(PHILADELPHIA, PA) -- Theatre Philadelphia presents the return of Philly Theatre Week, running from April 23 - May 3, 2026. This 10-day celebration will feature close to 50 events, with a lineup showcasing the dynamic and diverse theatre community of the Greater Philadelphia region through full-scale productions, workshops, interactive events, and more.
Whether you're a seasoned patron or looking for a taste of something brand new, Philly Theatre Week invites you to savor the joy of live performance at venues within a 35-mile radius of City Hall. With offerings ranging from classic opera to world premiere plays, circus arts to family-friendly musicals and improv, you can sample it all.
Several venues are hosting multiple events throughout the long week. Sawubona Creativity Project in South Philly hosts 11 events, while Studio 34 in West Philly presents six, making it possible for theatre lovers to spend an entire evening or afternoon exploring several performances under one roof.
"I could not be more excited for my first Philly Theatre Week as Executive Director," says Darnelle Radford. "Now that winter is on its way out, it feels like the perfect moment to celebrate live performance together. For nine years, Philly Theatre Week has highlighted both new works and fully staged productions, all part of the vibrant conversations happening on stages across the Greater Philadelphia region.
"There are so many productions I am looking forward to such as 1812 Productions' offering, 'She Gets Around' starring Jenn Childs, Moliere's 'The Hypochondriac' at Quintessence Theatre Group and 'Wilderness Generation by Pulitzer Prize Winner James Ijames at Philadelphia Theatre Company. I am excited personally for the addition of 'A Toast to New Executive Director, Darnelle Radford' on April 26th at Theatre Exile because this event presents a great opportunity to engage with the community and I love a Sunday brunch! I always say 'theatre is more fun with a +1,' so bring a friend and experience something new."
All tickets for Philly Theatre Week events will be Pay What You Can (PWYC) again this year, making regional theatre more accessible than ever. This unique ticketing structure allows audiences to select their own price, ensuring that cost is not a barrier to experiencing the arts. Each PWYC ticket sale directly supports participating theatre companies and artists. Please note that all Philly Theatre Week tickets are limited offerings outside of normal box office ticket sales. If a Philly Theatre Week option is sold out, you can visit the theatre's official website to find additional tickets.
You can browse the full event schedule and reserve tickets by visiting www.phillytheatreweek.com. The fun begins with the preview event on April 15 at the Temple Performing Arts Center at 6:00pm, bringing together artists and audiences to celebrate the start of Philly Theatre Week. Festivities include preview scenes, songs, and performances from participating 2026 Philly Theatre Week companies.
Theatre Philadelphia Hosted Events
April 15 from 6:00pm - 9:30pm | 2026 Philly Theatre Week "Raise Your Voice" Preview Celebration at Temple Performing Arts Center (1837 N Broad Street) in Philadelphia PA. It's Philly Theatre Week Preview time and for the third year in a row it will be combined with Temple Theater's 9th annual Raise Your Voice networking event. Come enjoy a sneak peek into some of the performances that will populate Theatre Philadelphia's annual Philly Theater Week this year AND stay for the annual networking event that brings together theaters and theater practitioners, raising awareness and celebrating the diverse voices in our Greater Philadelphia theatre community.
Sunday, April 26th from 12:00pm - 3:00pm | A Toast to New Executive Director, Darnelle Radford at Theatre Exile (1340 S. 13th Street) in Philadelphia, PA. They're excited about their new Executive Director and want everyone to join them in celebrating his new role. Enjoy a complimentary drink and light brunch-time provisions as they salute Darnelle and come together as a community. Here's to the Executive Directors who brunch!
