Harmony Theater – “Toto, I’ve got a feeling we are not in Kansas anymore.”
Harmony Theater started in 1994 as a performing arts collaborative for adults with disabilities. It is located in Lower Gwynedd Township of Montgomery County but supports all five counties of Pennsylvania’s southeastern region. The goal was to create a performing arts program that created an atmosphere of encouraging positive self-image and social interaction while inspiring creativity, imagination, and expression.
Their vision was to create a theater, a public space, that would use the arts to build a connection between people with IDD and the surrounding community. Ultimately, Harmony Theater would provide social and economic prospects for people in a safe and supportive environment that maximizes the well-being of each person.
It really does “take a village.” The first year involved a lot of commitment and diligent efforts from committee members, student and community volunteers, family members, and 30 actors. Their combined strengths united to successfully produce the first Harmony Theater production on May 6, 1995. This premier performance featured highlights from the Wizard of Oz on the stage of Gwynedd-Mercy College campus.
When the Covid-19 pandemic brought a unique challenge to our country, the Harmony Theater went virtual. The theater group decided to meet online, where it reached interested participants around the country!
“Toto, I’ve got a feeling we are not in Kansas anymore”
–Dorothy, Wizard of Oz
Every session is a celebration of resilient actors, staff, and families who are continuing to grow and thrive. Count on Harmony to keep moving forward! Harmony theater is not only bringing beautiful productions, it is growing a sense of community and giving actors, staff, and families a chance to thrive. And after all that our nation has faced, I’d say resiliency and moving forward is something to celebrate! This past spring 2022 they produced Evolution, a concert of beloved classics. You can just hear the heart and humorous fun that must have been packed into the show with their promotions touting “We’ve Gotta Feelin’ that you’ll love our concert filled with Harmony classics that uplift and inspire. There Ain’t No Mountain High Enough to keep us from entertaining you!” What an uplifting and fun way to come back after the pandemic! The virtual program allowed Harmony Theater to thrive amidst difficulties but will not be continuing at this time.
The theater program produces two amazing yearly events including a fall concert and a musical in the spring! Both productions are the satisfying climax to months of preparation, rehearsals, and learning choreography, singing, staging, and acting. Members don’t just learn about the performing arts; they’re also building relationships. “Our goal as a staff is that everyone feels like a star when they step on that stage!” said Jen Basmajian, General Manager of Harmony Theater. About the spring musical she added “…includes all the excitement of Broadway with costumes, props, makeup & hair, and sells out audiences!”
Furthering the excitement, we learned of this new update. They are continuing to grow with a new program coming in the year 2023. This inaugural Inclusive Youth Program will be for ages 13–21 for youth with and without disability who want to learn theater, build friendships, and have fun!
Maybe you or someone you support would like to connect with Harmony Theater. There are many opportunities including fun community fundraisers and even joining the cast. Check out their website, harmonytheaterinc.com.
Don’t miss out on the other theaters across Pennsylvania that offer similar experiences. For more information on each theater, check out the websites below:
Harmony Theater, Lower Gwynedd Twp., PA: harmonytheaterinc.com
The Media Theatre, Media, PA: mediatheatre.org
Attack Theatre, Pittsburgh, PA: attacktheatre.com
CLO New Horizons, Pittsburgh, PA: pittsburghclo.org
All photos used with permission from Harmony Theater.
