Lantern Theater Company is committed to an authentic and intimate exploration of the human spirit in our choice of classics, modern, and original works. We create an innovative and stimulating theatrical experience that evokes thoughtful reflection and discussion long after the play ends.

Each season, we produce an eclectic season of classics, modern, and original works for the stage. Lantern Theater Company: In Conversation offers an insider's look at each show with theater artists, guest scholars, and other audience enrichment events that enhance the Lantern experience. Our Barrymore Award-winning Illumination program engages local students and adults in the world of theater and nurtures their artistic expression, reaching the Greater Philadelphia region through outreach in local schools, matinee performances for students, and training teaching artists for after school programs.

Philadelphia Weekly named the Lantern Best Theater Company in 2008, describing our selection of plays as "impressively diverse in genre and style." Since the inception of the Barrymore Awards for Excellence in Theatre in 1995, we have received 59 nominations and 13 awards, including the 2009 Barrymore Award for Excellence in Theatre Education and Community Service. We have received seven nominations for Outstanding Overall Production of Play over the past six years, more than any other theater company in the Philadelphia region.

Founded in 1994 by Charles McMahon and Michael Brophy, the Lantern has been in residence at St. Stephen's Theater at 10th & Ludlow Streets in Center City Philadelphia since 1996, managing the performance space and developing it into an affordable multi-purpose performing arts venue.