Mission
1812 Productions is dedicated to creating theatrical works of comedy and comedic works of theater that explore and celebrate our sense of community, our history, and our humanity
History
1812 Productions was founded in 1997 by Jennifer Childs and Peter Pryor, two long-time friends and artistic collaborators, with a dedication to comedy, theater, and Philadelphia artists. In 1998 the company premiered with The Compleat Works of Wllm Shkspr (abridged) and was promptly named “Best of Philly – Theater in Infancy” by Philadelphia Magazine.
In 2000 they presented the company’s first original piece created by Childs, The Big Time: Vaudeville for the Holidays. It was a critical and box office success and was the beginning of what would become a holiday tradition – an original piece each year that focused on an era or area of comedic history. It introduced a unique comedic style that is signature 1812 and was the first of now over 35 original works created by the company.
Since that time, 1812 has continued to combine their original work with plays and devised theater pieces by established and emerging playwrights and artists, producing three mainstage shows and several limited engagement comedy events each season.
Their education program, 1812 Education, has been in residence at South Philadelphia High School and the Widener School for Children with Disabilities for 20 years. 1812 Education has been awarded the Barrymore Award for Excellence in Theatre Education and Community Service and The Victory Foundation Award.
1812 Productions is the only professional theater company in the country dedicated to comedy and was the recipient of an honorary citation from the City of Philadelphia for outstanding work and commitment to the Philadelphia arts community. 1812 Productions has been recognized multiple times by The American Theatre Wing, founder of the Tony Awards, most recently with a documentary commission for the original work This Is The Week That Is, created by company co-founder and Producing Artistic Director Jennifer Childs. The resulting Emmy Award nominated documentary is now part of The Wing’s digital archive for their Working In The Field series and is available for public viewing here. With a focus on devised and original works, 1812 Productions' mission is to produce theatrical works of comedy and comedic works of theatre that explore and celebrate our sense of community, our history, and our humanity.
Where does the name come from?
1812’s namesake is not the war or the overture, but an address. 1812 Pine Street was the address where Childs and Pryor lived along with an ever-changing group of artist roommates – actors, dancers, sculptors, painters, film-makers, musicians and the occasional German tourist. As Childs says, “It was a time and place in our lives where we had no money, so we were always making something out of nothing. And making each other laugh all the time. ”