All photography provided by Jared Chambers
Founded in 1951 in Athens, Ohio by a small group of Ohio University professors and community members, OVST originally served as a community theater and a laboratory for Ohio University’s School of Theater. In 1988, OVST was re-established as a separate 501(c)3 non-profit organization with continued support from Ohio University. The community and University partnership continues to benefit from strong collaboration, dedicated donor-patrons, ongoing operating support from the Ohio Arts Council, and local and regional business partnerships.
OVST offers high-quality performances for the entire family; partners with theater professionals, Ohio University faculty and students, and community members; offers an annual youth theater camp; and helps to organize and support regional arts events and performances year-round.
As a donor-supported, non-profit organization, we encourage innovative approaches to live performance and welcome new participants and partners to our productions, youth camp, and volunteer Board.
OVST is proud to be a community heritage organization that adds to the vibrant, cultural fabric of Athens County and the surrounding Appalachian region.
Our Mission
The Ohio Valley Summer Theater is committed to sustainable, educational, and independent community theater that delivers high quality and diverse theatrical experiences and is appreciated by a widening volunteer base and growing regional audience.
Ohio Valley Summer Theater’s Production Code of Ethics:
It is our production mission to provide as many safe, educationa;, and inclusive theatrical productions as possible. Theatre is a safe space for all who dare to pursue it. Due to the personal and professional ethics of those in leadership at OVST, all ethnicities, genders, creeds, LGBTIQ, ages, and abilities are embraced and included on our stages, in our wings, and in our production booths. Absolutely no discrimination will be tolerated in our space, and we reserve the right to coach or remove anyone at any time from our programs.
