Devon Theater

The Devon Theater was built in 1946 at 6333 Frankford Avenue.  It was conceived and built by the storied architects Thalheimer & Weitz, who were also part of the design team for Philadelphia City Hall and the Philadelphia Bourse.  The Devon Theater is a significant component of Philadelphia’s rich history.

The Devon will be the first boutique theater in the Greater Northeast showcasing live performances.  The venue will be a 400-seat proscenium theater with a state-of-the-art stage, lighting, and sound package.  The venue will possess the flexibility to adapt to the various performances and uses not realized at other “standard” performing arts centers.  This adaptability will allow for a wide variety of uses – from live performance musicals, children’s theater, and interactive workshops to commercial rentals. Schools, community centers, and groups will be able to utilize the theater by staging performances and benefit from the theater through interactive, educational workshops.

In addition, The Devon will impact the community in the following important ways:

• Preservation of a historic building

• DTPA will allow groups designated as charities to apply for and receive grants geared towards Education and Performing Arts, as Mayfair will have an outlet to house original works created by the community

• DTPA will be aggressively marketed for sponsorship opportunities

• Provide a distinct program to children and adults seeking extracurricular activities

• DTPA will act as an introduction to the world of performing arts and live theater

• Acquisition of DTPA will result in neighborhood blight removal (e.g. purchasing and ameliorating local abandoned properties)

The Devon will serve primarily as a medium for live theater, musicals, workshops, original productions (resident troupe), and children’s theater. The theater will also serve as a valuable commercial rental facility for the following:

• Rehearsal space and audition space for traveling shows and resident groups

• Film companies for review of Rushes and Dailies

• Unique venue rental space for conferences and corporate meetings

• Promotional film screenings

The acquisition of the accompanying retail space will create an overall synergy in the area. The potential uses for the retail space is unlimited, but some initial ideas are:

• A small intimate café for theater patrons in partnership with the DTPA

• An upscale dessert house for theater goers and patrons of popular local restaurants

• A dance, music, or voice lesson studio

• A specialty store owned and operated by a local resident

The successful Devon will bring with it many opportunities for both permanent and limited employment, including theater managers, ushers, sound and light technicians, marketing and sales staff, events coordinators, custodians, and many others.

The potential positive effect that a successful theater can have on a surrounding area or neighborhood is significant. The possibilities are limitless…