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About Us

A theatre company dedicated to women

Magnolia Theatre Company

Founded in 2012 in Pennsylvania by professional actor Gina Handy Minyard, Magnolia Theatre Company (MTC) emerged from a recognition of stark gender disparities within the theatrical landscape—specifically the lack of female leadership and opportunities. Driven by a commitment to change, Minyard established MTC as a professional theatre company dedicated to championing women's voices.

The company relocated to Dayton, OH, in 2014, where the imperative for a professional theatre focused on women's work was even more pronounced. MTC swiftly joined the ImPACt program at the Victoria Theatre Association, debuting with Parallel Lives, a production featuring 100% local, female talent.

In 2016, Magnolia added Femme Artisan, an annual staged reading series dedicated to showcasing new and under-produced works.

In 2022, with crucial support from the Montgomery County Arts and Cultural District, MTC achieved the significant milestone of becoming a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. From 2023 to 2025, Magnolia was a member of Dayton Live’s Community Spotlight Program.

Presently, MTC is a flourishing, boutique company, producing evocative work at the PNC Arts Annex in Dayton and remaining deeply dedicated to creating an inclusive artistic sanctuary for those genders marginalized by patriarchal structures.

A group of women sitting around a piano holding stars

MTC lives by three words

Fresh

FRESH is the commitment to bringing strong female characters to the stage in performances that entertain, inspire, and provoke.

Funky

FUNKY is the trendy vibe at Magnolia. We want to be different, unique, and powerful.

FEMININE

FEMININE is the most critical part. In addition to strong female character onstage, every attempt will be made to hire women in all technical, administrative, and creative roles.

Magnolia Theatre Company produces shows that celebrate strong female characters.

A 501(c)3 nonprofit organization

Thank You For Your Continued Support!

At Magnolia Theatre Company, we are deeply committed to fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice within our organization and the broader theatre community. We envision a world where gender equity thrives in the theatre, and we strive to serve and uplift those who have been historically marginalized and oppressed by the limitations of the gender binary.

Our Commitments:

MTC firmly believes in transparency and fair compensation. We will ensure that all job postings include clear and explicit information about pay, providing potential candidates with the necessary information to make informed decisions about their applications.

MTC values the power of collaboration and recognizes that partnerships can contribute significantly to creating positive change. We will proactively align ourselves with other organizations and companies that share our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice. We will actively seek collaborations with partners who have clear and purposeful DEIJ policies and plans, enabling us to collectively effect meaningful transformation.

We firmly believe in the power of intersectional feminism as a guiding principle. At MTC, we celebrate and promote strong female characters on stage, recognizing their ability to inspire, empower, and challenge societal norms. We are committed to building bridges with marginalized artists and fostering an intersectional approach that acknowledges and addresses the unique experiences and barriers faced by individuals with intersecting identities.

MTC is dedicated to being responsive and open to feedback. We understand that our DEIJ journey is dynamic and ongoing, requiring constant evaluation, learning, and adaptation. We are committed to actively listening to the voices and concerns of our employees, artists, audiences, and stakeholders. By fostering a culture of openness, dialogue, and continuous improvement, we will ensure that our approach remains responsive and aligned with the evolving needs of our community.

We invite all employees, partners, and community members to actively participate in our DEIJ journey. Together, let us work tirelessly to create a more inclusive, equitable, and just future for everyone, both within MTC and the broader theatre landscape.

Our

Board Members

Gina Handy Minyard

Founding Artistic Director

Stephanie Radford

Board Chair

Rachel Robinson

Board Member

Grace Wagner