MANSFIELD, OHIO – He’s back.

After a sold-out run last fall, the Renaissance Theatre’s terrifying stage adaptation of Dracula returns to the intimate Theatre 166 this October, bringing blood, jump scares, 70s rock, and a few new surprises along with it.

Written and directed by Ryan Shealy and adapted from Bram Stoker’s classic novel, Dracula transforms the familiar vampire story into an 80-minute live horror experience. Most of the original cast will reprise their roles, while new cast members, new music, new scares, and unexpected turns will ensure that even returning audiences don’t know exactly what is waiting in the dark.

Performances will take place over three weekends from October 2-18 with showtimes on Fridays at 7:30PM, Saturdays at 7:30PM and 10:30PM (extra blood performance), and Sundays at 2:30PM.

“We are so excited to bring this show back,” said Shealy. “It’s such a fun show to create, and horror theatre is really having a moment right now. It’s great to be on the front lines of that push.

“This version will be a little different than last season, with some new scares, new music, and some unexpected turns in the familiar story. We also have a few new cast members joining, so we are excited to see what they bring to the table.”

Also returning this season are the production’s popular late-night “Extra Blood” performances at 10:30 PM on Saturdays, offering audiences an even bloodier version of the show after dark.

Told through Mina’s haunting perspective, Shealy’s adaptation strips Stoker’s sprawling gothic novel down to an intimate theatrical nightmare. The production combines live performance with the tension and visceral thrills of a horror attraction, placing audiences just feet away from the story as Dracula closes in.

The creative team from last season returns, with an original score and sound design by Aaron James Nicolas, set design by Jason Kaufman, costume design by Linda Turske, and lighting design by Nik Demers.

The cast includes:

  • Sam Woodill as Mina
  • George Swarn as Dracula
  • Jacob Poiner as Jonathan
  • Nykera Gardner as Lucy
  • Drew Traxler as Helsing
  • Nikki Statak as Dr. J. Seward
  • Niko Carter as Arthur
  • Matthew Korver as Quincy
  • Zak Ramos as Swales
  • Mindy Tishue as Lucy’s Mother/Bride
  • Haley Bedocs as Witness/Bride
  • Mckenna Stoffer as Mary/Bride

With the audience surrounding the action inside Theatre 166, the production trades the safety of a traditional proscenium for something much closer and more immediate. Blood, jump scares, atmospheric lighting, an original rock-infused soundscape, and the intimacy of the venue combine to make Dracula as much a horror experience as a night at the theatre.

Following last season’s sold-out performances, audiences are encouraged to reserve seats early for this limited return engagement. Tickets are $30 for general admission and are available online at rentickets.org, by calling the Renaissance Box Office at 419-522-2726, or by visiting the theatre at 138 Park Avenue West, Mansfield.

Sponsorship opportunities for Dracula are still available for businesses and organizations interested in supporting the production. For sponsorship information, contact Grace Riegel, Development & Executive Affairs Coordinator, at 419-522-2726, ext. 203 or grace@mansfieldtickets.com.

Dracula contains horror elements, theatrical blood, jump scares, and other intense content.