Porthouse Theatre grew out of a partnership between Kent State University and The Cleveland Orchestra, who formed the Kent/Blossom Arts festival programs in 1968 in an effort to develop Blossom Music Center into a total environment for the arts. Under the direction of Kent State theatre professors Louis O. Erdmann and William H. Zucchero, Kent/Blossom Theatre became Porthouse Theatre in 1970. The theatre was named after Mr. and Mrs. Cyril Porthouse whose donation of a challenge gift facilitated the construction of the 500 seat theatre.

Porthouse Theatre provides a unique training opportunity for actors, designers, technicians, and managers, working in the context of a professional producing theatre. They work side by side with established professionals to refine their skills and talents.

Porthouse Theatre currently operates under a University Resident Theatre (U/RTA) Contract with Actors’ Equity Association.