InterAct is a theatre for today's world, producing new and contemporary plays that explore the issues of our time. InterAct's aim is to educate, as well as entertain its audiences, by producing world-class, thought-provoking productions, and by using theatre as a tool to foster positive social change in the community.
Since its founding in 1988, InterAct has evolved into a regional and national leader in the development and production of new plays. As of the 2009/2010 Season, the company has produced 72 mainstage productions, including 30 World Premieres, two U.S. premieres, and over 30 regional premieres. Of the World Premieres, over a dozen have gone on to professional productions at regional theatres across the United States, as well as internationally. InterAct has received 43 Barrymore Award nominations and 16 awards. InterAct's mainstage productions have provided work for over 500 Philadelphia area artists.
In addition to an annual 4-play mainstage season, InterAct’s major programming includes InterAction, a program of experiential workshops and residencies in area schools that utilize theatre as a tool to illuminate pressing social problems in the community; the 20/20 New Play Commission program, an ambitious initiative that will award twenty new play commissions over six seasons; New Play Development, working closely with playwrights to develop plays that adhere to the company's mission; hosting the Playwrights Forum, a self-selecting group of up-and-coming playwrights in the Philadelphia area that meets monthly to exchange ideas and cultivate each other’s writing; and the Kaki Marshall Arts and Community Award, an annual fundraising event that recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the lively arts in Philadelphia.
