Great Lakes Theatre Festival

Great Lakes Theatre Festival is a permanent theater compnay, based at Cleveland's Playhouse Square. GLTF began in the 1950s as a Shakesperean troupe, but has expanded to add works from other classic playwrights. They produce five unique productions each season.

Great Lakes Theater Festival began in 1961, the brain-child of Antioch College English professor, Arthur Lithgow (the father of actor, John Lithgow). The original name was the Great Lakes Shakespearean Festival and performances were held at the Lakewood Civic Auditorium.

The repertory expanded in 1965 to include non-Shakespearean works and the troupe moved to the Ohio Theater at Playhouse Square in 1982 and to the Hanna Theatre at Playhouse Square in 2008.

All of the GLTF performances are held at the newly-renovated Hanna Theatre on E. 13th Street, except for the annual production of "A Christmas Carol," which is held across the street at the Ohio Theater. The Hanna Theater seats 550.

The 2010/2011 season will include:

• "Othello" by William Shakespeare - September 24 to October 31
• "An Ideal Husband" by Oscar Wilde - October 1 - 30
• "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens - December 3 - 23
• "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare" (abridged) - March 11-27
• "Two Gentlemen of Verona" by William Shakespeare - April 8 - 23

Ticket to Great Lakes Theatre Festival performances are available via the GLTF Web site or by calling 216 241-6000.

Among the many talented actors that have appeared in GLTF productions over the years are Tom Hanks, John Lithgow, Hal Holbrook, Jean Stapleton, Olympia Dukakis, Celeste Holm, and Piper Laurie.

Out-of-towners can stay at the Wyndham Hotel Playhouse Square (check rates), located right across the street from the theaters, or the Ritz Carlton(check rates) and the Cleveland Renaissance Hotel at Public Square (check rates).

Great Lakes Theatre Festival
1501 Euclid Avenue, Suite 130
Cleveland, OH 44115
216 241-5490

(updated 8-23-10)