ODU's historic Matesich Theatre has hosted world-renown performers, lecturers, artists and scholars. Since it was constructed in 1929, countless students and members of the community have learned, celebrated, and been entertained here.
After 85 years, our jewel is showing its age. With your help, we’ll bring this landmark to a new state of beauty fit for future audiences.
Save Your Seat Campaign
For a contribution of $750, you can save a seat for a future Ohio Dominican University student in our historic Sr. Mary Andrew Matesich, OP Theatre. Learn more and make your gift by clicking the Save Your Seat button below!
Save Your Seat
Matesich Theatre Renovation
The New Matesich Theatre
We have grand plans for our theater – expand the stage, upgrade the lighting, install state-of-the-art projection and sound equipment, and add new, comfortable seats.
Learn more about this project and Sr. Mary Andrew Matesich, OP, and why the theater is so vital to Ohio Dominican University and our community.
![Rendering]( "Rendering")
An artist’s rendering of what The Matesich Theatre may look like following its renovation.
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Society Giving Levels for the Restoration Project
The renovation of ODU's Matesich Theatre will empower and engage student participation in campus life, the performing arts and personal development. It also will give members of our community a comfortable place to gather.
Please help us bring this gem back to its original brilliance.
| Society Giving Levels |
| Sr. Elizabeth Seton, O.P. Society | $50,000 and above |
| The Little Theater Society | $25,000 - $49,999 |
| Merry Masquers Society | $15,000 - $24,999 |
| Revels Society | $10,000 - $14,999 |
| Panther Players Society | $5,000 - $9,999 |
| Friends of Matesich Theatre | $1,000 - $4,999 |
| Patrons | $500 - $999 |
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Work Has Already Begun
During the summer of 2014, we completed the first phase of a major restoration project. We strengthened and sealed the theater’s exterior walls and repaired the roof to prevent further water damage. Now that the outside work is complete, we can turn our attention to critical repairs and improvements needed inside the theater.
The Matesich Theatre Throughout History
The theater has served as a valuable campus and community resource over the past 85 years. A lifetime of memories have walked across its stage: convocations and commencements; performers and presenters; community events and international luminaries. Here are some pictures taken throughout its history.
![Sr. Mary Andrew Matesich]( "SrMaryMatesich")
The Theatre was named after Sr. Mary Andrew Matesich, O.P. in 2005, who served as ODU’s president for 23 years.
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![Telulah Bankhead at the Little Theater]( "TelulahBankhead")
Legendary actress Telulah Bankhead performs in The Little Theatre in this undated photo.
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![Props]( "Props")
Students work backstage to build a set for an upcoming performance in The Little Theatre.
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![Choir]( "Choir")
Many students and alumni reflect fondly on their performances in The Matesich Theatre.
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![Grease]( "Grease")
The Panther Players, ODU’s student theater group, perform “Grease.”
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![FromStage]( "FromStage")
An undated photo from a commencement ceremony when ODU was known as the College of St. Mary of the Springs.
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![Convocation]( "Convocation")
Students attend the St. Thomas Aquinas Convocation in 2014.
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![StMary]( "StMary")
An undated photo from a commencement ceremony when ODU was then known as the College of St. Mary of the Springs.
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The Mission
Sr. Mary Andrew Matesich, OP, stated in a speech in October of 1996, “Our life study is incomplete unless we share what we learn with others in our families, our Church, our workplaces, our local communities, and the world community.”
The Matesich Theatre reflects our mission. Its restoration will symbolize our renewed commitment to this mission, and provide space for local schools and organizations in Columbus and surrounding areas.
With the newly renovated theater, we envision a dynamic relationship with local arts groups, Catholic and public schools, civic organizations, and of course our own students and faculty. Prominent speakers, conferences, and arts activities will be able to take our stage, and our stage will take us to new brand recognition and prestige in the Central Ohio community.
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