Theater plays a significant role in our society. Beyond entertaining us, it promotes education and literacy, and it promotes different perspectives on issues and historical events, as well as discussion, social change, and discourse. From the earliest civilizations in Egypt, Persia, and Greece to modern times, the purpose and impact of theater remains a thoroughly human experience.

The history of theater in Philadelphia dates back to the 18th century, and it has played a vital role in the development of American theater. Many may know that the oldest playhouse in the United States is the Walnut Street Theater, established in 1809. Philadelphia’s theater history is rich, complex, and ongoing, with deep roots in the colonial era, flourishing in the 19th century, and continuing its evolution throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. It remains a key part of the city’s cultural identity and a vital contributor to the broader American theater landscape.

African American theater in Philadelphia is rich, deeply rooted in the city's Black community, and intertwined with the broader struggles for civil rights and cultural expression. Philadelphia has long been a vital center for African American culture and creativity, and its theater scene reflects this dynamic legacy.

The Royal Theater was a center of African American culture in Philadelphia. The building was built in 1919, and by the 1930s the theater had earned the reputation as "America's Finest Colored Photoplayhouse". The legendary venue, at the center of one of segregated Black America’s greatest cultural districts, was made famous in the African-American community and hosted live performances from iconic Black performers like Cab Calloway, Bessie Smith, Fats Waller, and Billie Holiday. 

Dunbar Theatre was a 1600-seat theater and jazz club in Philadelphia. It opened in 1919 and was later called the Gibson Theatre and Lincoln Theatre. The Dunbar Theater was the location of the first African American musical, Shuffle Along, premiering as the first all-Black cast and production.

Founded in 1966 by John E. Allen, Jr., the New Freedom Theater, located in Philadelphia, is Pennsylvania's oldest African American theater and is dedicated to achieving artistic excellence in professional theater and performing arts training for the enrichment of the community.

The Bushfire Theater of Performing Arts was founded in 1977 by Alfred Simpkins. The historically-designed building was once a vaudeville house turned into a movie house. It is a 428-seat performing arts space and the home of the Bushfire Theater professional ensemble.

The history of African American theater continues with Theater in the X. In 2013, Theater in the X was created to provide the people of West Philadelphia and the African American community at large the opportunity to see professional quality theater in their neighborhood for no cost. Theatre in the X also provides opportunities to playwrights, actors, directors, stage managers, DJs, sound engineers, and vendors of color.

Famous Philadelphians who have graced the stage locally and on Broadway:

• Pearl Bailey - Bailey is a singer and author. After appearing in vaudeville, she made her Broadway debut in St. Louis Woman in 1946. She received a Special Tony Award for the title role in the all-Black production of Hello, Dolly! in 1968.
• Charles Fuller - Fuller is a playwright best known for his play A Soldier's Play, for which he received the 1982 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the 2020 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Play.
• Leslie Odom, Jr. - Leslie Odom Jr. is an actor, singer, and songwriter. He made his acting debut on Broadway in 1998 and first gained recognition for his portrayal of Aaron Burr in the musical Hamilton, which earned him a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical and a Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album in the same year.
• Sherman Hemsley - While best known for his television roles in The Jeffersons and Amen, Hemsley performed with local groups in Philadelphia before moving to New York to study with Lloyd Richards at the Negro Ensemble Company. Shortly after, he joined Vinnette Carroll's Urban Arts Company appearing in these productions: But Never Jam Today, The Lottery, Old Judge Mose is Dead, Moon on a Rainbow Shawl, Step Lively Boys, Croesus, and The Witch. Hemsley made his Broadway debut in Purlie.
• James T. Lane - Lane made his Broadway debut with the 2006 revival of A Chorus Line playing Richie Walters. After that, Lane joined the cast of Chicago: The Musical, playing the role of Aaron and Amos Hart.