The Walnut Street Theatre, located in the center of the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is known for being the oldest operating theater in the United States. It is believed that the theatre is also the oldest in the English-speaking world.

Established in 1809, the Walnut Street Theatre is celebrating its 200^th birthday this year. The theatre features three main stages. The Mainstage itself is the location where many of the theatre’s major productions take place. The Independence Studio on 3 is a smaller, third floor stage where very small productions take place. On the 5^th floor you’ll find Studio 5, another small stage that is rented out to independent artists.

The History of the Walnut Street Theatre

Back in the early 1800’s there was a group known as the Circus of Pepin and Breschard touring the United States. The owners spent a lot of time building their own venues as they traveled up and down the East Coast. They used the venues to feature their own circus but also to show a number of plays and dramas.

When the Walnut Street Theatre was originally founded, in 1809, it was known as The New Circus. In 1811 the owners had a new stage and orchestra pit added to the theatre for use during classical performances and at that time the name was changed to The Olympic.

For a reason that is today unknown, the name of the theatre was changed in 1820 to The Walnut. Only two years later it was changed back to The Olympic but in 1828 the owners changed the name to The Walnut again and the name has stuck ever since.

The Development of the Theatre

The theatre had relatively basic features until the late 1830’s when owners and staff started to add some serious enhancements. Gas footlights were added to the theatre in 1837 and in 1855 The Walnut Street Theatre became the first in the country to install air conditioning. In 1892 the theatre converted to electric lights. The well cared for theatre has been the recipient of continuous upgrades throughout its existence.

Early Performances at the Walnut

The first production ever shown at The Walnut was the 1812 production of The Rivals. It is believed that famous Marquis de Lafayette and then President Thomas Jefferson were in the audience during the first performances.

During the year 1941, the theatre was incorporated into the folds of The Shubert Organization. As part of the chain of theatres under the Shubert name, The Walnut Street Theatre became the site of auditions for several Broadway hits. Auditions for famous shows like A Streetcar Named Desire, Gigi, The Diary of Anne Frank, and several others shows were held on the stage at The Walnut.

The Evolution of the Walnut Street Theatre

The continuous growth and prominent presence of The Walnut Street Theatre earned it a position as a National Historic Landmark in 1966. Only a few years later, in 1969, the theatre was purchased by a non-profit organization who promptly gave ownership to the Walnut Street Theatre Corporation. The theatre went on to form its own performing company in 1983 and the next year established a school where more than 1,200 theatrical students take classes each year.

In 1986 the Walnut Street theatre added the astounding Independence Studio on 3. On this very small stage (possibly on 10 by 10 foot), visitors are treated to small, creative productions that often feature only a few actors and a very limited cast.

Today, the cast and crew at the Walnut Street Theatre in Philadephia are proud to offer at least 5 Mainstage productions each season. This season’s hot productions include Oliver!; Red, White and Tuna, and A Christmas Carol, amongst others.

A trip to historic Philadelphia is one everyone should make at least once in his lifetime. Book one of the fabulous hotels in Philadephia, purchase a couple of theatre tickets, and plan an evening out on the town. You won’t regret the decision to visit this fabulous city or the amazing Walnut Street Theatre.