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. The Walnut Street Theatre opened in 1809 and remains the oldest continuously operating theater in America. Today you'll find everything from Broadway tours to regional premieres, experimental theater, and community productions at venues ranging from the historic to the contemporary. Avenue of the Arts on South Broad Street anchors the city's theatrical district. Companies throughout Philadelphia produce world premieres and classic revivals alike. The city has launched countless actors, playwrights, and productions to national prominence.

History

Colonial Era

Theater came early to Philadelphia. Theatrical performances started in 1749, drawing on British theater tradition, though plenty of controversy surrounded them. The Southwark Theatre opened in 1766. Not everyone approved of such entertainment. But performances happened anyway.

19th Century

The Walnut Street Theatre opened in 1809 and changed everything for the city's theater scene. Multiple playhouses soon followed. Touring productions brought new work to town. Local stock companies kept the theater alive between tours.

20th Century

Vaudeville and movies arrived and competed fiercely for audiences. Still, Broadway tours kept coming. The regional theater movement gave Philadelphia theaters more control over their own programming. The Wilma Theater was founded, marking an important shift toward locally-created work. That mattered tremendously.

Avenue of the Arts

The 1990s brought real change to the theater district. The Kimmel Center opened in 2001 on what had been a struggling Broad Street. That investment revitalized the area. A cultural district took shape. The transformation wasn't overnight, but it was real.

Major Venues

Walnut Street Theatre

The Walnut Street Theatre sits at 9th and Walnut Streets and holds the distinction of being America's oldest continuously operating theater (1809). It's got a main stage and studio spaces. The theater runs a subscription season. Audiences keep coming back year after year.

Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts

Opened in 2001, this modern complex anchors the Avenue of the Arts. Verizon Hall seats 2,500 people. The Perelman Theater serves smaller productions. Multiple companies call the Kimmel Center home.

Academy of Music

This grand dame opened in 1857 as an opera house. It's the oldest U.S. opera house still in operation. Tours and special events fill its calendar now. The building itself deserves attention.

Forrest Theatre

Built in 1928 as a movie palace, the Forrest Theatre converted to live theater. It sits on Walnut Street. Broadway tours are its bread and butter. The historic building adds real character to the Avenue of the Arts.

Merriam Theater

Located on the Avenue of the Arts, the Merriam Theater books Broadway and touring shows. It offers variety programming. The historic building keeps standards high.

Theater Companies

Wilma Theater

Founded in 1973, the Wilma Theater makes world premieres its calling card. Jiri Zizka's legacy still shapes the company's work. It's located on the Avenue of the Arts. The Wilma doesn't settle for revivals alone.

Philadelphia Theatre Company

This company produces world premieres and contemporary plays. The Suzanne Roberts Theatre is their home on the Avenue of the Arts. They're committed to new work.

Arden Theatre Company

The Arden Theatre Company works in the Old City and produces work for both adults and children. Regional premieres feature prominently. They've got two stages. The company builds work from the ground up.

Lantern Theater Company

Located in Center City at St. Stephen's Theatre, the Lantern Theater Company mixes classic and new plays. It's an intimate space. The subscription season keeps things stable.

Theatre Horizon

Based in Norriton, this regional theater builds a growing reputation. Quality matters most. New audiences discover them constantly.

People's Light

This Chester County regional theater operates from Malvern. Professional productions are standard. They tackle new work and classics with equal commitment.

Experimental Theater

Pig Iron Theatre Company

Pig Iron Theatre Company specializes in physical theater and devised work. They tour internationally but stay Philadelphia-based. Innovative productions define what they do.

FringeArts

The Fringe Festival runs every September. It's not just an annual event. FringeArts runs a year-round venue featuring experimental work. International artists participate. It's become essential to the city's identity.

InterAct Theatre

This company creates plays addressing social issues. Contemporary work is their focus. They're located in Center City. Art and activism intersect here.

Broadway Tours

Touring Productions

Major musicals and Broadway shows find homes at the Kimmel Center, the Forrest Theatre, and the Academy of Music. Philadelphia audiences support touring productions consistently.

Training

Acting Schools

Training happens through multiple channels. The Pig Iron School trains artists. Universities like Temple and Penn offer programs. Community classes make training accessible. Youth programs build the next generation.

Playwrights

Philadelphia Writers

Bruce Graham is a Philadelphia-based playwright. So is Michael Hollinger. Jacqueline Goldfinger rounds out the talent pool. These writers fuel new work development. The city nurtures its own.

Awards

Barrymore Awards

The Barrymore Awards recognize excellence in local theater. Theatre Philadelphia runs the program. Awards cover multiple categories. It's an annual tradition.

See Also

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