Draft:Tantrum Theater

Tantrum Theater founded in 2015, is a resident professional theater company based in Athens, OH which has been funded by Ohio Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts. Since its founding, Tantrum has produced seventeen productions and premiered four professional productions. Premieres include: Tammy Faye's Final Audition by Merri Biechler which the Columbus Dispatch described as, "Touching, amusing and ultimately inspiring, Tammy Faye's Final Audition transcends easy stereotypes about the teary-eyed televangelist." , a new play This is not What I Expected When I Imagined a Republic by Daria Miyeko Marinelli, Hotel Berry by Jacqueline E. Lawton , and the regional premiere of Ohio University Alumnus Dave Malloy’s musical Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812. In addition to new plays and musicals, Tantrum Theater produced a podcast series called Stories of COVID-19 which is a series featuring stories of community members in Athens County Ohio, hosted by Distinguished Playwright Charles Smith.

Tantrum serves as a training ground for Ohio University School of Theater. As a University/Resident Theatre Association member theater, Tantrum is affiliated with Actors' Equity Association, Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, United Scenic Artists - Local 829, and Theatre Communications Group.

The 2022 commission of Hotel Berry by Jacqueline E. Lawton, focused on the historic Black community of Athens, in partnership with Mt. Zion Baptist Church Preservation Society. This commission was nominated for Best New Play or Musical at the 2023 Broadway World Awards. Hotel Berry was made possible by a $10,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Tantrum Theater supports and operates the Athens Middle School Drama program as part of its education and outreach programming, in addition to producing professional productions in Athens, OH and commissioning new plays.

Current Leadership
Tantrum Theater is currently lead by Artistic Director, Ellie Clark and Producing Director, Roberto Di Donato.