Call Number:

Print Collection 58

Repository:

University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts

Extent:

0.1 linear_foot (2 oversized folders)

Language:

English

Preferred Citation:

Mark Sfirri collection of Hedgerow Theatre Company posters, 1948-1959, undated, Print Collection 58, Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts, University of Pennsylvania

Date:

1948-1959, undated (inclusive)

Creator:

Hedgerow Theatre (Organization : Rose Valley, Pa.) and Sfirri, Mark

Form:

Promotional materials and Posters

Abstract:

The Hedgerow Theatre Company was established in 1923 by Jasper Deeter, a New York based actor and director. Located in the Rose Valley Arts and Crafts Community of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, Hedgerow Theatre was considered a haven for cutting edge artists of the early 20th century. This collection consists of ten posters advertising Hedgerow Theatre Company's seasons and repertory, dating from the 1940s to the 1950s.

Visionary actor and director Jasper Deeter founded Hedgerow in 1923 as a haven for cutting edge artists of the early 20th century, and the theatre quickly gained a national and international reputation as a proving ground for artists. Hedgerow launched as the first American resident repertory theatre that has become a magnet for many national theatre personalities, from Ann Harding to Keanu Reeves.

Starting from humble beginnings in a gristmill, the Hedgerow has persisted through many challenges from war and fluctuating economies to two fires which required a complete rebuilding of the theatre in 1990. Despite these challenges, the Hedgerow Theatre Company has continually grown, adding new programs to aid in the growth of theater education and experience for all ages. In 1958, Rose Schulman and Deeter founded the Hedgerow Theater School of Expression training generations of theatre artists adding to the already thriving live-in repertory theatre company. Shortly after, actress Penelope Reed joined the Company and quickly opened a children's theater while expanding the educational programming to include children as well.

Serving as artistic director from 1990 to 2013, Penelope Reed guided the Hedgerow to being a defining feature of the Greater Philadelphia artistic landscape and cemented its role in training the next generation of theatre artists by installing a Fellowship program that continues to produce talented arts leaders that have grown the Philadelphia arts scene. At the 2001 National Theatre Communications Group conference held in Philadelphia, Hedgerow was lauded as the "Mother of all Philadelphia theatres." In 2016, Hedgerow theatre changed hands with Penelope Reed stepping down and her son, Jared Reed, taking over the directorship.

The mission of the Hedgerow Theatre Company— as professional theatre ensemble and theatre school—strives to create ensemble works of the highest quality and distinction and to provide a learning environment focused on kindness, positive feedback, creative thought, and critical thinking using theatre as the medium. Additionally, the Theatre continues to be a resident training ground for established and emerging theatre professionals while serving as a cultural resource for all people while deepening human connections.

History taken in its entirety from the Hedgerow Theatre (hedgerowtheatre.org)

This collection consists of ten posters advertising Hedgerow Theatre Company's seasons and repertory, dating from the 1940s to the 1950s. The posters are arranged in chronological order, as much as possible.

The posters include the name of the theater, Hedgerow Theatre, and its location in Moylan, Pennsylvania, as well as telephone number. These posters, for the most part, include a drawn representation of Hedgerow Theatre, sometimes stylized, or a logo for the Theatre. Only two posters include a list of plays or performances; the remainder include instructions for writing or calling for schedules or reservations.

Nearly all the posters indicate that tickets were available to be purchased in the city of Philadelphia at Gimbels and, prior to the mid 1950s, at Haly Ticket Office. Early posters also advertise special rates for students and parties. In the mid 1950s, the Company appears to have performed in the Academy of Music Foyer at Broad and Locust Streets.