all the while embracing a modern, refreshed aesthetic. She emphasized the importance of walkability and beautification, noting, “The character of downtown is really great, and we’re not going to lose that, but it’s going to have a fresher look.” She added that the Main Street renderings she’s seen honor the legacy of the area with a vibrant, updated feel—like giving downtown a well-deserved facelift that keeps its soul intact while looking completely revitalized!

Jillian Henry, Director of Marketing at The Renaissance, shares the same enthusiasm and is equally excited about the incredible revitalization happening downtown. She highlights the city’s accessibility, pointing out that Mansfield’s central location makes it attractive to visitors from nearby cities like Detroit, Indianapolis, and Pittsburgh. Both Jillian and Chelsie believe Mansfield “combines a big and small town feel with so much access to a variety of attractions and neighboring metropolises,” positioning it as a unique hub for arts and entertainment. Jillian also emphasizes the importance of community engagement and safety: “We have a great program during the summer, we host free outdoor movies in our green space right out here, and it's so awesome. One of my favorite things at those movies is just watching families walk to the park with their lawn chairs and blankets. And after the movie is over, it's dark, so it will be so much nicer when things are more lit and walkable, so families feel safe walking to the Ren for programs like that, instead of needing to drive a couple of blocks to the Ren.”

Currently bustling with activity, the theater has an exciting lineup for the upcoming season, featuring classics like the “Wizard of Oz” in late July, a summer cinema series showcasing classics such as The Sandlot and Paddington 2, along with a variety of educational, symphony, and informational events. As the theater approaches its 100th anniversary in 2028, Chelsie and Jillian remain optimistic about its future growth and encourage everyone to stay tuned for exciting new initiatives.

We're excited to see what’s next for the theater and look forward to more updates on its growth and new events. Stay tuned for all the exciting things happening at the Renaissance Theatre!