Playwright Eric Mansfield to Premiere Two Akron Plays
Eric Mansfield will see two of his plays performed simultaneously in Akron starting this November.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Children’s Theater
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Playwright Eric Mansfield is set to have two works performed in Akron in November 2026. The world premiere of Shelter begins on November 5, followed by the revival of Love in Reserve on November 6.
Why it matters
The simultaneous runs highlight Mansfield's prolific output as a dramatist and his commitment to themes grounded in his military and journalistic background. The plays provide local audiences with dual perspectives on complex subjects ranging from conflict to personal tragedy.
Eric Mansfield has authored 20 full-length plays to date. Tickets for the upcoming performances are priced at $25.15 for Shelter and $25.00 for Love in Reserve.
The players
Eric Mansfield
He is an experienced playwright and military veteran who served in the U.S. Army and Ohio Army National Guard.
The details
Shelter, which depicts events in a counselor's office during a school shooting, runs for eight performances at Wild Thread Theatre. Meanwhile, the revival of Love in Reserve, a play about a military couple during the Iraq War, consists of six performances at the Makeshift Theater.
Timeline
Shelter begins its world premiere run on November 5, 2026.
Love in Reserve begins its performance run on November 6, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
The production of two distinct works simultaneously underscores the growing trend of local playwrights finding sustained support within regional theater circuits. This dual-run approach positions Mansfield as a significant voice in local arts, mirroring larger movements in independent theater where creators often manage multiple narratives to reach diverse audiences.
Theatergoers can access the performances across two distinct venues throughout the month of November. Attendees should note the different ticket pricing and venue locations when planning their visits to these theatrical events.
The takeaway
These productions demonstrate the power of personal experience in shaping contemporary drama. Audiences can gain a deeper understanding of military and civilian struggles by engaging with the intersection of Mansfield's past service and his journalistic observations.
Further reading
Discover more about local productions in the Akron Children’s Theater section.
More information
Purchase tickets for the upcoming show at the Love in Reserve ticket purchase portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Akron Beacon Journal.
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