Participating Events (Alphabetically by Show Title)
For Pay-What-You-Can Eligible showtimes, visit www.phillytheatreweek.com
Brecht on Brecht by Fever Dream Repertory, Inc (May 1, 7:30pm, May 2, 7:30pm, May 3, 3:00pm) Center City, Philadelphia. "An Artist defying the darkness by a company defying all expectations" To EPIC Theatre with modern love. Classics, Drama, Musical
Carrie: The Musical by Old Academy Players (April 26, 2:00pm; May 1, 8:00pm) North Philadelphia. Based on the best-selling novel by Stephen King, Carrie: The Musical takes you on a coming of age journey like no other. Drama, Musical, Philadelphia Premiere
My Name is Asher Lev by Theatre Ariel (April 25, 8:00pm; April 26, 7:00pm; May 2, 8:00pm; May 3, 2:00pm) Various Locations. Torn between the tradition of his Hasidic community and his artistic talent, Asher Lev wrestles with family and canvas in a fight to paint his truth – no matter the cost. Drama, Reading, Food Included
The Hypochondriac by Quintessence Theatre Group (April 23, - 7:00pm; April 24 - 7:30pm; April 25 - 2:00pm; April 25 - 7:30pm; April 26 - 3:00pm; April 29 - 7:00pm; April 30 - 7:00pm; May 1 - 7:30pm; May 2 - 2:00pm; May 2 - 7:30pm; May 3 - 3:00pm) Chestnut Hill. Argan is convinced his undiagnosable illness is fatal and that he must spend his wealth on celebrated doctors to survive. Anxious over medical bills and a profligate second wife, he schemes to marry his beautiful daughter to a doctor to ensure free health care. Classics, Comedy, Drama
The 39 Steps by PCS Theater (4/23 7:30pm; 4/24 7:30pm; 4/25 2:00pm & 7:30pm) Other Surrounding Areas - PA. In The 39 Steps, a man with a boring life meets a woman with a thick accent who says she’s a spy. When he takes her home, she is murdered. Soon, a mysterious organization called “The 39 Steps” is hot on the man’s trail in a nationwide manhunt that climaxes in a death-defying finale! A riotous blend of virtuoso performances and wildly inventive stagecraft, The 39 Steps amounts to an unforgettable evening of pure pleasure! Comedy
Ride the Cyclone by Wilmington Drama League (April 26, 2:00pm) Surrounding Areas - DE. Six teens. One wild ride. Dark comedy, big heart, unforgettable music. Ride the Cyclone. Comedy, Drama, Musical
Urinetown by Villanova Theatre (April 23, 8:00pm; April 24, 8:00pm; April 25, 8:00pm; April 26, 2:00pm) Main Line. In a drought-ridden dystopian city, a janitor sparks a revolution against a corporate tyrant controlling public toilets. Comedy, Musical
The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales by Arden Theatre Company (May 1, 7:00pm) Center City, Philadelphia. This hilarious adaptation of the beloved book will have kids and parents falling out of their seats. Comedy, Family-Friendly
Run by Rise & Walk Theatre Company (April 23, 7:00pm; April 24, 7:00pm; April 25, 7:00pm) South Philadelphia. Meet Philadelphia’s own Fred Rosenfeld. A Teacher, a Track and Field/Cross Country Coach, a husband, a father, a colleague, a friend. Past youth and middle age Fred meet present Old Fred to tell the story of a legendary figure in the Philadelphia Public School system, as a coach credited with winning a stunning 51 Public League championships in Track and Cross Country combined, over his 31 year teaching and coaching career at two schools, Overbrook and Central High Schools. Drama, Family-Friendly, Reading, Panel Discussion, BIPOC-led Company
A Smattering of Pattering (with Cocktails)! by The Savoy Company (April 24, 7:00pm) Center City, Philadelphia. A lively cabaret featuring some of Gilbert & Sullivan’s greatest hits, featuring the pair's delightful patter songs! Three complimentary, hand-crafted cocktails included with every ticket. Classics, Comedy, Musical, Drink Included
Roll Play: An Improvised Adventure by SideQuest Theater (April 24, 8:00pm; April 26, 2:00pm) Center City, Philadelphia. Like "Whose Line?" meets "The Lord of the Rings", Roll Play combines live interactive comedy with D&D storytelling. Comedy, Family-Friendly, Improv
