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Barnstormers Theater
The Barnstormers is the oldest continuously operating community theatre in the state of Pennsylvania and the third oldest continuously operating community theatre in the United States.
Before The Barnstormers organization was created there was a loosely formed group that produced skits, musical, and minstrel shows for their own amusement and diversion. Their activities were originally held on the second floor in Ward's Hall on Hinckley Avenue at Sellers Avenue. This was the only place in the Borough where dancing and public functions could be held. Their first performance was The Arabian Nights presented on January 22, 1909. Production in those days was not always a full two or three-act play. On May 13, 1910, the first public performance was held, previous performances being limited to club members only. The stage of the playhouse originally had no wings, entrances, or exits. Rugs would be hung as backdrops and lace curtains used to represent windows. Rehearsals were held in private homes.
The Barnstormers currently produces up to six plays a year, with the season running from September until May. No longer limited to the local community, The Barnstormers has participating directors, cast, crew, and volunteers from all parts of the tri-state area. In November 2004, The Barnstormers added two Singer-songwriter Nights, bringing the best regional performer's music to the stage in Ridley Park. The Barnstormers also have a rich history of winning both State, Regional and International Play competitions.
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Address
Barnstormers Theater
402 Tome St.
Ridley Park, PA 19078
Parking
The Barnstormers is located at the corner of Ward and Tome Streets in Ridley Park, PA. To obtain driving directions, the exact address is: 402 Tome St, Ridley Park, Pa 19078
From I-95 Southbound (Philadelphia and points North):
Take the Stewart Avenue (Ridley Park) Exit. Make a right off the ramp toward Ridley Park, Route 13. Make a right on Route 13 (Chester Pike). Make a left on Swarthmore Avenue. You will pass the Ridley Park Business District on your right. After you pass the traffic light just after the railroad bridge, (you will pass a church on your left and a funeral home on your right), make a right turn on to Ward Avenue. The theater is on your left at the intersection of Ward and Tome one block up.
From I-95 Northbound (Chester and points South):
Take the Stewart Avenue (Ridley Park) Exit. Make a left off the ramp toward Ridley Park, Route 13. Make a right on Route 13 (Chester Pike). Make a left on Swarthmore Avenue. You will pass the Ridley Park Business District on your right. After you pass the traffic light just after the railroad bridge (you will pass a church on your left and a funeral home on your right), make a right turn on to Ward Avenue. The theater is on your left at the intersection of Wark and Tome one block up.
From the Blue Route (476):
Take the MacDade exit East. Go up MacDade to Morton Avenue. (Ridley Borough Hall and Library are on the upper right hand corner of the intersection.) Turn right on Morton Avenue. This becomes Swarthmore Avenue. Make a left on Ward (one street before the light at the railroad bridge). The theater is on your left at the intersection of Ward and Tome, one block in. If you go too far, just make a left at the light (there is a funeral home on your left) and continue bearing left. The Theater will be on your right.
We are also accessible by Public Transporation
The theater is located just off the Ridley Park station of the Septa Wilmington/Newark Region Rail line ( Weekday, Saturday, Sunday). Off the platform turn left and up the sidewalk to the corner of Ward Street and East Ridley Avenue. Turn right and follow Ward Street until you see the theater.
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