" We strive for an arts community where our performing artists, trained here in the Valley, aren't forced to continually leave our community in order to work. A successful artistic community deserves a successful professional theatre." - Joshua Neth, Artistic Director, Allentown Public Theatre

About Us

For one, we believe that through the power of story and song, theatre can bridge cultural gaps and language barriers to promote understanding, celebrate diversity and enrich lives. At Mayfair Festival of the Arts 2010 Allentown Public Theatre premiered its first Youth and Culture production, El Coqui and Other Tales from Borinquen. We commissioned this lively and original play, written by Allentown native Andy Wassenich, based on four Latino folk tales, to represent the ethnic population most prevalent in Lehigh Valley urban neighborhoods.

Also in 2010 APT introduced its first "creative drama story workshops" for small groups of 15 - 30. Currently four workshops based on tales from Puerto Rico, Japan, Ghana and India allow children to participate actively in drama, dance, music and visual art activities to bring the tales to life. APT's teaching artists conduct the workshops in partnership with elementary schools and other organizations.

In addition, beginning with Hamlet: A Rock Experience in January 2011, Allentown Public Theatre offers main-stage plays in downtown Allentown on Thursday through Saturday evenings. Productions range from classic to contemporary and include musicals, comedies and dramas. Beginning in September 2011, APT offers its first internships to students from local colleges and universities. Internships will range in field of study, and may include workshops in performing, directing, stage management, administration, design and/or technical theatre.

Our ultimate goal is to form a resident, professional company of actors who live in town and perform great theatre year-round. This company will change and grow each year, but we'll offer each actor a year's residency. Why do this? There are five Lehigh Valley colleges with a major in Theatre, yet, except for two summer programs, there are few opportunities for graduates and experienced professional actors to work. They must leave town. APT may not stop them from leaving, but we'd like to provide a place to gain experience and a place to come back to.