She Gets Around by 1812 Productions (April 24 at 7:00pm; April 25th at 7:00pm; April 26th at 2:00pm; April 28th at 7:00pm; April 29th at 7:00pm; April 30th at 7:00pm; May 1st at 7:00pm; May 2nd at 2:00pm & 7:00pm; May 3rd at 2:00pm) Center City, Philadelphia. She Gets Around is a multi-character solo comedy that looks at "bad girls" throughout history – some real, some iconic, some invented – all connected in their search to figure out “how did we get here?” Comedy, Devised, Philadelphia Premiere, american Premiere, World Premiere
Wilderness Generation by Philadelphia Theatre Company (April 23 at 7:00pm; April 25 at 2:00pm & 7:00pm; April 26 at 3:00pm; April 28 at 6:30pm; April 29 at 1:00pm & 7:00pm; April 30 at 7:00pm; May 1 at 7:00pm; May 2 at 2:00pm & 7:00pm; May 3rd at 3:00pm) Center City, Philadelphia. Five cousins reunite at their family home in the Tidewater South, where laughter, memories, and long-held secrets collide. From Pulitzer Prize winner James Ijames, Wilderness Generation is a sharp, funny, and heartfelt world premiere play about legacy, healing, and the ties that bind—whether we like it or not. Comedy, Drama, World Premiere, BIPOC Stories
Love City Presents: Spring Sing by Love City Cabaret (May 2nd at 5:00pm; May 2nd at 7:00pm) South Philadelphia. Join the Love City Cabaret for a musical bouquet of selections that conjure the spring. We'll have a setlist of sprightly, blooming melodies that help us all welcome the better weather. Love City Cabaret is an all-volunteer musical theatre ensemble established in 2023 for the purpose of raising funds for local nonprofits. Family-Friendly, Musical, LGBTQIA+, BIPOC-led Company
The GERSHWINS' PORGY & BESS by The Ritz Theatre Company (May 1, 8:00pm; May 2, 8:00pm; May 3, 2:00pm) South Jersey. Featuring well known songs such as “Summertime,” “I Got Plenty of Nothin’,” and “It Ain’t Necessarily So,” this rarely produced Gershwin gem holds a unique and important place in american cultural and musical history. Join us as it is presented on the Ritz stage for the very first time. Classics, Drama, Musical, BIPOC Stories
Single Woman: Work In Progress by Tess L ( April 29, 7:00pm; Friday, May 1, 6:00pm) South Philadelphia. As long as she’s been single, Tess has felt that the best part of a date was telling stories about it to her friends after. Now she’s ready to share them with everyone else. Over this 90-min show, Tess weaves personal storytelling with audience participation about what it means to be 35, single, and ready to mingle. Part personal storytelling show, part singles event, all catharsis. Comedy, Experimental
Last Train to Hollywood by Philadelphia Dramatists Center/PDC (April 24, 7:00pm; April 25, 8:00pm; May 1, 7:00pm; May 2, 8:00pm; May 3, 3:00pm) South Philadelphia. A fast-moving play about dreamers and dreams, what it takes to hold onto them and what happens when you hold too fast. Summer in Philadelphia. 1985. Love, longing and loss. Drama, Philadelphia Premiere, American Premiere
I'm The Real One by The Bards Theatre Troupe (April 30, 8:00pm; May 2, 8:00pm; May 3, 1:00pm). In their tenth season as a queer-centric theatre collective, The Bards Theatre Troupe tackle a subject that has absolutely no controversy or discourse attached to it: AI. From the impact on tangible societal markers like the economy, environment, and art to the more abstract shifts in connection, communication, and art, they’ll use scenes and songs (and probably puppets) to unpack the ways that the rise in AI use is changing how we all connect with each other. And don’t worry: everything they present was created by humans! Comedy, Devised, Drama, Musical, LGBTQIA+
The Prom by Temple Theaters (April 23, 7:30pm; April 24, 7:30pm; April 25, 7:30pm; April 26, 2:00pm) North Philadelphia. Four eccentric Broadway stars, in desperate need of a new stage, catch wind that trouble is brewing around a small-town prom. They resolve that it’s high time to put a spotlight on the issue... and themselves. Though parents in town want to keep their high school dance on the straight and narrow, when one student just wants to bring her girlfriend to prom, the entire town has a date with destiny. Comedy, Musical, LGBTQIA+
