Michael R. Routa

About the Author

Michael R. Routa is a retired special education teacher, school administrator (within the Elyria City Schools) and adjunct university professor (Ashland University). He grew up in the Cleveland area graduating from Cathedral Latin High School and Cleveland State University with a bachelor’s and master’s degree. He also had a doctorate from Bowling Green State University. He complete research in the field of education and has shared his findings at numerous conferences across the country. When he retired he became a volunteer Redcoat at Playhouse Square. He was invited to be a tour guide for Playhouse Square and as a tour guide had had the opportunity to research the history of the theaters and showcase the wonderful theaters to visitors from around the Northeast Ohio area and from around the country. The great Euclid avenue theaters are preserved and must be seen to be fully appreciated. With a goal of becoming a better tour guide he began doing in depth research on the theaters, the history and the people who played important roles in building, operating and saving them. The results of that research was turned into to book about the history of Playhouse Square. The book looks at some interesting aspects of who built the State, Ohio, Allen, Hanna and Palace Theaters. Stories about early managers and musicians who played and ran the theaters when they first opened are presented as well as an exploration of how the theaters were about to be demolished but were saved by the efforts of dedicated volunteers and Ray Shepardson. Michael continues to be a Redcoat volunteer and tour guide at Playhouse Square. He is married to Caryl and they have one son Padriac. His research efforts are on-going.