Hedgerow is a unique ensemble theatre housed in a historic grist mill, nestled in a secluded grove just minutes from the bustling county-seat town of Media. Vibrant with its own unique character, it seeks to connect and enrich the lives of the company, its patrons and the community through performances and theatre education of the highest quality. Founded in 1923 in Rose Valley Pa, Hedgerow has its roots in the artisan/craftsman movement at the turn of the last century. Actor/director Jasper Deeter fell in love with the intimacy of the grist mill-turned borough hall, the aesthetic appreciation of the community, and the opportunity to create a theatre with an artistic rather than commercial center. Under his leadership the theatre enjoyed an outstanding reputation.
Over its 94 years Hedgerow has been a magnet for many national theatre personalities, from Richard Basehart to Edward Albee, Ann Harding, Susan Glaspell and more recently, Keanu Reeves and Austin Pendelton.
In 1990 Hedgerow alumna Penelope Reed “came home” to apply her leadership and experience to advance Hedgerow as an actor's theatre. In her role as Producing Artistic Director, she reinstated Hedgerow as a major player in the national theatre scene. Today, Ms. Reed's son, Jared Reed, a nationally renowned actor, leads the company as Producing Artistic Director, representing the 5th general of a professional acting family as he heads Hedgerow in a new direction of artistic and aesthetic excellence.
Locally it has been credited as 'the mother of all Philadelphia theatres,' spawning People's Light and Theatre Company, Freedom Theatre and Curio Theatre Company, as this little gem in the Delaware Valley attracts young talent and seasoned professionals. As each generation of actors takes the stage, the theatrical footprint of the nation's “First Reparatory Theatre” grows deeper and richer. Thousands of residents and tourists, alike, fill its seats for each show, experiencing laughter, tears, and every emotion in between.
Hedgegrow Theatre
64 Rose Valley Rd.
Rose Valley, PA, 19063
610.565.4211
HedgerowTheatre.org