Players Guild Theatre — Attraction in Jackson Township

Long time member of the Canton Players Guild.   They do wonderful productions.   I have never been disappointed by the productions I have seen there.   A city the size of Canton is lucky to have a performing arts organization of this caliber.   I have introduced dozens of people to live theater at the Canton Players Guild at the downtown location.   The venue can only be described as breath taking.  It is hard to believe a venue like this is in Canton Ohio.    The combination of the Amazing venue and incredible productions drew me to every production for the last 20 years.  It was a opportunity to get dressed up for a for a true event.  The kinda event that would stick in your and your guests memory for years.

Now the bad.   Several years ago they started adding in odd choices for productions like Sponge Bob.... what who would go see Sponge Bob the Musical ?  I can only assume someone in charge was trying to bring in a pre teen crowd.  Which seems a strange choice.    Then Starting in 2022 they moved from the nicest venue in Canton.  A place that literally made the evening a event.    The new Location in the Kent Stark campus is just sad.   Were you used to want to dress up to make it a event... well in the new venue you will feel at home in your worst Walmart wardrobe.  The parking is no longer in a enclosed structure but across the lot....

So whoever is in charge of the Canton Player's Guild has taken a jewel in the city, a city that continues to draw more and more visitors, and turned it into a non event.    From poor performance selections to a run down venue that isn't even of a high school venue standard for the area,  I see little reason to go to but a occasional performance.    At one time I would have told anyone to not bother with playhouse square when the players guild downtown was so close and so good, but now I say save your money and drive...

The Management was Horrible!

WE LOVE THEATRE! (We also like to be treated with respect)

PSA: Make sure you have proof of vaccination when you arrive!! 3/5 of our family is fully vaccinated. The other 2/5 is medically unable and that means no theatre for us. If that was the only issue, there would be no negative review, just disappointment.

The issue is that a block of 40 tickets was donated to the homeless shelter to give the men the opportunity to experience live theatre and bring a little light to their lives during the holidays. The shelter was not informed of the proof of vaccination mandate (not the Players' Guild's fault, but an unfortunate oversight). When we attempted to explain the situation, the house manager was initially very dismissive, and quickly became very confrontational and aggressive toward us. Since she refused to have a civil conversation with us, we asked that the ticket price be refunded and the money donated to the homeless shelter. She threatened to call security. We left with my daughters in tears not because of the disappointment of not seeing the show (which they were), but because of the terrible way we were treated. After many years of supporting local theater, this was our last Player's Guild experience. Guess we will be going to Cleveland...

Nice intimate place. But be careful. I have physical limitations and ordered a non fixed seat. Had to get up and move around in the back. ( last row no one around me) I was standing in the back and a staff member took my seat and gave it to another guest. She had a cane and needed it more than me. Back of the house is blacked out and I was all in black standing along wall. Show was and hour and fifty no intermission. I left the house an hour in. Have a bad spine had to move around. I mentioned to staff that they gave away the seat I payed for, they offered to get me another, I declined as it was a bad pain day. I walked around for last 50 mins. I re-entered the house at curtain call. ONLY TO TRIP OVER MY CHAIR THAT WAS PLACED ALONG THE BLACKED OUT BACK WALL. I grabbed the wall and did not fall. Nice. Theater is a nice performance space. Easy to access. Jackson bog is close by (I visited it before the show as I'm a bird watcher nature guy and got to stretch after a hour and 20 min ride) the actor who played John Merrick blew me away. The Toxic Avenger that is coming up looks...