Magical Theatre Company

Dennis O'Connell began his career in the Theatre as a professional actor while still in elementary school. Before graduating from the University of Akron (B.A.), he became the Director of Drama at Walsh Jesuit High School for three years. He then spent six years as a free-lance stage actor and director, working in 16 states and Canada. Dennis began directing professional productions in 1989 and also got his feet wet in arts administration at the numerous theatres where he was acting and directing. They include: Gateway Playhouse (FL), Starlight Productions (FL), Nebraska Theatre Caravan (NE), White Hart Inn (CT), Petrucci's Main Street Theatre (MD), Fort Salem Theatre (NY) and Naples Dinner Theatre (FL).

He has had the pleasure of directing or acting with Connie Britton, Jami Gertz, Melina Kanakaredes, Doug McKeon, the late Kelly Preston, and Carrie Ann Spellman, as well as the late internationally known playwrights Fred Carmichael and Aurand Harris.

Professional affiliations include: Ohio Alliance for Arts Education, Creative Ohio, Association of Fundraising Professionals, and SAG-AFTRA. He is Past President of the erstwhile Akron Area Arts Alliance and served on the Board of the Summit County Regional Arts District, as well as being in Class 2 of Leadership Akron’s Barberton Community Leadership Institute. Along with Holly Barkdoll, Dennis was named Co-Producing Director of Magical Theatre Company, in 1992 - making him one of the longest-tenured arts leaders in Summit County. Under their leadership, Magical Theatre Company has received the Game Changer Award from Barberton Community Foundation, the Impact Award for Imagination from Peg’s Foundation, the Outreach Award from the Akron Area Arts Alliance, and the Community Collaboration Award from Summit County Housing Network.

DENNIS O’CONNELL
Co-Producing Director
Magical Theatre Company
Phone: 330-848-3708
E-mail: dennis@magicaltheatre.org www.magicaltheatre.org