Punch Back - Self Produced by Lane LaVonne and Juliette Nero Eddings with Studio 34 (April 30, 8:15pm; May 1, 7:30pm) West Philadelphia. Seven trans college students fall in love and secretly distribute HRT while learning how to box in the red state of Ohio. Comedy, Reading, LGBTQIA+
Yes, And Premiere by Yes, And Productions (April 25, 6:00pm) South Philadelphia. A sitcom about a scrappy Philly improv theater, premiering live with interactive improv. Comedy, Improv, World Premiere, Film Screening
Clippings '26 by Theatre By Development (April 23, 7:00pm; April 24, 7:00pm; April 25, 2:00pm and 7:00pm; April 26, 2:00pm) Center City, Philadelphia. CLIPPINGS '26 is a night of short plays by young and emerging Philadelphia-based playwrights in a reading format. Comedy, Drama, Experimental, Philadelphia Premiere, american Premiere, World Premiere, Reading, LGBTQIA+, BIPOC Stories
Waiting for Westy by Yellow Bicycle Collective (May 2, 2:00pm) South Philadelphia. The man who lost the war is on his way. Drama, World Premiere, Reading
The Olympus Tale by The Columbus Square Drama Club (April 30, 6:00pm; May 1, 6:00pm) South Philadelphia. The Olympus Tale is a play about the Greek Gods going to high school. Classics, Comedy, Drama, Family-Friendly, Philadelphia Premiere, World Premiere, Food Included
Disney's High School Musical JR. by Moorestown Theater Company (April 23, 6:00pm; April 25, 7:00pm; April 26, 2:00pm) South Jersey. The Moorestown Theater Company’s "H. S. Musical JR." will be performed April 22 to 26 by neuro-diverse students in MTC’s ‘Penguin Project’. Comedy, Family-Friendly, Musical
Once Upon a Glow by Archedream for Humankind (Saturday, April 25, 12:00pm, 2:00pm, 5:00pm, and 7:00pm) Center City, Philadelphia. Immerse yourself in an otherworldly dance experience with ArcheDream for Humankind. Their mesmerizing blacklight performances will transport you to a realm of wonder and awe. Family-Friendly
William Shakespeare's Richard III by Indecorous Theatre (April 23, 7:00pm; April 24, 7:00pm; April 25, 7:00pm; April 26, 7:00pm) Center City, Philadelphia. The scheming Prince Richard of Gloucester will do anything to be King, but what happens when he underestimates the women closest to the throne? Join them for Shakespeare’s bloody history of manipulation, betrayal, ambition, and jealousy. Classics, Drama, LGBTQIA+
The 40-Year-Old Ballerino by Chris Davis (April 25, 5:30pm; May 2, 7:00pm) West Philadelphia. At 40 years old, Chris Davis seizes on ballet class as a way to replace all other addictions -- drugs, alcohol, Modern Family, and the toxic tropes of 90s John Cusack movies. With only a barre for support, Fringe favorite Chris Davis mixes dance and storytelling in a 50-minute comedy that shows you change is always possible, no matter what your age. Comedy
APRIL CLOWN SLAM by Philly Clown Slam (April 23, 8:15pm) West Philadelphia. A bakers dozen of 5-minute clown capers pickled and packed into a jar of red-nosed goodness. Come find out why this is Philly's greatest regular clown salon and Studio 34's biggest monthly event! Comedy, Devised, Experimental, Improv
Ain't Misbehavin' by Theatre Horizon (April 29 at 7:30pm, April 30 at 7:30pm) Other Surrounding Areas - PA. Amina Robinson – Barrymore award-winning director of Theatre Horizon’s The Color Purple – returns to helm this electrifying world of the Harlem Renaissance, where the music was hot, the nights were alive, and every spotlight shone with possibility. Musical, BIPOC-led Company
UNHINGED: For Her Pleasure by Snapp & Kat's Big Fat Work in Progress (April 28, 8:30pm; May 3, 5:00pm) South Philadelphia. It’s not a comedy show because we’re the funny fat friend, it’s just funny. And we’re fat. Comedy, Devised, Improv, Philadelphia Premiere, World Premiere
The Bookstore by Beacon Theatre Productions (May 1 at 7:30pm; May 2 at 1:00pm) Various Locations. Join them for a reading of the Pulitzer Prize-nominated play "The Bookstore" by Philly’s own Nancy Marie; their 2026 Beacon Award winner! Drama, Reading, BIPOC-led Company, BIPOC Stories
