Business Details
29 Years
experience
Philadelphia's All-Comedy Theater Company
Founded in 1997 by Jennifer Childs and Peter Pryor, 1812 Productions has established itself as Philadelphia's premier theater company dedicated exclusively to comedy. With over 25 years of experience, we specialize in creating original comedic works and producing plays that explore community, history, and humanity through laughter. Our repertoire includes more than 60 world premieres and critically acclaimed productions like This Is The Week That Is, which earned recognition from the American Theatre Wing. We combine devised theater with educational outreach through our 1812 Education program, which has served Philadelphia public schools for two decades.As recipients of the Barrymore Award for Excellence in Theatre Education and a National Theatre Company Grant from the Tony Awards' founding organization, we maintain rigorous artistic standards while making comedy accessible to diverse audiences. Our commitment to Philadelphia artists and audiences is reflected in our 30-year track record of blending historical themes with contemporary humor, creating a unique theatrical experience that resonates with local and national communities alike.
Services
Theatrical Productions
Original Comedy Works
Educational Programs
Space Rentals
Ticket Sales
Details
- Year established: 1997
Highlights and features
- We have produced over 60 original comedic works since 1997
- Our education program serves Philadelphia public schools annually
- Award-winning productions recognized by the American Theatre Wing
- Philadelphia's only professional theater company dedicated to comedy
- Recipient of National Theatre Company Grant from Tony Awards founders
Services
Theatrical Productions
We produce original comedic works and classic plays at Plays & Players Theatre. Our performances combine historical themes with contemporary humor, creating engaging experiences for diverse audiences. As Philadelphia's only comedy-dedicated theater company, we maintain artistic excellence while exploring social issues through laughter.
Original Comedy Works
Our company creates world premiere comedic productions annually. These original works blend historical research with modern satire, focusing on Philadelphia's cultural heritage. Each piece undergoes extensive development with local artists, resulting in unique performances that have earned national recognition from the American Theatre Wing.
Educational Programs
Our 1812 Education initiative provides theater instruction at South Philadelphia High School and Widener School. The program combines performance skills with historical education, having impacted hundreds of students over two decades. It has received both the Barrymore Award and Victory Foundation Award for excellence.
Space Rentals
We offer theater space at Plays & Players Theatre for performances and events. Rental packages include technical support, lighting systems, and production equipment. The venue accommodates various performance types while maintaining professional theater standards for both resident and visiting companies.
Ticket Sales
We manage ticket sales for all mainstage productions and special events. Our system offers digital ticketing options, subscription packages, and group discounts. Customers can purchase tickets online, through our administrative office, or directly at the theater box office location in Philadelphia.
People
Jennifer Childs
Producing Artistic Director
Co-founder of 1812 Productions with 25+ years of theater experience. Creator of multiple original works including The Big Time: Vaudeville for the Holidays. Recipient of American Theatre Wing recognition for comedic innovation.
Peter Pryor
Co-Founder
Original co-founder with extensive background in comedic theater production. Collaborated with Jennifer Childs on inaugural productions that established Philadelphia's unique comedy theater identity through historical themes and contemporary humor.
Tanaquil Mrquez
Education Director
Manages the award-winning 1812 Education program with two decades of experience in theater-based learning. Oversees curriculum development and implementation for Philadelphia public school partnerships focusing on accessibility and creative expression.
Questions
What type of theater does 1812 Productions specialize in?
We specialize in comedic theater, creating original works and producing plays that explore community, history, and humanity through humor.
How can I purchase tickets for performances?
Tickets can be purchased through our website's ticketing system or by visiting Plays & Players Theatre box office in Philadelphia.
Do you offer educational programs for students?
Yes, our 1812 Education program has served Philadelphia public schools for 20 years with theater-based learning experiences.
Are space rentals available at your theater?
We offer space rentals at Plays & Players Theatre for productions and events, including technical equipment and production support.
How can I support 1812 Productions?
Support options include individual donations, corporate sponsorships, planned giving, and joining our Vaudevillian Society membership program.
What is your theater's mission statement?
Our mission is to create theatrical works of comedy that explore and celebrate community, history, and humanity through laughter.
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