Steel River Playhouse originated in 2001 in Chester County. In the wake of September 11, professional and community artists, educators, and area residents began imagining how the performing arts would help heal and bring people together. In 2003, having already produced several concerts, operettas, and musicals, the organization filed for nonprofit status as a 501(c)(3) under the name “Village Productions.” Later, Village Productions would be renamed to Steel River Playhouse.
A New Brand, A Bold Façade – Our New Future!
In 2008, Steel River purchased a turn of the 20th century abandoned department store in Pottstown and transformed it into a 2.4 million dollar performing arts center. The name Steel River Playhouse honors Pottstown’s history and geography. Situated where the Schuylkill River and Manatawny Creek flow together, Pottstown is the headquarters for the vibrant National and State Heritage Area for the 135-mile Schuylkill River.
Our name is also evocative of the organization’s creative, engaging programming as well as the physical elements of the facility itself. Our facility, originally the J.J. Newberry Department Store, blends old and new. It features a flowing steel mesh façade, high-tech marquee, and engaging outdoor plaza leading to its funky, urban interior of original hardwood floors, brick and cement walls, and raw wood joists, highlighted throughout by exposed I-beams stamped with the iconic “Bethlehem Steel.”
