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1812 Productions is the result of long term collaboration between actor/teachers Peter Pryor and Jennifer Childs. Both came to Philadelphia in 1986 to attend the University of the Arts. After graduating from the University of Arts in 1990, Childs and Pryor left Philadelphia, only to return in 1991 to find a changing theater community. More small theatre companies were forming and the larger companies were starting to hire local actors in addition to those from New York.
1812 Staff Photo - 2006 |  | L-R, Back: David Jadico, Peter Pryor, Tyler Melchior; Front: Monica Stephenson, Jennifer Childs, Kate Tejada |
Along with a host of other actors, sculptors, dancers, painters and musicians, Childs and Pryor moved into an apartment at 1812 Pine Street. Both began acting and teaching in Philadelphia and, between them, worked at every theatre in the city. Both gained reputations as gifted actors and two people who could really make you laugh. In 1997 Childs and Pryor made a commitment to making people laugh and to the Philadelphia theatre community by establishing 1812 Productions, Inc.
When Childs and Pryor announced that they were founding a company, the same community that had accepted them as actors supported the beginning of 1812. 1812 received support from the Arden Theater Company in the form of rehearsal and performance space, technical and box office support, and much advice on how to run a company. Terry Graboyes, mother of a former student of Childs’ and Pryor’s and President of Graboyes Commercial Windows, volunteered to be 1812’s first corporate sponsor and board president.
In 1998, 1812 Productions premiered with The Compleat Works of Wllm Shkspr (abridged). In 1999, 1812 also started
its Education Outreach program at South Philadelphia High School and at the Widener School for Children with disabilities.
On April 20, 2005, 1812 Productions received an honorary citation from the City of Philadelphia for outstanding work and commitment to the Philadelphia arts community. As of June, 2008, 1812 Productions has grown to boast a staff of seven, has produced 33 professional productions in its history, including 14 world premieres. We maintain a four-show season, as well as our Education Outreach program. 1812 has also started several new ventures, including the Jilline Ringle Solo Performance Program and 1812 at the Angel, a series of comedy cabaret performances at the fabulous Old City music venue the Tin Angel.
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