Philadelphia Theater

Philadelphia theater has a distinguished history spanning over 250 years, making the city one of America's oldest and most vibrant theatrical centers. From the Walnut Street Theatre—the oldest continuously operating theater in America (1809)—to contemporary venues like the Kimmel Center, Philadelphia's theater scene encompasses Broadway tours, regional premieres, experimental theater, and community productions. The Avenue of the Arts on South Broad Street anchors the city's theatrical district, while companies throughout the city produce everything from world premieres to classic revivals. Philadelphia has launched countless actors, playwrights, and productions to national prominence.

History

Colonial Era

Early theater:

• First theatrical performances (1749)
• British theater tradition
• Controversy over performances
• Southwark Theatre (1766)

19th Century

Growth:

• Walnut Street Theatre (1809)
• Multiple playhouses
• Touring productions
• Local stock companies

20th Century

Modern era:

• Vaudeville and movies compete
• Broadway tours
• Regional theater movement
• Wilma Theater founding

Avenue of the Arts

Renaissance:

• 1990s development
• Kimmel Center (2001)
• Revitalized Broad Street
• Cultural district

Major Venues

Walnut Street Theatre

Historic landmark:

• Oldest theater in America*** (1809)
• Main stage and studio
• Subscription season
• 9th and Walnut Streets

Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts

Modern complex:

• Opened 2001
• Verizon Hall (2,500 seats)
• Perelman Theater
• Multiple companies

Academy of Music

Grand dame:

• Opened 1857
• Opera house
• Oldest U.S. opera house still in operation
• Tours and special events

Forrest Theatre

Broadway touring:

• 1928 movie palace
• Converted to live theater
• Broadway tours
• Walnut Street location

Merriam Theater

Touring venue:

• Avenue of the Arts
• Broadway and touring shows
• Variety programming
• Historic building

Theater Companies

Wilma Theater

Premiere company:

• Founded 1973
• World premieres
• Jiri Zizka legacy
• Avenue of the Arts

Philadelphia Theatre Company

Local productions:

• World premieres
• Contemporary plays
• Suzanne Roberts Theatre
• Avenue of the Arts

Arden Theatre Company

Old City company:

• Adult and children's productions
• Regional premieres
• Old City location
• Two stages

Lantern Theater Company

Intimate theater:

• Center City
• Classic and new plays
• Subscription season
• St. Stephen's Theatre

Theatre Horizon

Norristown company:

• Regional theater
• Quality productions
• Growing reputation

People's Light

Chester County:

• Regional theater
• Malvern location
• Professional productions
• New work and classics

Experimental Theater

Pig Iron Theatre Company

Physical theater:

• Devised work
• International touring
• Philadelphia-based
• Innovative productions

FringeArts

Fringe Festival:

• Annual festival (September)
• Year-round venue
• Experimental work
• International artists

InterAct Theatre

Social issues:

• Plays addressing issues
• Contemporary work
• Center City

Broadway Tours

Touring Productions

National tours:

• Kimmel Center
• Forrest Theatre
• Academy of Music
• Major musicals

Training

Acting Schools

Training programs:

• Pig Iron School
• University programs (Temple, Penn)
• Community classes
• Youth programs

Playwrights

Philadelphia Writers

Local talent:

• Bruce Graham
• Michael Hollinger
• Jacqueline Goldfinger
• New work development

Awards

Barrymore Awards

Local recognition:

• Annual theater awards
• Excellence recognition
• Multiple categories
• Theatre Philadelphia organization

See Also

• Walnut Street Theatre
• Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
• Academy of Music
• Avenue of the Arts