The Indiana Players finally have a home of their own! On Monday, September 12, 2005, the final papers were signed for purchase of the property at 725 Philadelphia Street. A sign has been hung on the building with the name, Philadelphia Street Playhouse, Home of the Indiana Players, Inc. This name is temporary, pending possible receipt of a substantial gift from any gracious person who may want to choose a different name for the theater. 

The Players have been searching for a home since they moved out of the Indiana Theater building on July 31, 2002. An initial fundraising campaign netted sufficient cash to cover the various expenses involved in the search and still left them with enough for the down payment on the Philadelphia Street building. This was possible because of the generosity of corporations such as First Commonwealth and S&T Banks and patrons such as Florence Helwig and John Henry and Sarah Steelman.  

A substantial amount will be needed to convert this shell of a building into a small proscenium performance space. While some significant renovation and remodeling will be necessary, the building is sound and has sufficient width and height to comfortably accommodate a stage approximately 35 feet wide and 24 to 28 feet deep. It has central heat and air conditioning and room to seat about 144 patrons. The basement will be sectioned off into makeup and dressing rooms and, of course, the green room. The Players will use local contractors whenever possible during the renovation process.

The primary purpose of Indiana’s community theater group has always been to promote interest in theater and dramatic arts by means of performances and educational programs for the residents of the Indiana area. The Players provide the means of participation and foster public interest in these activities. They involve the total community by offering opportunities for families to work together on and behind the stage, plus participate in educational programs covering acting, lighting, costume design and construction, and show direction and production.

Since the mid 1960s, people such as Dana Henry, Delores Marsinko, Abby Morris, and Jim Chapman have been staging theatrical productions for Indiana residents. Our community has been fortunate to benefit from the talent and hard work of individuals such as these for the last forty years. 

Volunteers are ready to work and patrons are eager to see our shows. Now that they have their own playhouse, the Players can continue their thirty-year record of operating a self-sustaining theater troupe. Additionally, the Indiana Players will have the ability to host a variety of other cultural and community events. And they will continue to do so in their permanent new home!

Tentative plans are being made to stage a Haunted House for Halloween and to produce a Holiday Show. Naturally, these two events will take place in the building with little or no improvements. Anyone interested in participating should call the Players’ president Fran Stineman at 724-465-8228. As the money comes in, work will proceed and fixtures will be installed. Patrons will have the opportunity to have their donations documented on the backs of the playhouse seats or engraved in the decorative walls.

Information regarding how this phase of giving will evolve will be forthcoming after the Holiday Season. Watch for information in the media, in the mail, and on this website on the latest updates to the Philadelphia Street Playhouse!