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ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

Our Board Members Actively Engage in All Functions of Harmony!

MISSION 

HISTORY

    We strive to create, support, and offer opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in performing arts activities as an avenue for self-expression, social
interaction and community connection. 

Actors holding cards in performance of You're a Good Man Charlie Brown

VALUES

Harmony Theater began in 1994 as a performing arts collaborative for adults with disabilities, a population who needed community interaction activities.  A steering committee of professionals and volunteers came together with a common goal to create a performing arts program, proven to:

  • encourage positive self image and social interaction 

  • exercise creativity, imagination, and expression.   

This committee was made up of individuals with extensive experience in their fields of special education and human services.  The list of esteemed organizations includes Gwynedd-Mercy College, Indian Creek Foundation, Montgomery County College, Developmental Enterprises Corporation, St. Joseph's University, the YMCA of Ambler, local school districts,  industry service providers, and county government offices.

A year of diligent work from the committee, student volunteers, community volunteers, family members, and of course the 30 actors culminated in the first  Harmony Theater production, Highlights from the Wizard of Oz, on May 6, 1995 on the campus of Gwynedd-Mercy College (now a University). 

In 2012, Harmony Theater, Inc. became an independent non-profit organization and held rehearsals and performances at the Episcopal Church of the Messiah, 
Rt 202, Lower Gwynedd, PA.
The 2020 pandemic brought a unique challenge to the organization.  Due to restrictions on in person activity, Harmony went virtual.  Not only was the theater group meeting online, it was far reaching to interested participants around the country! 
Since then, the theater committed to a hybrid model of both in-person and virtual rehearsals and performances.  It was very helpful to accommodate all of our actors.  Our 2022 Fall session began the return to full in-person theater, and we are very excited to raise the curtain again!

 

25th Anniversary logo for Harmony Theater

POINTS OF PRIDE

VISION 

  • Embrace and drive change through the performing arts

  • Create fun and encourage individuality

  • Inspire a creative, compassionate, and adventurous environment

  • Uphold open and honest relationships with communication

  • Nurture positive team and family spirit

  • Be passionate and professional

  • Pursue continued success and growth

We are celebrating 29 years on stage!

     Harmony actors devote over 100 hours to rehearsing and performing per year- FANTASTIC!
     Our theater productions are improved by artistic, technical, and stage enhancements!
     We purchased a professional stage and ADA compliant accessible ramp!

      Harmony has developed a successful volunteer theater assistance program for middle and high school students. 

     We have increased our community presence, reach, and impact!

     Our 95% retention rate for actors, directors, volunteers, and board members is incredible!

     We have expanded our revenue streams in diversified
and innovative ways!
      Harmony responded to the unprecedented 2020 pandemic responsibly and creatively with our ground-breaking virtual experience.

      Outreach of the Harmony virtual experience has expanded far outside our geographic focus, including participants living in other states!

     Harmony earned the 2020 Top Rated honor from Great NonProfits and the 2021 Silver Seal of Transparency from Guidestar.

     In 2023, Harmony launches an inclusive youth program for teens of all abilities.

   We envision Harmony Theater as a community
theater space that would use the arts as a
connection between this population and the
surrounding community. The space would include a store front that would serve the public and financially support the theater activities.           
   Harmony Theater Inc. would provide employment opportunities for all community members of all abilities.                 Ultimately, Harmony Theater would provide social and economic prospects for this population in a safe and
supportive environment that maximizes the well-being of each person.

LEADERSHIP

Board Members

Administration
Team

JEN BASMAJIAN, Theater General Manager

     Hatboro-Horsham School District

GAIL BEIGEL, Family Representative

     North Penn School District

JACKIE MULLOCK, Executive Director
     
Harmony Theater
KRISTEN SCHADA WALSH, Advancement

      Exida    

BOB IMMERMAN, Chair

     Centennial School District

ELLEN GREMO, Treasurer

     The Community's Cup

CHRISSY DERBYSHIRE, Recording Secretary
     
Hatboro-Horsham School District

JODI JACOBY, Corresponding Secretary

     Bryn Mawr College, Retired

     Alzheimer’s Support

JONATHAN O'DWYER, Compliance Officer

     Citi Bank

BARRY DOUGHERTY, Artistic Director

     Merck & Co.

HANNA GREMO, Actor Representative

     Student, Gwynedd Mercy University

SUSAN GALLAGHER, TA Representative

     Gwynedd Mercy University, Retired

LINDA UNANGST, Facility Liaison

     Methacton School District, Retired

     Church of the Messiah

     PSEA

CAROL KRAMER, Community Member 

     Coldwell Banker - Hearthside

MIKE CZEKNER, Community Member

     Peaceful Living

     Catholic Human Services
     Archdiocese of Philadelphia

DANITA BROYLES, Community Member
     
Harmony Biosciences

...............................................................................................

image of connected hands showing teamwork

    Our board members, administrators, directing staff,
and volunteers are compassionate dedicated professionals, community members, and students representing the theater arts, human services, education, finance, realty,

legal, and pharmaceutical 
industries. 

Board Anchor
image of text about board members

  A BIG HEART

 Retired board member, Sheila
Darden has chosen to be a weekly
volunteer with our performers.

 WHAT AMAZING COMMITMENT!

 

IMG_2748.jpg

    

CATHERINE CLARK, Founder, 1993-2019

JOHN LANCASTER, Member Emeritus

CYNTHIA LOUDEN, Member Emerita

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