Fascist Groove by Janine Renee Cunningham & Matt O'Hare & Mason Rosenthal (April 24, 7:30pm; April 25, 7:00pm) West Philadelphia. History repeats itself. First as punk, now as punk-performance-lecture on life in the UK from 1979–1989. With music. Devised, Experimental, Musical
Philly Puppet Slam! by Philly Puppet Slam! (May 2, 8:30pm; May 3, 7:00pm) West Philadelphia. Puppetry is all the rage in Philadelphia once again, and Studio 34 is back on the map as a hub for puppeteers to show their work. Come bask in the warm glow of our stage for two nights of beautiful puppets! This is the special Philadelphia Theatre Week installment of monthly puppet slams where a smorgasbord of puppeteers will perform their acts. There are so many things you can do with puppets! Will you laugh? Will you shed a tear? You will definitely be amazed. And, maybe, you will see a shooting star in the clear night sky on your way out the door...no promises on that one though! Comedy, Experimental
ECHO by ECHO Collective (April 28, 7:00pm; April 30, 6:00pm; May 2 2:00pm) South Philadelphia. ECHO is a show of Dramatic Improvisation. They use audience interviews to inform storytelling onstage. Each show is new and never repeated. Drama, Improv, LGBTQIA+, BIPOC Stories
The Incel of the Basement by Queer House Presents (April 27, 8:00pm; April 28, 8:00pm; April 29, 8:00pm; April 30, 8:00pm; May 1, 8:00pm (West Philadelphia) A one-man, one-uwu-doll, one-act musical parody of the classic show that is NOT a romance but is definitely horrific. Classics, Experimental, Musical, LGBTQIA+, Drink Included
Tomato Soup by Ellie Summerling (April 30, 7:00pm) Center City, Philadelphia. Tomato Soup is a reimagining of her caregiving experience with her great aunt. Starting with the awkwardness of living with someone new and taking the audience on a journey of care. A comedy based in a narrative style of joke writing, but with a robust amount of set-up, punch, that focuses on the wins, losses, joys and frustrations of the caregiver while also exploring the quirks of living with an elderly relative who, until that point, had been a background character in my life. Comedy, Drama, Philadelphia Premiere, american Premiere, World Premiere
My Carmilla (April 23, 7:00pm; April 25, 2:00pm) South Philadelphia. A wild new adaptation of the 1872 O.G. sapphic gothic novella, “Carmilla” reimagined with feminist and queer themes. Drama, World Premiere, Reading, Panel Discussion, LGBTQIA+
All Levels Hula Hoop Class by Spin Coalition (April 27, 7:30pm) South Philadelphia. Attend and enjoy an all-levels Hula Hoop Dance class in South Philadelphia. This class is held every Monday night. Comedy, Experimental, Family-Friendly, Musical, Improv, Workshop, LGBTQIA+
The Orange Tree by Sterling Duns and Benoît François (April 25, 8:30pm; April 26, 8:30pm) West Philadelphia. There are these clowns and they are going to the Orange Tree. The Orange Tree has all this fruit. Free unlimited good 100% juice, but someone’s selling cups. You know, you can’t drink the juice without a cup. It's worth the squeeze. Work hard to make the tree grow lots of low hanging fruit. It gives and takes, same as ever. We have GOT to keep doing the same thing…or is that crazy? A road trip clown show checking out the way with eyes wide open. Do we have to go? Yes we do! The wheels go round and round. Subtle and crude. Keep up or not. You might learn something! Ah the joys of growing old along the way. Comedy, Devised, Experimental, World Premiere
Dreaming of Dramaturgy! Techniques & Applications by Autumn Storm Arts (April 26, 10:00am; April 27, 10:00am; April 29, 6:00pm; April 30, 6:00pm; May 3, 10:00am) Virtual Event. Dramaturgs develop DREAMS. Join me to learn how to structure your practice and where else you can apply your skills! Workshop, BIPOC-led Company
