Walnut Street Theatre
Performing ArtsPennsylvania, United States51-200 Employees
The Walnut Street Theatre, founded in 1808 in Philadelphia, is the oldest theatre in America and functions as a producing company within the performing arts. After returning to producing in 1982 under Bernard Havard, it focused on artistic excellence and on developing American theatre artists through programs such as an apprentice initiative. The company has earned recognition with awards including the Barrymore and Carbonell, and it maintains international ties through collaborations in England and the United States. Its activities extend beyond productions to education and community engagement, including partnerships with Philadelphia elementary schools in the Disney Musicals in Schools program. Recent developments include the 2025 Annual Gala INSPIRE, which the theatre hosted honoring Sharon and Scott Rankin. The organization serves a broad audience of theatre-goers while maintaining a schedule that includes youth-focused seasons and co-productions, reflecting its long-standing role in Philadelphia's performing arts landscape.