Contact Us
General Contact Info
General Human Race questions: (937) 461-3823
Box Office/Ticket questions: (937) 228-3630
Box Office
Administrative Office
Press Contact
Kappy Kilburn
kappy@humanracetheatre.org
(937) 461-3823 ext. 3112
Costume Rentals and Donations
Costume Shop Manager
contact@humanracetheatre.org
(937) 461-3823 ext. 3121
Script Submissions
At The Human Race, we offer developmental assistance to playwrights by providing readings, workshops as well as full productions. Our audience is smart, engaged and asks good questions. Because we are a small company, we are very selective on the works that we choose to develop. A variety of factors apply, for example: subject matter, size of cast, and/or our ability to provide what the playwright needs. We are currently accepting full length plays and musicals that meet the following criteria: a cast size maximum of eight actors (doubling is fine!) AND at least one of the writers hails from the immediately surrounding area (OH, KY, IN, MI) Submissions from marginalized people including women, people of color, LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, and more are strongly encouraged. Please fill out the form below to submit your piece. All submissions will receive a response within 6 – 8 weeks time.
Submit Your Play HereWhat’s on your mind?
The beauty of theatre is the dialogue it creates among our audience members. We love hearing what you think. So… send us an email and let us know. Did you like a show? Do you have an opinion on a idea or topic in one of our shows? Are you a fan of one of the performers? Do you have a suggestion for a show you’d like to see? Would you like to volunteer to help on a Board committee? Send us an email: contact@humanracetheatre.org
Send Us an EmailFrequently Asked Questions
How much are tickets?
Individual show prices vary depending on your preferred performance and seating location. Preview performances are the least expensive, and weeknights cost less than weekends. Tickets to productions in the Loft Theatre typically range from $10 – $53, but are subject to change. Discounts for seniors, military, and students are available.
Are your shows family friendly?
As a contemporary theatre company, most of our productions on the Loft season are suitable for adults and older teens as they frequently contain adult language and subject matter. If you are interested to know if a certain production is suitable for younger teens or preteens, please feel free to call or email us. Children under the age of 6 are not permitted at our productions in the Loft Theatre.
What days and times do you have shows?
Day / Time
- Preview / First Thursday at 7:30 p.m.
- Opening / First Friday at 7:30 p.m.
- Tuesdays through Saturdays/ 7:30 p.m.
- Sunday Evening / 7:30 p.m. (First Sunday only)
- Sunday Matinees / 2:00 p.m.
When should I arrive at the theatre?
We recommend you arrive 30 minutes prior to curtain when the theatre doors open, especially if you have tickets waiting at Will Call. The Loft lobby is open two hours prior to curtain. While you wait for the show to start, feel free to enjoy a drink or snack from the Loft Bar.
What happens if I’m late to my performance?
Performances begin promptly. Latecomers will be seated at the house manager’s discretion, and may have to watch the performance on a video monitor in the lobby until they can be seated. Patrons who leave the Loft Theatre during a performance may—at the sole discretion of the house manager—be re-seated, although possibly in different seats, during the performance. This is a policy we must enforce without exception, due to the layout of the Loft and for the safety of our actors and enjoyment of audience members.
Can I exchange my tickets?
If you are a Loft subscriber and the tickets in question were purchased as part of a subscription package, they may be exchanged for free (no fees) until one hour before curtain the day before your scheduled performance. There may be an up-charge if you exchange into a more expensive performance.
Non-subscribers may exchange their tickets for a different performance of the same show for a flat $5 fee until one hour before curtain the day before your scheduled performance. Exchanges can be made by phone (937-228-3630) or in person.
Otherwise, if at the last minute you are unable to use your tickets, you may turn them in as a contribution to The Human Race Theatre Company. The value of the donated tickets is tax-deductible and acknowledged by mail. Tickets for past performances cannot be considered a donation.
There are no refunds.
Can I look at a seating chart of the Loft Theatre space?
What accessibility aids do you offer?
Free assistive listening devices are available at the Loft box office prior to the performance by exchanging a license or credit card. No advance reservations are required.
Scripts for those with hearing loss are available with two weeks’ notice. Contact Tiffany Countryman for more information.
The Metropolitan Arts Center building and Loft Theatre are fully ADA accessible.
If you require wheelchair seating, please contact Dayton Live directly at 937-228-3630.
We are working toward providing audio & visual interpretive capabilities at every performance from every seat. Please reach out to us with any questions.
What are the box office’s hours?
Dayton Live
Phone: 937-228-3630
Online: www.daytonlive.org
Schuster Performing Arts Center lobby
One West Second Street
Dayton, Ohio 45402
Tuesday – Friday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Loft Theatre lobby
126 North Main Street
3rd Floor
Dayton, Ohio 45402
Open two hours prior to performance only
Are there any service fees?
Dayton Live charges a $3.50 per ticket Preservation Fee on all tickets in addition to 16% on single tickets. (The Human Race already includes this fee on all stated ticket prices.)
