Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Premier Destination for Live Theater & Arts in Allentown
Civic Theatre Of Allentown, founded in 1927, stands as a cornerstone of cultural enrichment in the Lehigh Valley. Our organization has dedicated nearly a century to inspiring, enlightening, and entertaining audiences through professional live theater productions, arts-infused education programs, and curated arthouse cinema experiences. As stewards of the historic 19th Street Theatrerenovated to its original splendor in 2018 and listed on the National Register of Historic Placeswe combine tradition with innovation to serve the Greater Lehigh Valley community. Our Civic Theatre School, established in 1956, remains the region's premier training ground for young performers, while Theatre514 provides an intimate space for experimental works and local artists.With a legacy of nurturing talent that includes Hollywood actors and industry professionals, we maintain rigorous artistic standards through continuous investment in technical excellence and community engagement. Our commitment to accessibility ensures diverse audiences can experience the transformative power of the performing arts through affordable programming and outreach initiatives.
Services
Live Theater Productions
Civic Theatre School
Arthouse Cinema Screenings
Venue Rentals
Community Outreach Programs
Theater Education Classes
Special Event Hosting
Film Series Programming
Artist Development Workshops
Historic Space Preservation
Details
- Year established: 1927
Highlights and features
- We offer 95+ years of continuous theatrical excellence in the Lehigh Valley
- Our historic 19th Street Theatre features state-of-the-art renovations preserving original architecture
- Civic Theatre School provides professional training for young actors since 1956
- We maintain two performance spaces including the innovative Theatre514 black box venue
- Our productions have launched careers of nationally recognized performers and creatives
Services
Live Theater Productions
Our professional theater productions feature both classic and contemporary works performed in our historic 470-seat theater. Each season includes diverse programming from Broadway musicals to thought-provoking dramas, all produced with professional sets, lighting, and sound. Audiences experience high-quality performances that have become cultural touchstones for the Lehigh Valley community.
Civic Theatre School
Offering classes for students ages 5-18, our theater school provides comprehensive training in acting, movement, and performance techniques. The curriculum develops essential life skills while preparing students for potential careers in the performing arts. Our graduates have achieved success on Broadway, television, and film while maintaining strong community engagement.
Arthouse Cinema Screenings
Our cinema program presents curated selections of international, independent, and classic films in both our main theater and intimate black box space. Special series include Hollywood Cinema Surprise events and seasonal film festivals that attract diverse audiences seeking alternatives to mainstream cinema offerings.
Venue Rentals
Our historic theater and flexible black box space accommodate various events from corporate functions to private screenings. The 19th Street Theatre offers 470-seat capacity with full technical support, while Theatre514 provides an 87-seat intimate setting ideal for experimental works and community events.
Community Outreach Programs
Through partnerships and educational initiatives, we bring theater experiences to underserved populations. Our programs include discounted tickets for students and seniors, scholarship opportunities for theater school, and collaborative projects with local schools and community organizations to ensure accessibility for all residents.
Questions
What types of productions does Civic Theatre present?
We produce a diverse season including Broadway musicals, classic dramas, contemporary works, and family-friendly shows in our mainstage theater, plus experimental productions in our black box space.
Are there educational opportunities for young performers?
Our Civic Theatre School offers classes for ages 5-18 with professional training in acting, movement, and performance techniques, including scholarship opportunities for qualified students.
Can I rent Civic Theatre's spaces for private events?
Yes, we offer rentals for both our 470-seat historic theater and 87-seat Theatre514 black box space for corporate events, private screenings, and special occasions with full technical support.
How can I support Civic Theatre's mission?
Support options include tax-deductible donations, membership programs, sponsorship opportunities, volunteer participation, and participation in our educational and outreach initiatives.
What accessibility features are available at Civic Theatre?
Our facilities include street-level restrooms, assistive listening devices, and accessible seating. We offer sensory-friendly performances and maintain ADA compliance throughout our venues.
How does Civic Theatre engage with the local community?
We partner with local schools, present community-focused programming, offer discounted tickets for underserved populations, and provide performance opportunities for regional artists through our various outreach initiatives.