Hedgerow Theatre

Hedgerow Theatre is a theatre company based in Philadelphia. It is the oldest residential repertory theatre company in the United States.

Hedgerow was founded in 1923 by New York-based director and actor Jasper Deeter in Rose Valley, Pennsylvania. The theatre itself, originally a grist-mill built in 1840, seats 144 spectators. Hedgerow’s green room showcases a staircase and table designed by Wharton Esherick, acclaimed American craftsman, as well as one time set designer for Hedgerow. Located a half mile from the theatre is Hedgerow House, utilized as housing for the residential company members as well as a rehearsal space, school, and office, accompanied by the costume and prop shops.

Claimed to be “The Mother of all Philadelphia Theatre,” Hedgerow has helped to spawn other popular theatre companies, such as People’s Light and Theatre Company. Hedgerow has been the site of many play debuts, and has received recognition by producing the plays of George Bernard Shaw, Eugene O’Neil, and Sean O’Casey. Its actors have included Richard Basehart, Ann Harding, Keanu Reeves, and Austin Pendleton.

Since 1990, Hedgerow has been under the artistic direction of Penelope Reed, who has encouraged the educational growth of the company as well as an atmosphere of collaboration. The company stages upwards of two dozen productions a year and relies on the dedication of its full-time company members, volunteers, and surrounding community. The typical Mainstage season consists of, but is never limited to, new plays, farces, Shakespeare, mysteries, and the seasonal favorite, "A Christmas Carol". The Horizons series runs in repertory with the Mainstage season and frequently showcases new plays, often featuring the younger company members. Recently, the Mainstage season has been divided into two different series. The theatre has started to operated under a Small Professional Theatre contract, featuring more Equity artists in what will be known as the Signature series, while the entire company and emerging artists will be featured in the Heritage series.

Hedgerow prides itself on educational productions and focuses much dedication to school tours as well as outreach programs to underserved audiences. The Children’s Theatre productions also serve as an educational outlet, featuring actors from ages three and up, many of whom have taken classes through the Hedgerow Theatre School, originally formed by Rose Schulman. It also offers fellowships to recent college graduates pursuing professional and practical experience. Fellows typically stay with the company for a year in residence at Hedgerow House and gain experience in acting, stage management, design, administration, and development.

Hedgerow was recently awarded the Best New Play 2005 Barrymore Award for "The Lives of Bosie" by John Wolfson.

References

*Hedgerow Theatre. www.hedgerowtheatre.org Hedgerow Theatre Home Page. Retrieved 2007-10-2
*Jasper Deeter. [http://eoneill.com/library/review/28/28g.htm ] The Eugene O'Neil Review. Retrieved 2007-10-2.
*Wharton Esherick. [http://www.levins.com/esherick.html ] Wharton Esherick Master Home Page. Retrieved 2007-10-2.
*Mother of All Philadelphia Theatre. [http://www.theatrealliance.org/news/2007/0117c.html ] Theatre Alliance of Greater Philadelphia. Retrieved 2007-10-2.

External links

* [http://www.hedgerowtheatre.org Hedgerow Theatre Home Page]