From 1923-1955, Hedgerow presented rotating repertory theatre that featured many national theatre personalities from Richard Basehart to Edward Albee, Ann Harding to Susan Glaspell. Hedgerow has its roots in the Arts and Crafts era at the turn of the last century, when William Price adapted this English movement dedicated to individual expression in contrast to the impersonal industrialization of society. Actor/director Jasper Deeter fell in love with the intimacy of the grist mill-turned borough hall, the aesthetic appreciation of the community, and the opportunity to create a theatre with an artistic rather than commercial center. He foreshadowed the regional not-for-profit theatre movement, established a racially integrated company of resident, local, and visiting artists, and maintained an identity for Hedgerow as a seminal theatre for theatre artists throughout the country.

In 1990, the Board asked alumna Penelope Reed to come home and apply her years of experience to bringing the Theatre back to full capability. Under the leadership of Penelope Reed, Hedgerow Theatre has boldly advanced its artistic premise as a theatre for actors that celebrates ensemble throughout its organizational structure. As Producing Artistic Director, Ms. Reed has reinstated Hedgerow as a major player in the national theatre scene. At the 2001 National Theatre Communications Group conference held in Philadelphia, Hedgerow was lauded as the Mother of all Philadelphia theatres. Note was made of several theaters that were spawned by Hedgerow. Examples include Peoples Light and Theatre Company, Freedom Theatre and Curio Theatre Company.

Our Home

Originally built as a grist mill in 1840 by Thomas Y. Hutton of Springfield, the building later manufactured bobbins and wooden boxes. In 1901, William Price purchased the mill and the 80 surrounding acres. The building was first used as a community center on January 1, 1904. This Guild Hall was the center of life in Rose Valley. A community of craftsmen was incorporated as The Rose Valley Association: furniture makers, potters and other artisans.

Overall, the craft shops did not flourish, but Nicole d Ascenzo who specialized in stained glass and Samuel Yellin who worked with wrought iron gained national recognition. Wharton Esherick become renown for his wood sculpture and furniture. The table in the lobby is an example of the fine work of Esherick.