2017-2018 Season

The Liberty Bell receives a new pavilion, and the people lining up to see it will walk on the spot where our first President housed his human chattels. Philadelphia civil rights leaders staunchly protest, demanding that the adjacent "President's House" monument tell the story of the enslaved people who lived there. But a young, conservative African-American professor counters that true equality will only happen if blacks move beyond a narrative of "victimhood." The play juxtaposes this modern drama against the struggles of Oney Judge, Martha Washington's enslaved maid, as she decides whether to risk everything and escape. It asks the question: How do we decide what to remember - and what to ignore - about our history?

Meet Lucy: an independent young woman loving her freedom, her options, and men - many men! But as advice pours in from her desperate neighbor and oh-so-helpful mother Mitzi, she finds that free love in the late '80's is sporting a price tag.  Can this "Fast Girl" choose between her wild lifestyle and her ex-boyfriend, who may be the one true love she seeks? A special Autumn Open House performance of Fast Girls will be held on Sunday, November 5 at 4 pm. This event is perfect for first-time attendees to the theater and friends. Members of Old Academy Players will share a brief history of the theatre and its famous members Grace Kelly and Robert Prosky. The event is $20 per person and includes light refreshments pre-show beginning at 3 pm and a post-show 10-minute question and answer session with the actors.

In a community center in a small Vermont town, five strangers gather to attend a basic acting class. Over the course of their time together, art blends with the reality of life, and nearly unwittingly, the private, inner worlds of these people are slowly revealed. Pulitzer Prize and Obie award winner Annie Baker gives us a look into the extraordinary through the seemingly ordinary with her play Circle Mirror Transformation.

Venice, 1951. Pieces of an abstract painting have been sent to strangers around the world with a few simple words scrawled on the back. American actress Dora Chadwick, a recipient of one of the pieces, is obsessed with finding the source and solving the riddle. Her search, assisted by her companion, Emma, eventually leads her to Venice and to Annabella, a mysterious blind Italian tour guide. The elusive Annabella provides more questions than answers. As the truth is slowly revealed, it becomes apparent that in order to reassemble the painting, each of the three women must put herself back together by facing her own demons and finding a way to heal.

This 2005 Tony Award winning musical is the hilarious and compelling tale of socially awkward youngsters who find joy, heartache and purpose while competing at a regional spelling bee. Audience members will have the chance to participate in the (spelling) E-X-C-I-T-E-M-E-N-T! Matinée performances will be family-friendly, but evening shows are not recommended for children.

In 1884, John Merrick, grossly disfigured by a rare disease, is rescued from a carnival where he had been exploited as an object of curiosity and horror. Discovered by a young doctor, he is taken to the London Hospital where his condition is studied, and where he is given refuge. Though initially repulsed by his appearance, his doctor and other visitors become his first friends, discovering the intelligent and sensitive soul within. He begins to see himself as fully human, deserving of love and respect. This moving play is based on a true story. Winner of several Tony awards, it premiered on Broadway in 1979, and was revived in both 2002 and 2014.

It’s another summer of one-act hilarity! This year we are featuring more new comedies, new directors and original scripts from our talented members. Join us for a fast-paced evening of short plays designed to put a smile on your face.