For Immediate Release: December 20, 2005
Media Contact: Tyler Melchior, 1812 Productions, 215.592.9560

Pete Pryor and Jennifer Childs co-founded 1812 Productions in 1997 with the goals of making Philadelphia theatre patrons laugh and keeping Philadelphia theatre artists employed. Having successfully achieved both, 1812 Productions heads into its 10th Anniversary season as witty and inspired as ever.

As the powers that be converge to create the company’s next season of comedy, Pete Pryor has decided to transition into the role of 1812’s Resident Artist. After nine seasons as 1812 Productions’ Producing Artistic Director, Mr. Pryor has decided that the time has come to change his role within 1812 Productions’ leadership. The new title of Resident Artist allows him to remain involved artistically with 1812 Productions yet shifts company leadership to Jennifer Childs, 1812 Productions’ Artistic Director.

These changes are the results of several new opportunities and challenges, both professional and personal, which have been presented to Mr. Pryor. Among these are ever-increasing opportunities to direct as well as perform in the Philadelphia theatre community. This season Mr. Pryor will appear in productions from Theatre Exile and Azuka Theatre Collective among others. For The Lantern Theatre, Pete will take on the leading role in their production of Richard III. He will also take up the role of Charlie in Larry Shue’s The Foreigner at People’s Light and Theatre Company.

Perhaps the greatest and most highly anticipated project currently in Pete’s hands is the creation of a theatre-based arts curriculum designed specifically for students at The Pathway School, located in Norristown, PA. The Pathway school’s mission is to work directly with, “…children and young adults with special needs. Pathway builds the independence of its students in a nurturing and challenging environment that best prepares them for life after Pathway.” The programs and initiatives of The Pathway School are designed around the needs of students with developmental disabilities, neurological impairments, and neuropsychiatric disorders. Autism, in particular, is a cause close to Pete’s heart, and over the past year he has taken a personal role in the creation of a new program that uses the tools of the performing arts (movement, speech, eye-contact) as methods of connecting with and teaching children with these kinds of developmental disabilities. Pete proposed the program to The Pathway School administration and was granted funding for the project. As of this writing, he has already begun working with the school’s students.

“1812 Productions started as one show—one production,” says Pete. “That one endeavor turned into a season and, before Jen and I knew it, we were a company. 1812 Productions has become one of the most respected regional theatre companies in Philadelphia and I am proud beyond words to have been a part of that process.”

In Mr. Pryor’s time as Producing Artistic Director, 1812 Productions initiated an on-going educational outreach program at South Philadelphia High School and The Widener Memorial School for Children with Disabilities. Mr. Pryor has been instrumental in forming 1812 Productions identity and helping to establish a diverse base of contributed support. “As a Co-Founder I realize that 1812 Productions is the result of not one but many collaborations. I am proud to have had the good fortune to work with and learn from so many passionate people. I look forward to bringing this creative learning experience to the next phase of my career.” Jennifer Childs, co-founder and Artistic Director of 1812 Productions says, "I think both Pete and I are very proud that 1812 has become something bigger than just the two of us. Our friendship and partnership was the beginning, and 1812 would not be what it is today if it were not for Pete. I happily support him in all of his new endeavors and know that we will continue the good work he helped to start."

"The value of Pete Pryor's contribution in helping to create and build 1812 Productions is immeasurable," says Matt Pettigrew, President of 1812 Productions’ Board of Directors. “On behalf of the Board of Directors, I want to express our gratitude for his enormous and ceaseless enthusiasm, energy, and talent. We support Pete as he embarks on new artistic and creative endeavors and, even though his role with the company is changing, we are pleased that he has agreed to remain an important member of the 1812 family as we continue to strive for excellence."

Mr. Pryor’s transition into the role of Resident Artist will be effective as of June 30, 2006. Any questions about this change can be forwarded directly to 1812 Productions Administrative Office at (215) 592-9560 or info@1812productions.org. Questions can also be sent to Pete directly at pete@1812productions.org.

Go to News Releases»