Known for its saying “The Ren isn’t just a place, it’s you,” the Renaissance Theatre Company has lived up to its motto.
The Ren faced difficulties in 2025, when city officials required its building to shut down in mid-September, but the fan favorite venue is just about ready to return home.
“People have shown that to be true,” Co-Founder Donald Rupe says of their slogan. “I don’t think anybody’s been waiting for us to reopen; they’ve just been joining us on this journey to all of these different locations.”
After the closure the Ren moved to a temporary space formerly occupied by Fringe ArtSpace. The Ren is currently running its production of “Mean Girls” at its temporary location. They announced their intent to continue the production at that location even if its original building was permitted to reopen during the run.
The Ren is Central Florida’s 1st Place Favorite Local Arts Organization and 1st Place Favorite Local Theatrical Show for “Nosferatu V.” The show is a 360-degree vampire experience with space becoming the hunting grounds for the coven.
Although the team at the Ren had to destroy the set of “Nosferatu,” they promise to be back better and safer than ever next year.
“We’re truly so grateful to be included on these lists,” Rupe shares. “2025 was a challenging year for Renaissance Theatre Company, but the continuous outpouring of support and love from our community has kept us going.”
Rupe adds that he’s proud of how his team has handled everything. The Ren is a nonprofit theatre dedicated to producing new works. It believes in fair pay for all and focuses on highlighting diverse voices, something it’s continued to do throughout the headwinds.
When the Ren returns to its original space there will be an increase in occupancy and it plans to share announcements about what shows are to come for the rest of the year.
“The Ren is more than just a place; it’s you. We’ll be home soon, and we can’t wait to celebrate with all of you,” Rupe says.
Read more about the 2026 WONDER Awards here.
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