Who We Are
Our Story
Steel River Playhouse originated in 2001 in Chester County. In the wake of September 11, professional and community artists, educators, and area residents began imagining how the performing arts would help heal and bring people together. In 2003, having already produced several concerts, operettas, and musicals, the organization filed for nonprofit status as a 501(c)(3) under the name “Village Productions.” Later, Village Productions would be renamed to Steel River Playhouse.
In 2008, Steel River purchased a turn of the 20th century abandoned department store in Pottstown and transformed it into a 2.4 million dollar performing arts center. The name Steel River Playhouse honors Pottstown’s history and geography. Situated where the Schuylkill River and Manatawny Creek flow together, Pottstown is the headquarters for the vibrant National and State Heritage Area for the 135-mile Schuylkill River.
Our name is also evocative of the organization’s creative, engaging programming as well as the physical elements of the facility itself. Our facility, originally the J.J. Newberry Department Store, blends old and new. It features a flowing steel mesh façade, and engaging outdoor plaza leading to its funky, urban interior of original hardwood floors, brick and cement walls, and raw wood joists, highlighted throughout by exposed I-beams stamped with the iconic “Bethlehem Steel.”
What We Do
Our Mission
Steel River Playhouse is a non-profit theatre and education organization dedicated to sharing stories that reflect our collective humanity by providing a nurturing and empowering environment to represent and serve our diverse community.
Our Vision
We are part of a growing number of performing arts organizations creating a new paradigm for American theater. As a “gateway” theater promoting individual, audience, and community development through performing arts education and events. Steel River Playhouse is located in historic Pottstown, Pennsylvania and we are committed to its creative and economic revitalization.
- We meld the traditions of volunteerism, camaraderie, and entertainment of community theater, with the artistic goals, education, and skilled staff of professional theater. Our gateway theater:
- Attracts new audiences to live theater, with convenient, affordable and high quality performances, comprehensive educational offerings, and enriching volunteer participation in all aspects of theatre arts, both onstage and off.
- Embraces emerging and established artists, allowing them to take risks, stretch their skills, and present new work.
- Supports community, as a magnet destination promoting Pottstown’s revival as a cultural hub.
- Encourages creative exploration and skill-building for students and volunteers of all ages, working side-by-side with professional instructors, performers, directors, and designers.
