Allentown Public Theatre was founded in 2008 and received nonprofit status in 2009. From the beginning, we have used theatre and education to create meaningful opportunities for people in Allentown and throughout the greater Lehigh Valley.
During our early years, we produced a wide range of theatrical programming in downtown Allentown. We also built relationships with artists, schools, community organizations, and other cultural institutions.
In 2016, we began a stronger transition toward diversity-based and applied theatre. This work focused on creating theatre that responds to the experiences, needs, cultures, and concerns of Allentown’s inner-city communities.
Our name reflects three central commitments:
Allentown
We are committed to serving Allentown’s diverse communities and supporting the city’s growth as a culturally vibrant place.
Public
We believe theatre should be accessible to people of all backgrounds, including people of different races, economic circumstances, sexual orientations, gender identities, and life experiences.
Theatre
We focus on theatre with a social purpose. Through applied theatre, performances, workshops, educational programs, and community discussions, we have addressed subjects including opioid addiction, social equity, criminal justice, grief, and other issues affecting individuals and communities.