The Timeslider Theater Troupe is a dynamic new museum theater program created by the Western Reserve Historical Society (WRHS). A variety of historical figures and engaging new programs are available at the WRHS headquarters in University Circle, or Timeslider Theater travels into the community to perform at your special program or event.

Participation Theater

Participation Theater style programs give audiences the opportunity to retell history, by playing the roles of men and women who helped write it. This style of program engages the audience who is involved in history along with the museum theater performer. The scripted program gives the audience members the opportunity to observe, listen and participate while complex issues are debated.

Free Speech on Trial

This is one of the most popular Readers Theater programs. Free Speech tells the story of Eugene V. Debs, the Socialist Party leader arrested in Canton during WWI for publicly criticizing the war in Europe.  Audiences participate as the crowds during Debs' impassioned speech, and play the role of judge, lawyers, witnesses and jury in Debs' 1918 trial in Cleveland.

The Wright Way to Fly

This program explores the history of flight and the Wright Brother's historic achievement at the dawn of the 20th Century. Narrated by Katherine Wright, the often overlooked sister and primary supporter of Wilbur and Orviller, this program features the voices of aviation scientists and enthusiasts from throughout history, from Civil War balloonists to Samual P. Langley of the Smithsonian Institution.

Solo - one person Shows

These programs offer the audience a chance to sit back and enjoy a scripted piece from a historic character -or two - with ties to Cleveland and Northeast Ohio.

Eliot Ness

He is perhaps best known for helping stamp out organized crime in Chicago. Ness was the Safty Director for the City of Cleveland during the 1930's.  Many of the crime fighting innovations Director Ness brought to Cleveland are still evident today.

Timeslider Theater for hire

Are you or your organization planning a special event or anniversary celebration? Bring your event to life by adding a Timeslider Theater presentation. Timeslider characters and scripted presentations are researched and developed specifically for your event or organization.

Beech Brook, Inc. hired WRHS in 2002 to help celebrate the organizations 150^th

Anniversary. Nancy Kortemeyer, Public Relations Director Beech Brook, Inc., had this to say regarding the Timeslideer Theater Troupe:

Your participation…made an enourmous difference in making an important part of our history come alive for our guests, our board members and even our own staff.

Make History come to life at your next event, for information regarding the Timeslider Theater Troupe or any other public program offering from WRHS, contact the Director of Marketing and Communications, at (216) 721-5722.

*Public Programs at the Western Reserve Historical Society made possible in part by a grant from the George Gund Foundation

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