Original text from an earlier festival edition. Dates, performers, prices, addresses and application instructions below are historical; they do not describe the returning 2027 edition. Old forms and transaction controls are disabled. Read current information ↗
First Night Artists
Download the entire First Night Akron 2011 Event Guide.
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Arists: Theatre
L.I.O.N. Players
Zion Lutheran Church 7:30-8
Zion Lutheran Church 9:30-10
L.I.O.N. Players, a theater troupe based in Akron, spotlights truth through the creative arts. In a high energy performance L.I.O.N. Players use drama, dance, music and mime. L.I.O.N. Players perform throughout Northeast Ohio, nationally and internationally.
Magic Mike Productions
Akron-Summit County Public Library-Main St. Level 9:30-10:15
Akron-Summit County Public Library-Main St. Level 10:30-11
Magic Mike reappears at First Night with mind-baffling interactive street magic and grand scale illusion to amaze and astonish children and adults of all ages.
Magical Theatre Company
Akron-Summit County Public Library: Auditorium 7:15-8
Akron-Summit County Public Library: Auditorium 8:15-9
Enjoy the performance of Aesop's fables. Life lessons. Great Truths. Call them what you will. They're still relevant and still entertaining: The Tortoise & the Hare, The Boy Who Cried Wolf, The Mouse & the Lion and more. Delightful!
Post Comedy Theater
John S. Knight Center-Main Floor 2 7:30-8
John S. Knight Center-Main Floor 2 8:15-8:45
John S. Knight Center-Main Floor 2 9-9:30
Robert Post performs a series of comedy sketches reminiscent of old-time variety shows like Red Skeleton and Carol Burnett. He plays every character--sometimes as many as seven in one sketch. POST Comedy Theater is sure to make you laugh, think and wonder as this cast of zany characters comes to life.
Professor Gizmo's Fun & Science Show
National Inventors Hall of Fame 5:30-6
National Inventors Hall of Fame 6:30-7
National Inventors Hall of Fame 7:30-8
With bright, colorful, larger-than-life props, Professor Gizmo is a full-sized costume character who presents a series of whimsical, imaginative fun and funny science demonstrations that keep children and adults rolling with laughter!
The Illusion Factory
Akron-Summit County Public Library: Auditorium 5-5:45
Akron-Summit County Public Library: Auditorium 6-6:45
The Illusion Factory presents a charming and humorous adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fairy tale, “The Nightingale.” Enjoy audience participation, lovely song, brightly executed dance and a compelling story.