The Media Theatre

What The Media Theatre does

The Media Theatre is a 501(c)(3) non-profit performing arts organization (EIN: 23-2743521) operating a 451-seat historic theatre at 104 East State Street in Media, Pennsylvania. Originally built in 1927 as a movie palace, the building was converted to live theatre in 1994 and re-established under non-profit management in 2000. The organization produces three principal programming lines: a Broadway Series of 3-5 professional musical productions annually, a Youth Ensemble Series of four youth or teen productions for ages 6-18, and educational programming including weekly acting classes and six summer camps that together serve 500+ students annually. The company also operates the State Street Miracles, an inclusive vocal troupe for adults with intellectual disabilities founded in 2006, and has executed community partnerships with the Chester Boys and Girls Club and Second Baptist Church of Media reaching 20,000+ underserved students cumulatively.

Revenue is generated across six streams: ticket sales (single tickets $45, Gold subscription $140, Silver subscription $114, group sales $35, student matinees $19, Business Pass $2,000), education program fees ($300-$400 per session, $50 per enrolled Youth Ensemble production or $500 for non-enrolled), corporate sponsorships, venue rentals of the Marquee, Crystal Room, and full theatre, donations, and digital gift cards (sold through LocalGiftCards.com with a 2-year expiry-to-donation policy). Distribution is direct-only via in-house Salesforce/PatronManager online box office and physical box office; the organization explicitly discourages unauthorized third-party resellers.

The technology stack is fully third-party with no proprietary systems: Salesforce/PatronManager for ticketing, CourseStorm for class/camp registration, LocalGiftCards.com for gift cards, Squarespace for web, and FeverUp as a partner channel for hosted concerts. The company is led by Executive Artistic Director Christian Ryan (BFA, Clarion University; since 2017; 25+ productions helmed) and governed by a 13-member Board of Directors chaired by Joseph Lesniak. No public API, no AI/ML capabilities, and no mobile app are offered; marketing is email-led (16,000 subscribers, 74% open rate) and social-led (10,000 followers).

Name

The Media Theatre

Legal name

The Media Theatre Company

Website

https://mediatheatre.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1927

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Media Theatre is a 501(c)(3) non-profit performing arts organization operating a 451-seat historic theatre in Media, Pennsylvania, producing Broadway-caliber musicals, youth ensemble productions, and educational theatre programs serving families, schools, and corporate audiences across the Philadelphia region.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Media

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Ticket Sales: Primary revenue from Broadway Series single tickets ($45), subscriptions (Gold $140 for 4 shows, Silver $114 for 3 shows), group sales ($35/person for 15+), student matinees ($19/person for 15+), and Business Pass ($2000). Box office processes credit cards with $2 processing fee per transaction.
2. Corporate Sponsorships: Corporate sponsorship program targeting brands seeking association with performing arts. Over 50,000 annual attendees, 16,000 eblast subscribers, 10,000 social media followers provide marketing exposure. Customized partnership packages include marquee visibility, website, social media, brochures, playbills, and digital screens.
3. Education Programs: Classes (K-12) priced at $400 for Spring/Fall, $300 for Winter. Youth Ensemble production fees of $50 for enrolled students or $500 for non-enrolled. Summer camps with various pricing including before/after care add-ons ($150 for 2-week, $75 for 1-week). Reaches 500+ students annually.
4. Space Rentals: Venue rental for events including Marquee message board, Crystal Room (up to 100 capacity), and full Theatre (up to 450 seats). Used for performances, birthday parties, fundraisers, conferences, reunions.
5. Donations: Registered 501(c)(3) non-profit accepting donations. EIN: 23-2743521. Donations support theatre education and accessibility programs.
6. Gift Cards: Digital gift cards sold through LocalGiftCards.com for ticket purchases. Unused cards after 2 years converted to donations.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The Media Theatre is a non-profit performing arts organization that produces a Broadway Series of 3-5 professional musical productions annually, a Youth Ensemble Series of four youth productions for students ages 6-18, summer performing arts camps, and weekly acting classes. The theatre also operates the State Street Miracles inclusive performance troupe for adults with intellectual disabilities and rents its historic 451-seat venue for private events.

Product overview

The Media Theatre is a 501(c)(3) non-profit performing arts organization operating a 451-seat professional theatre in Media, PA. The company produces a portfolio of live entertainment offerings centered around its Broadway Series (3-5 professional musical productions annually), the Youth Ensemble Series (four youth productions for ages 6-18), and youth education programming including Camp Media Theatre (summer camps) and weekly acting classes. Additional offerings include the inclusive State Street Miracles troupe for adults with disabilities, venue rentals, gift cards, subscription packages, business passes, and group sales programs. The theatre serves over 50,000 individuals annually and operates as a registered non-profit organization with EIN 23-2743521.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• The Media Theatre Company: The official legal name used for the non-profit organization operating the theatre.

