Summit Playhouse facts for kids
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Summit Playhouse
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Original 1891 building
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 Location in Union County, New Jersey
Location in New Jersey
Location in the United States
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| Location | 10 New England Avenue Summit, New Jersey |
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| Built | ca. 1891 |
| Architect | Arthur Bates Jennings |
| Architectural style | Romanesque |
| NRHP reference No. | 09001177 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | December 30, 2009 |
The Summit Playhouse is a special theater in Summit, New Jersey. It is home to one of the oldest community theater groups in the United States. This group has been putting on plays and musicals for a very long time. They present new shows every year for everyone to enjoy.
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What is the Summit Playhouse?
The Summit Playhouse is a place where local actors and volunteers create amazing shows. It's known as a "community theater" because people from the community run it. They handle everything from acting to building sets and designing costumes. This theater is a big part of Summit's history and culture.
How Did the Playhouse Start?
The building itself has a long and interesting past. It was built around 1891.
From Library to Theater
The original building was made of stone in the Romanesque style. A famous architect named Arthur Bates Jennings designed it. When it first opened, it was the town's very first library.
In 1900, a new public library was started in Summit. By 1910, the library moved to a different building. This left the beautiful stone building empty for a while.
A New Purpose for the Building
In 1918, a group called The Playhouse Association was formed. This group started during World War I to help people. They needed a place to put on shows. So, they rented the old library building from the Summit Library Association. They paid only one dollar a year! The deal was that they had to take care of the building. This agreement lasted for 50 years.
Growing the Theater
Over time, the theater group grew. In 1960, they added a new part to the building. This new section became a 120-seat auditorium. The original 1891 building was then changed into the stage area. This made it a perfect place for plays.
Finally, in 1968, the Summit Library Association officially gave the building to the theater group. This meant the Summit Playhouse had its own permanent home.
Who Were the Early Directors?
Many talented people have helped lead the Summit Playhouse over the years.
- Norman Lee Swartout was one of the first directors in 1918.
Images for kids
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Original 1891 building
