Plays and Players History Plays and Players Theater is one of the oldest nonprofessional theaters in continuous use in the United States.  It was designed and constructed in 1912 by famed Philadelphia architect, Amos W. Barnes.  Murals were added in 1923 by renowned American artist Edith Emerson.  Since its inception Plays and Players has undergone many changes, but it has never closed its doors.

Plays and Players actually began in 1911 at the Art Alliance.  It was a social club devoted to expanding and developing new theater experiences for and by its membership.  Members were an exclusive group of friends who commissioned works to be written and performed for charitable purposes.  The first President, Maud Durbin Skinner, was the wife of the famed American actor, Otis Skinner, who performed upon the Delancey Street stage during its early history.  Many other theatrical greats have acted here over the years including the Barrymores, John Drew and Kevin Bacon.  Plays and Players is very likely the community theater on which Philadelphia playwright George Kelly based his slapstick comedy “The Torch Bearers".  It is also the theater where the acclaimed Broadway play, Stalag 17, premiered.   By the 1950's the membership of the private club was less exclusive and more representative of the center city community, but performances were still only for members.  In the 1960's, Plays and Players decided to "go public" and opened its productions to the entire community.  In the 70's the Plays and Players Children's Theater was added to the busy schedule.  In addition, the Plays and Players Theater has hosted many other artistic endeavors:  Drama Guild, Pocket Playhouse, Gilbert and Sullivan Players, American Music Theater, Philadelphia Theatre Company (PTC) and the Philadelphia Fringe Festival to name a few. Plays and Players is in a state of constant change.  Center city populations are often transient.  Children grow up.  New artists mature and move into professional circles.  We move in cycles, welcoming the new participants and keeping in contact with the old. For a number of years, our Family Theater remained active, but commitments to the building necessitated a hiatus of our own adult productions in favor of rental income, and we've been pleased to have the professional regional theatre Philadelphia Theatre Company (PTC) as our long-time in-house rental.  However, beginning in 2004-2005 season, in addition to having PTC as a full season rental, we launched a fuller schedule of adult and family productions between PTC shows as well as hosting cabaret events in our upstairs space and continuing our series of Sunday brunch events for members. PTC has recently built their own space on Broad Street called the Suzanne Roberts Theater and will begin performing there during the 2007-2008 season.  With PTC's move to their new home, another cycle begins at Plays and Players Theater. Preparations are underway to fill the gap from PTC's departure with more of our own, original productions and new rental partners.  Building and theater equipment concerns must be met, especially lighting and sound equipment.  Now, more than ever, we need the support of friends and members of our community, to help us meet this new challenge.  We need ideas; we need time; and let's be honest here, we need money.  Help us continue the tradition of affordable community-based theater in Center city by contributing.  All funds received will go directly to the production and implementation of future shows and educational workshops for children and adults in Philadelphia and the surrounding areas. Plays and Players Theater thanks you for your interest and continued support!