The Contrast by Philadelphia Artists' Collective (April 24, 7:00pm; April 25, 7:00pm) Center City, Philadelphia. Written in 1787, "The Contrast" was america’s first comedy and an indisputable hit in its time! The sentimental Maria is unhappily engaged to Dimple, a dandy whose recent European tour has given him expensive tastes and a tendency to flirt with her friends. They all seem on track for a life of misery until Colonel Manly and his salt-of-the-earth waiter, Jonathan, arrive in town to disrupt the disreputable plot. Fresh from the american Revolution, this 18th century gem is a comedy of manners that helped define what american manners were to become. Classics, Comedy
MASC. by Upstream Performance Collaborative (April 24, 7:00pm) South Philadelphia. An interactive solo-performance with Gods, games, forgiveness— and a dance-party. Experimental, Workshop, LGBTQIA+, BIPOC-led Company, BIPOC Stories
No, Mom, Yes, Mom by Raw Material (April 26, 8:30pm) South Philadelphia. NMYM explores what happens when performers intentionally draw from their real relationships with their mothers as source material. Through long-form improv, personal memory and spontaneous storytelling collide, creating scenes that are as raw as they are unpredictable. Experimental, Improv, BIPOC-led Company
Arguments in the Mirror by Yellow Bicycle Collective (April 28, 7:00pm) Center City, Philadelphia. An evening of short plays by students exploring the challenging memories we constantly replay in our heads. Comedy, Devised, Drama, Experimental, World Premiere
Jazz Baby Love Club by Rebekah Rickards (April 26, 3:00pm) South Philadelphia. Jazz Baby is the legendary, timeless, original cabaret croon, occasional Costco sampler, and avid collector of fine jewels, gemstones, and jerky. She’s a full-time lover and part-time sexual guru. For one night only, the unrivaled 'Godmother of Showbiz' brings her signature tap-dance and side-splitting entertainment to the iconic Philly Theatre Week for an unforgettable evening of musical comedy. Best known as america’s first darling, beloved icon, and EGOT winner, Jazz Baby, has been enchanting global audiences for decades. Her magnetic charm, comedic prowess, and sheer talent will ooze off the stage and razzle-dazzle your senses. Don’t miss this Encore performance of Jazz Baby Love Club after a SOLD OUT run at the Philadelphia Fringe Festival! Comedy, Musical
This Is america: A Variety Show by This Is america (April 25, 8:30pm) South Philadelphia. This Is America Presents: A Variety Show is a 90-minute live showcase bringing together some of the most exciting voices in comedy, music, and performance. Featuring stand-up comedians, original sketch acts, rappers, singers, and special guests, the show blends humor, rhythm, and storytelling into one unforgettable night. Comedy, Devised, Drama, Musical, Improv, Philadelphia Premiere, World Premiere, BIPOC-led Company, BIPOC Stories
Theatre Philadelphia unites, celebrates, and promotes the Philadelphia region's diverse and growing theatre community. They lead efforts that expand audiences and engage the public to participate in this community's work. Theatre Philadelphia envisions an equitable and inclusive region that champions and nurtures local artists. They aim to raise the city's profile as a world-class city and enrich the lives of Philadelphia-area citizens.
Founded in 2012, Theatre Philadelphia is dedicated to bringing together and celebrating Philadelphia's diverse and growing theatre community. We are committed to leading efforts that grow audiences and promote the public participation in theatrical work. Over the past several decades, Philadelphia has transformed into a major regional theatre community, with a remarkable blossoming of new companies and new buildings, a growing pool of exceptional artists, and fiercely committed and curious audiences and supporters. Theatre Philadelphia envisions a region that celebrates this growing and ever-changing theatre community – nurturing local theatre artists, fostering the creation of extraordinary work, forging stronger connections between our art and audiences – recognizing that a diverse, robust, and thriving theatre community can play a pivotal role in making Philadelphia a world-class city. Theatre Philadelphia's programs include our website, the annual Barrymore Awards, and strategies for audience awareness and growth.
