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About the Theatre

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.

Articles

Review: RENT at Bucks County Playhouse

Review: RENT at Bucks County Playhouse

by Marakay Rogers · September 10, 2026

As the group Straight No Chaser sings, 'Five hundred twenty five thousand choirs have sung this... thanks to the writer, we all leave sad.'  Without detail - yes, true. Jonathan Larson died before opening night of his own show about death and dying and drugs and rent strikes, leaving a show that fe…

Review: SOUTH PACIFIC at Bucks County Playhouse

Review: SOUTH PACIFIC at Bucks County Playhouse

by Marakay Rogers · July 1, 2026

Blurb: Rodgers and Hammerstein's beloved South Pacific sails into Bucks County Playhouse with soaring performances, standout choreography, and a Broadway-caliber cast led by Ryan Silverman, Alexandra Socha, Ann Sanders, and Mike Schwitter. Director Denis Jones delivers a vibrant revival that proves …

Previews: PHILADELPHIA BALLET'S 7TH ANNUAL SPRING FESTIVAL at Red Rose Farm

Previews: PHILADELPHIA BALLET'S 7TH ANNUAL SPRING FESTIVAL at Red Rose Farm

by Scott Serio · May 29, 2026

In what has become a much-anticipated event to close each season, the Philadelphia Ballet returned to Board Chairman David F. Hoffman’s lovely Red Rose Farm for the seventh time in a celebration of dance and volunteers, and a chance for benefactors to enjoy fabulous dance in a pastoral setting and…

Past Shows

Legally Blonde Jr.

Legally Blonde Jr.

Mar 13 – Mar 21, 2026

Legally Blonde Jr. takes the stage at the Barnstormers Theater this March! Based on the hit Broadway musical and film, this high-energy production follows the fabulous Elle Woods as she trades fashion for law school to win back her boyfriend. Along the way, she discovers her...

The Odd Couple

The Odd Couple

Dec 4 – Dec 13, 2025

Neil Simon’s classic comedy The Odd Couple comes to the Barnstormers Theater this December! When fastidious neat freak Felix Ungar finds himself newly single, he moves in with his best friend, the carefree and chronically messy Oscar Madison. What begins as a practical...

Ride The Cyclone

Ride The Cyclone

Oct 24 – Nov 1, 2025

Step right up for Ride the Cyclone , a darkly funny, heartfelt, and unforgettable musical coming to the Barnstormers Theater of Ridley Park! After a tragic roller coaster accident, six Canadian teenagers find themselves in limbo, given one last chance to tell their stories and...

StageMagRide The Cyclone StageMag

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