ABOUT OUR ORGANIZATION
MISSION
We strive to create, support, and offer opportunities for adults with disabilities to participate in performing arts activities as an avenue for self-expression, social
interaction and community connection.
HISTORY
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, and other 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 is the theater group meeting online, it is far reaching to interested participants around the country!
POINTS OF PRIDE
VISION
VALUES
-
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 26 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.
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
ADMINISTRATORS
on the BOARD
JEN BASMAJIAN, Theater General Manager
Hatboro-Horsham School District
GAIL BEIGEL, Family Representative
North Penn School District
JACKIE MULLOCK, Executive Director
BOB IMMERMAN, Chair
Centennial School District
MIKE CZEKNER, Treasurer
Peaceful Living
Catholic Human Services
Archdiocese of Philadelphia
CHRISSY DERBYSHIRE, Recording Secretary
Hatboro-Horsham School District
JODI JACOBY, Corresponding Secretary
Bryn Mawr College, Retired
Alzheimer’s Support
JONATHAN O'DWYER, Compliance Officer
Abbot Downing
BARRY DOUGHERTY, Artistic Director
Merck & Co.
Keith Valley Music Theatre
ERIN MONAGHAN, Information Director
Hatboro-Horsham School District
SUSAN GALLAGHER, TA Representative
Gwynedd Mercy University, Retired
LINDA UNANGST, Facility Liaison
Methacton School District
Church of the Messiah
PSEA
Our board members, administrators, directing staff,
and volunteers are compassionate dedicated professionals, community members, and students representing the theater arts, human services, education, accounting, business,
legal, and pharmaceutical
industries.
SHEILA DARDEN, Member at Large
Developmental Enterprises Corporation
Higher Ground Church International
CAROL KRAMER, Member at Large
Coldwell Banker - Hearthside
CATHERINE CLARK, Founder,1993-2019
JOHN LANCASTER, Member Emeritus
CYNTHIA LOUDEN, Member Emerita
Mike Czekner - Treasurer
Our daughter, Kimberly, was a member of Harmony Theater for three years before she began an independent living program.I saw firsthand the positive impact Harmony Theater had not just on her but all the actors that participate each week.
The hard work is evident with each performance but the enjoyment I witnessed each week convinced me that I needed to be part of Harmony in some small way. So, while Kim was going off to her program I continued to do what I had done for many years and offered to help wherever needed. Harmony was in need of a treasurer and I had the experience of working for over 40 years in a non-profit organization and five years later I continue to use my expertise to ensure the financial resources are available and that Harmony Theater is in a position to grow our outreach to the community for many years to come.
