The Barn Playhouse is owned and operated by The Dramateurs, Inc., a 501(c)3 non-profit educational corporation. Since 1934, the group has pursued the goal that was laid out when it was organized: "To stimulate greater interest in dramatic art and literature in Norristown and its vicinity through educational programs." The group has presented a summer season of plays at The Barn Playhouse in Jeffersonville every year since 1937. March 7, 1934
The Dramateurs was organized from dramatic art educational classes at the Norristown YWCA by Miss Louella E. Club officers were elected: Lemuel Geyer, president; Dorothy Lawler, secretary; Katherine Carn, librarian. The idea to organize a little theater group was born during the presentation of She Stoops to Conquer for the benefit of the YWCA. Charter members of the group included: Louella Mullin, Katherine Carn, Kathryn Beisel, Dorothy Buchenhorst, Betty Buchenhorst, Eleanor Buchenhorst, Bryce Manthorne, Merrill Eastwood, William Clark, Burke Allerton, Lemuel Geyer, Herbert Dewees, Rhetta Farrington and Ernest Wynn. The name "The Dramateurs" was chosen by vote from a list submitted by members. May 5, 1934
The name "The Dramateurs" was registered with the Pennsylvania Department of Registrations. February 17, 1937
The group decided to rent and remodel a barn located at Christopher Street and Rittenhouse Boulevard, Far View Farms, Jeffersonville, PA. May 8, 1937
The players were incorporated as a non-profit organization. Sept. 8, 1939
After hundreds of hours of volunteer labor and $2000, the Barn Playhouse opened with a production of The Shining Hour. January 25, 1940
West Norriton Township issued a Certificate of Registration For Non-Conforming Use to the group. March 28, 1947
It was announced at the group’s annual banquet and dance that an agreement had been signed to purchase The Barn.
