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Matesich Theatre Panoramic

Sr. Mary Andrew Matesich, OP Theatre Restoration

The Matesich Theatre is one of Ohio Dominican’s true gems. The historic venue has hosted countless lectures, celebrations and performances in its 90 years, and today, we’re taking steps to return the theater to its former glory.

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What We’ve Done So Far

Crews recently completed the third phase of a comprehensive $1 million renovation to the theater. This phase included the replacement of the theater’s stage curtain, carpet and seats, which offers guests a much more comfortable experience. Since 2014, work also has been done to repair and strengthen the theater’s exterior walls and roof, restore its intricate wood and plaster work, and paint its interior walls and ceiling.

Swipe through the pictures below to see the theater's transformation.

Matesich Theatre auditorium view 2019
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Matesich Theatre seats close up 2019
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Matesich Theatre seats 2019
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Matesich Restoration - Plaster Repair - 2
Fall 2018, following restoration of the theater's intricate wood and plaster work.
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Matesich Restoration - Plaster Repair
Fall 2018, following restoration of the theater's intricate wood and plaster work.
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Matesich Restoration - Scaffolding
Summer 2018; the theater was closed and scaffolding erected to allow crews to clean, repair, and paint the plaster engravings and ceiling.
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Matesich Restoration - Painting Close Up
Summer 2018; the theater was closed and scaffolding erected to allow crews to clean, repair, and paint the plaster engravings and ceiling.
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Matesich Restoration - Plaster Repair Scaffolding
Summer 2018; the theater was closed and scaffolding erected to allow crews to clean, repair, and paint the plaster engravings and ceiling.
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Matesich Restoration - Seat Removal Dec 2018 - 3
December 2018; crews work to remove the seats to make way for new seats to be installed.
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Matesich Restoration - Seat Removal Dec 2018
December 2018; crews work to remove the seats to make way for new seats to be installed.
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Matesich Restoration - Seat Removal Dec 2018 - 2
December 2018; crews work to remove the seats to make way for new seats to be installed.
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Our Vision

Once this restoration project is completed, the Matesich Theatre will offer the campus and local community access to a valuable, comfortable and state-of-the-art venue in which to learn, celebrate and be entertained.

 

We Need Your Help

We invite you to make a donation to support future improvements to our newly refurbished Matesich Theatre.

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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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Save Your Seat Campaign

Show your support for Ohio Dominican by participating in our "Save Your Seat" campaign. For $750, we’ll affix a brass plate with your name – or the name of someone you wish to honor – to a seat in our theater. This is a great way to support the theater’s restoration and have a lasting presence on campus for years to come.


Save Your Seat

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The Matesich Theatre Throughout History

The theater has served as a valuable campus and community resource over the past 90 years. A lifetime of memories has 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
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
Legendary actress Telulah Bankhead performs in The Little Theatre in this undated photo.
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Pygmalion2009
The cast and crew of Pygmalion in 2009.
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Matesich Theatre April 2016
Matesich Theater, April 2016
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Props
Students work backstage to build a set for an upcoming performance in The Little Theatre.
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Choir
Many students and alumni reflect fondly on their performances in The Matesich Theatre.
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Grease
The Panther Players, ODU’s student theater group, perform “Grease.”
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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
Students attend the St. Thomas Aquinas Convocation in 2014.
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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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