New Freedom Theatre

The New Freedom Theatre has certainly faced their fair share of struggles: namely, financial deficits and physical issues. Gentrification of the area and Temple University’s take-over of the surrounding land have made it difficult for the building to survive and for the organization to maintain their voice. Because of the building’s old age, there has been a great need for physical repair. In 2018, the extreme winter weather caused pipes to burst which resulted in flooding and the destruction of ceilings, walls, and floors which had just recently been refurbished. This incident forced the building to remain closed for a large portion of the year. Executive Producing Director Sandra Norris Haughton, a Wharton graduate, has done a stellar job of keeping the theatre alive and well. She has retired almost $6 million of debt. There are still residual financial struggles and ongoing repair needs. Haughton retired last year, but the organization is still working to preserve the history of the site itself and the history of the black America through its rich theatrical performances.

Your contribution to New Freedom Theatre supports our performing arts training program, our professional productions and access to our historic resource to the community. We provide core curriculum activities for children from age three to adulthood. The core curriculum includes dance, vocal arts, and acting for preschoolers, preteens, teens, and adults from basic to advanced levels. By using a holistic approach to teaching, emphasis is placed on artistic, personal, and cultural development, and mentorship for career development.