Youngstown Playhouse Chief John Cox Keeps Theater Healthy
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – John Cox embodies the spirit required to thrive as both a children’s doctor and the leader of a community theater.
A pediatrician based in Canfield, Cox thrives on problem-solving with his cheerful and energetic personality. In addition to his medical practice, he holds the title of chairman of the board for the Youngstown Playhouse and actively performs in various plays and musicals. He and his wife are proud parents of five grown children.
How does he manage to balance it all? Cox explains, “I don’t require a lot of sleep.”
Since taking charge of the Playhouse in 2017, Cox has guided the theater into its centennial season, a milestone that began in August and will conclude next June. This year has already proven fruitful, with the Playhouse securing $398,000 in grants aimed at physical upgrades and outreach initiatives.
The season kicked off with a stunning production of “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical,” and will conclude with a unique program showcasing the theater’s storied history through film and live performances.
Cox serves as both the public face of the Playhouse and a key decision-maker, putting in long hours without complaint. To him, the theater is his “sandbox,” a welcome escape from the demands of his medical profession.
In addition to his leadership role, Cox is recognized as one of the top actors in the region. He starred in “Beautiful” and has participated in numerous other productions. Moreover, he co-stars in “Couples Therapy,” an original comedy that has toured multiple states.
How It Started
Remarkably, Cox only found his passion for theater later in life. He made his stage debut at the age of 26. “I always wanted to do theater when I was younger,” he recalls. “But I didn’t know anyone involved in it. I played football and often felt a stigma associated with theater.”
His first foray into performance was through comedy. Cox began doing improv while studying in Kansas City during medical school, embracing both theater and medicine as parallel careers.
His desire for standup comedy led him to audition for the Lighten Up improv troupe, where he flourished for two and a half years, performing multiple shows every weekend. During this time, he also performed standup comedy, often infusing his medical background into his material.
Upon returning to the Mahoning Valley, Cox won an amateur competition at The Funny Farm comedy club, which soon led to his audition for a play at the Youngstown Playhouse, marking the onset of his theater journey.
Cox’s commitment to his medical practice remains paramount, but he acknowledges the therapeutic benefits of theater. “It serves as a counterbalance to my life as a doctor, offering both stress relief and a mental challenge.”
Celebration Time
Since overcoming financial hurdles in 2009, the Playhouse has made significant strides. The theater has entered its centennial celebration in good financial standing, with both the interior and exterior receiving much-needed enhancements. New lighting, a repaved parking lot, and an eye-catching LED sign are among the recent improvements.
Funding has been bolstered this year, with the Playhouse obtaining $238,000 from a state grant and an additional $100,000 from another grant. Moreover, $60,000 was awarded from The Youngstown Foundation to provide free tickets for community members.
Cox expresses excitement about this initiative, hoping it will inspire future generations of performers: “Maybe we can spark a kid to see a show and think, ‘I can do that!'”
Raised in a family that prioritized community service, with a father who served as a Boardman Township trustee, Cox understands the Playhouse’s role in enriching the city. Currently, the Playhouse is actively seeking to expand its presence in downtown Youngstown, with plans for a new small theater to serve as an art incubator.
Other Valley Theaters
The Hopewell Theatre, established in 1992, may not be celebrating its 100th season, but the building it occupies has been standing for 135 years. This summer, the theater received essential landscaping improvements, funded almost entirely by local landscapers.
Hopewell has also made strides toward accessibility by adding a concrete wheelchair ramp to the main entrance. Following recent beautification efforts, the theater even received a Cityscape award for improving its surrounding area.
The Area Community Theatre of Sharpsville, now in downtown Sharon, continues to innovate. Recently, it introduced an LED wall for scenic backdrops, marking a significant investment that enhances production quality. This advancement comes through various grants and fundraising initiatives.
The Oakland Center for the Arts, once a staple of the Valley’s theater community before its closure in 2015, is also making a comeback. Under new leadership, it recently hosted its first adult production in nine years, demonstrating its revitalization.
Meanwhile, the Columbiana Arts Theater continues to thrive under new ownership, maintaining its commitment to family-friendly programming. This summer, the theater was purchased and is set to diversify its offerings to engage the community further.
