Lantern Theater Company

The mission of Lantern Theater Company is to produce plays that investigate and illuminate what is essential in the human spirit and the spirit of the times. We seek to be a vibrant, contributing member of our community, exposing audiences to great theater, inviting participation in dialogue and discussion, and educating audience members about artistic and social issues. We will expand our role in Philadelphia through broader and deeper engagement with our artists, our audience, and our community. Our education programs will continue to draw from our expertise in dramatic and literary texts and in theatrical language and techniques to enrich learning in the classroom and beyond.

Edit Contact

232798692

EIN

1994

Founded

Philadelphia, PA 19105-3428 USA

Address

lanterntheater.org

Web

Description

Lantern Theater Company

Lantern Theater Company is a not-for-profit regional theater company based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1994, it is led by founding artistic director Charles McMahon and executive director Stacy Dutton. The company has been in residence at St. Stephen's Theater since 1996, where it manages the performance space and operates as an affordable multi-purpose performing arts venue.

Mission and Purpose

The mission of Lantern Theater Company is to produce plays that investigate and illuminate what is essential in the human spirit[5]. It focuses on staging a mix of classic, modern, and original works, aiming to engage audiences through its diverse selection of productions.

Production History

Over its history, Lantern Theater Company has produced over 130 shows, including world premieres of new plays and innovative adaptations of classic literature. Notable productions include "Me and the Devil," "The Plague," and an original adaptation of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol." The company also supports a New Works Program dedicated to developing and premiering new plays[2].

Education and Community Programs

Lantern Theater Company is renowned for its education program, Illumination, which is a Barrymore Award winner. This program engages local students and adults in theatrical arts, offering in-school residencies, student matinee performances, and training for teaching artists[1].

Awards and Recognition

Lantern Theater Company has received numerous Barrymore Awards since their inception in 1995. It has garnered 117 nominations and 22 awards, including several for Outstanding Overall Production of a Play and Excellence in Theatre Education and Community Service[1]. In 2008, Philadelphia Weekly named it the "Best Theatre Company" for its impressively diverse play selection[1].

Criticisms and Challenges

The company faced criticism in 2014 for its production of Julius Caesar, set in feudal Japan but featuring no actors of Asian descent, which sparked discussions on representation and cultural appropriateness within the theater community[1].

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lantern_Theater_Company [2] http://www.lanterntheater.org/about/productions.html [3] https://www.lanterntheater.org [4] https://whyy.org/segments/craftsman-another-craftsmans-new-play-lantern-theater-company/ [5] https://www.guidestar.org/profile/23-2798692