Ticket Center Stage charges an additional 16% per ticket Service Fee on all tickets purchased online and by phone. Subscribers and members avoid these fees!
Can I get discounted tickets?
The Human Race Theatre Company has created a variety of discount options in order to make theatre an accessible art form for all audiences.
Human Race Memberships
You’ll be in great company with our monthly Membership Plan, which allows you to join an exclusive group, get early access to prime seats, and enjoy special extras throughout the season.
Flexible Show Packages
Choose from 3-show or 4-show options for the 2022-23 season. This season, we’re offering two curated experiences, as well as a build-your-own adventure option.
Learn More About Flexible Show Packages
Pay What You CAN Night
Get a sneak peek at our productions and support a great cause. Wednesday evening at 8 p.m. prior to the opening of a show, we offer audiences the opportunity to attend an open rehearsal. The price of a ticket: bring a cash donation of your choice that will go to one of a number of The Human Race’s partnering non-profit, service-based organizations, or a non-perishable food item for The Foodbank. Tickets are first-come, first-served and are handed out starting at 6:30 p.m. in the Loft lobby. One ticket per person.
$17 and $29 Side Seats
Buy early and save. We offer a limited number of seats to each performance for as little as $20. These seats are available as soon as tickets go on sale.
“Sawbuck Sunday”
The first Sunday 7:00 p.m. performance of each Loft Series production: At 5:00 p.m., all available seats are $10 cash (a “sawbuck”). Tickets available at the Loft box office day of show for walk up sales only. One ticket per person.
Group Tickets
Groups of 10 or more receive discounts starting at 10% off. Contact Betty Gould at (937) 461-8295 for more information and to book your group.
Special Discounts
Members of the following groups receive discounts of 50% off full priced adult tickets with presentation of valid ID upon purchase of tickets. There is a maximum of two tickets per ID. Tickets are based upon availability and may not be combined with other offers or discounts, or be applied retroactively.
- Actors’ Equity Association members
- League of Cincinnati Theatres members
- City of Dayton current employees
- U.S. Military members (active duty and retired): Blue Star military tickets
- Students (may be ordered online but ID must be shown at Will Call to pick up tickets)
Do you make ticket donations to local organizations?
The Human Race does provide ticket vouchers to select regional non-profit organizations for use as a fundraising tool. Please provide us with at least one month’s notice prior to your event. Contact Tiffany Countryman for more information.
Employment
The Scenic Carpenter supports both the Artistic and Technical vision of the theatre through flexible skill sets as a carpenter and some general theatrical technical work. Reporting directly to the Scene Shop Supervisor, this hands-on position produces professional scenic work.
Duties and responsibilities
- Construct scenery using advanced construction techniques, including but not limited to scenic carpentry, finish carpentry, rigging, automation/mechanical operation, metal work, pneumatics, turntables, winches, and 3-D sculpture techniques
- Participate in load-ins and strikes
- Address construction and paint notes as directed by Scene Shop Supervisor
- Maintain excellence in quality and efficiency of work
- Uphold safe working practices in the stage, shop and storage areas
- Assist as directed when any other organization is present in the Loft Theatre
- Attend weekly staff meetings, Meet & Greets, Opening Nights and staff functions
In addition to the duties listed above, The Human Race Theatre Company expects the following of each employee: adheres to theatre’s policies and procedures; works in a safe manner; performs duties as workload necessitates; maintains a positive and respectful attitude; communicates regularly with supervisor about department issues; demonstrates efficient time management and prioritizes workload; demonstrates regular and consistent attendance and punctuality; meets department productivity standards; participates in HRTC events as needed or required; and completes other duties as assigned.
The Scenic Carpenter position is a 10-month full time, non-exempt position, with a maximum of 40 hours per week at $750-800 a week depending on experience. This contract is renewable seasonally (late August – mid-June) based on performance and review.
Complete job description: Scenic Carpenter 10.15.26
The Human Race Theatre Company is pleased to launch a Fellowship Program for emerging arts leaders in support of the 40th anniversary season. Under the current leadership of Executive Director Kappy Kilburn and Artistic Director Emily N. Wells, The Human Race has been sparking audiences and connecting with community since 1986. Fellows will gain valuable hands-on experience in arts management. We understand that navigating early career positions in the arts can be challenging; our fellows receive housing for the duration of their 10-month fellowship (if needed) at no cost to them.
Ideal for an early career individual pursuing non-profit administration functions, this fellowship will provide broad-based, direct support to the Executive Director in the areas of fundraising, marketing and communications, and database management systems. Activities may include:
- Gathering and reviewing data to assist in decision-making
- Working with the Marketing team to develop customized communication plans
- Preparing media pitches and promotional segments, community board listings
- Learning and assisting in database management and entry
- Supporting event planning across the company
- Special projects that align with the candidate’s skills and interests
Complete job description: HRTC 2025-26 ArtsMgmtFellow
Theatre made for you.
Buy Tickets