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Our Mission |
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Act II Playhouse, a 130-seat professional theatre located in the Philadelphia suburb of Ambler, PA, is committed to creating world-class theatre in a venue whose intimacy draws audiences and actors into dynamic interaction.
Act II produces new, classic, and contemporary plays and musicals that reflect the highest artistic standards, under the direction of Bud Martin (Producing Artistic Director) and Harriet Power (Associate Artistic Director). For more information on Act II under the artistic leadership of Martin and power, view this PowerPoint presentation.
Our work is expansive: we make theatre to explore big ideas, broaden minds, move hearts, exercise imaginations, and build community through the shared experience of live theatre.
Act II Playhouse is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and operates under an SPT (Small Professional Theater) agreement with the Actors' Equity Association.
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Our History |
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"Act II Playhouse is arguably the most up-and-coming of the region's small professional theaters outside Center City."
- Howard Shapiro, Philadelphia Inquirer
Act II Playhouse was founded in 1998 by Stephen Blumenthal and Alan Blumenthal. In May 2008, the Playhouse entered its second decade with new artistic leadership and vision, when the Board appointed Bud Martin Producing Artistic Director and Harriet Power Associate Artistic Director. Martin and Power created the new tagline—“world-class theatre, intimate venue”—to underscore their commitment to bring the best plays and artists to Act II. Under their artistic direction, Act II continues to dramatically increase its subscribers, (20% increase in 2008-09; 25% increase in 2009-10). Productions have been highly acclaimed by press and audience members alike, and 3 of the last 6 productions extended/sold out. Act II has received 25 Barrymore nominations (including Danielle G. Herbert’s 2009 nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Musical for Respect: A Musical Journey of Women) and four Barrymore Awards—including the 2006 Charlotte Cushman Award for Outstanding Leading Actress in a Play to Susan Riley Stevens in Bad Dates, Best Actor in a Musical to Tony Braithwaite in The Big Bang (2005), and Outstanding Lead Actor in a Play to Kraig Swartz in Fully Committed (2003, a co-production with Philadelphia Theatre Company). Act II also took home a Barrymore for Best Lighting for James Leitner’s work on the 2004 production of Mary’s Wedding. In 2002, just three years after it opened, Act II Playhouse was awarded "Best of Philly" Suburban Theatre Company by Philadelphia Magazine.
Four mainstage and two special-event productions are staged each season. New-play development includes readings of new plays, ongoing relationships with nationally recognized playwrights, and the staging of a world or regional premiere each season. Education is important to Act II’s mission, with key components including discounted student attendance and internship and high school understudy programs.
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Act II Playhouse is a 130-seat professional theatre located in Ambler, PA. Each September-June season, Act II presents an entertaining mix of comedies, musicals and dramas.
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