Bushfire Theatre Company was founded in 1974 by a group of actors who felt that there should be more opportunities for African-Americans in theatre and who wanted to work toward bringing more quality theatre to the city. However, in 1977, all had left the theatre and Al Simpkins formed "Bushfire Theatre of Performing Arts."

Bushfire Theatre of Performing Arts is a non-profit organization dedicated to offering greater opportunity for Black professional and non-professional actors, playwrights and other theatre personnel.

Located at 52nd and Locust Streets in West Philadelphia, the Bushfire Theatre Complex includes a mainstage theatre which seats 419, workshop space that accommodates 90, a cafe theatre which seats 90, and rehearsal and classroom space. These facilities serve the needs of the improvisational theaters. The main theatre, purchased in 1980, is a historically significant structure that was built in 1901. With the help and support of the community, Bushfire has transformed this facility, as well as three adjoining buildings, into a viable mainstage. They also produce a large number of plays and readings in Sassy's Salt Peanuts Cafe Theatre and The 52nd Street Writer's Workshop. The goal is to develop African-American playwrights through classes, readings and workshop productions of the participant's plays. By training and developing good playwrights, Bushfire ensures a constant flow of locally created productions. To enhance its local progrnmming, projects are produced in collaboration with visiting playwrights and directors. Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Charles Fuller and Tony Award-winning director and Chairman of the Yale School of Drnma, Lloyd Richards, are just two of the renowned people who have worked with Bushfire Theatre.

In 1985, Bushfire Theatre attained Professional status by signing letters of agreement with the Actors Equity Association, thus becoming the first community-based professional theatre company in Philadelphia.

As a cultural facility, Bushfire's main service is the predominantly African-American community of West Philadelphia within which it is located. However, theatre and workshop participants and audiences, which are ever increasing, are interracial and consistently reflect a broader citywide interest in its programs. This involvement from the surrounding community as well as through the city shows that Bushfire Theatre of Performing Arts is fast becoming an important cultural center in Philadelphia.

Bushfire Theatre of Performing Arts is a member of the Theatre Alliance of Greater Philadelphia.

The company recently presented the first production of Phantom of the 87th Street Playground, a children’s musical fantasy based on life in New York City and written by Clyde Santana and Gail Davis. Two original  comedies were also recently staged: Looking for Hezekiah and Dinner at Aunt Lucy’s, by P. J. Gibson. Many classic plays, such as Raisin in the Sun, have been performed during Bushfire’s 25+ year history.

So, why am I telling you all this?

We need to support the arts now more than ever in our communtiy!! Our government has put many art programs on the shelf due to budget issues or lack of enthusiasm. Small grassroots projects like Bushfire only thrive with the support of its patrons. They are the only theatre of its kind in the area! They have a number of learning programs to nourish young talent. They offer fantastic entertainment (theatre, jazz, cultural events). They offer the Walk Of Fame that for nearly a decade has honored past and present african american talent of stage and screen. Its a truly gala event complete with celebrity appearances. Call now to find out about this cultural gem in the heart of west Philadelphia. Tell them I sent you. :-)