Arden Theatre Company

The Experience

With a mission to tell “the greatest stories by the greatest storytellers of all times,” the Arden Theatre Company presents an annual season of five mainstage productions and two children’s works. The Arden’s great stories have ranged from lively reinterpretations of classic works by William Shakespeare, Stephen Sondheim and Tennessee Williams, to the work of contemporary playwrights such as Michael Hollinger and Bruce Graham, whose productions have been among the company’s 22 world premieres. With every production, the Arden’s creative team views the audience as the key collaborator in a journey to engage the imagination.

Children’s Shows

The Arden Theatre Company uses the same meticulous standards and high caliber of actors and designers for its children’s shows as for its adult productions. Each performance is followed by a Q & A session and a chance to meet the cast. The Arden also offers the “Family Usher Network” (or FUN), which gives kids the chance to help seat the audience, take a backstage tour and participate in the onstage, pre-show speech.

History

Founded in 1988 — in a rented space — by Terrence J. Nolen, Amy Murphy and Aaron Posner, the Arden now has an Old City base with two theaters. The company has a professional children’s theater program, the first in the city; a professional apprenticeship program and initiatives to ensure access for people who are disadvantaged and those who have disabilities. Among its numerous awards are 44 Barrymores and four “Theatre Company of the Year” citations from The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Insider Tip

The Arden’s building in Old City reportedly stands on the site of Benjamin Franklin^s bookstore.

Kids’ Shows

Kids eight and older attending children’s theater productions will love the Family Usher Network (FUN), which gives them a chance to help seat the audience, take a backstage tour and participate in the onstage, preshow remarks.