Products and services

• Broadway Series Professional musical theatre productions presented as a subscription season with 3-5 mainstage shows annually, featuring Broadway-caliber productions such as Charlie & the Chocolate Factory, Peter and the Starcatcher, A Chorus Line, and Mean Girls (Young Professionals). Designed for adult audiences and families seeking professional theatre entertainment in the Philadelphia region.
• Youth Ensemble Series Four youth or teen edition productions each year for students aged 6-18, with casts of up to 30 students per production. Includes productions for ages 6-13 and one teen production for ages 14-18. Production fees are $50 per production for students enrolled in Education Classes or $500 for non-enrolled students.
• Camp Media Theatre Summer performing arts camps including Performance Camps (ages 8-15) where campers audition, rehearse, and perform a musical in two weeks, and Concert Camps (ages 6-12) focusing on songs, dances, and acting scenes. Includes optional before/after care ($150 for 2-week, $75 for 1-week). Camps offered include Frozen Kids, Finding Nemo Kids, Winnie the Pooh Kids, Once Upon a Stage, and more.
• Weekly Acting Classes After school and Saturday morning classes for students K-12, offered in Fall, Winter, and Spring sessions. Classes are held in the Crystal Room at the theatre and cover age groups 6-9, 10-13, and 14-18. Pricing is $400 for Spring/Fall sessions and $300 for Winter session.
• State Street Miracles Inclusive performance troupe founded in 2006 for adults with intellectual disabilities, providing performance ambassadors in song at community events, civic organizations, and special occasions. The troupe has grown from 8 to 14 performers featuring adults with developmental disabilities including autism and Down syndrome, performing at venues throughout the Philadelphia region.
• Venue Rentals Rental of theatre spaces for private events including the Marquee custom message board, the Theatre/Stage with proscenium seating for up to 450 attendees and full stage dimensions, and the Crystal Room event space seating 75 or standing 100. Used for performances, birthday parties, fundraisers, conferences, and reunions.
• Gift Cards Digital gift cards available for purchase in any amount through Localgiftcards.com, redeemable for tickets and purchases at the theatre. Unused cards after 2 years are converted to donations.
• Business Pass Corporate hospitality pass offering 4 seats to 4 shows across 15 selected dates for the 2026-2027 Broadway Series Season at $2,000, providing nearly $1,000 in savings and brand visibility opportunities for client entertainment.
• Subscriptions (Gold and Silver Packages) Season subscription packages offering discounted tickets. Gold Package includes 4 shows for $140 ($35/show, $10 savings per ticket vs single tickets) and Silver Package includes 3 shows for $114 ($38/show, $7 savings per ticket). Both packages include premium seating, exchange privileges, and free ticket replacement.
• Group Sales and Student Matinees Discounted group tickets starting at $35/person for 15+ tickets for Broadway Series shows, and student matinee tickets starting at $19/person for 15+ students for Youth Ensemble shows. Optional snack pack available for additional $5 per student.

Quantifiable outcome

• First Barrymore Nomination in 20 years for Outstanding Choreography (Legally Blonde, 2024)
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Partnerships

23 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Berkshire Hathaway Fox & RoachcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor providing brand visibility through the theatre's marketing channels including marquee, website, social media, and playbills. Contact Gary Scheivert listed as representative on board.
• The McKee GroupcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor providing financial support in exchange for brand visibility across theatre marketing platforms. Jennifer McKee serves on Board of Directors.
• Visit Delco PAcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerRegional tourism organization sponsoring theatre programming. Stephen Byrne, Executive Director of Visit Delco, serves on Board of Directors.
• Media Real EstatecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal real estate company providing corporate sponsorship support to the theatre.
• Law Offices of Joseph LesniakcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerAttorney firm providing corporate sponsorship. Joseph Lesniak serves as Chair of Board of Directors.
• Edward JonescoreGTM or Marketing PartnerFinancial services firm providing corporate sponsorship. Bryan Messick represents Edward Jones on Board of Directors.
• Sterling Pig BreweryminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal brewery offering 10% discount to Media Theatre ticket holders. Cross-promotional partner.
• John Ciccone Playhouse Charities Inc.minorGTM or Marketing PartnerCharitable organization providing support to the theatre through sponsorship.
• The Strine FoundationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFoundation providing charitable support to the theatre.
• Media's Town HouseminorGTM or Marketing PartnerRestaurant partner offering 15% discount to Media Theatre ticket holders. Cross-promotional relationship.
• Fellini CafeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerItalian restaurant partner offering 10% discount to Media Theatre ticket holders. Cross-promotional relationship.
• Spasso Italian GrillminorGTM or Marketing PartnerRestaurant partner offering 10% discount to Media Theatre ticket holders.
• State Street PubminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPub partner offering 10% discount to Media Theatre ticket holders.
• Pinocchio's RestaurantminorGTM or Marketing PartnerRestaurant partner offering 10% discount to Media Theatre ticket holders.
• Off The RailminorGTM or Marketing PartnerRestaurant partner offering 10% discount to Media Theatre ticket holders.
• Peking MediaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerChinese restaurant partner offering 10% discount to Media Theatre ticket holders.
• Media Court DinerminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDiner partner offering 10% discount to Media Theatre ticket holders.
• Gifford-Risley HouseminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHistoric venue partner offering cross-promotional discounts to theatre patrons.
• Climico HVACminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHVAC services partner providing corporate sponsorship support.
• PA Veterans MuseumminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership hosting Veterans Night for each production, honoring veterans with meals and show access.
• Chester Boys and Girls ClubcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partnership providing weekly meetings to help underserved children create their own musical, plus scholarship opportunities. Part of DEI initiatives.
• Second Baptist Church of MediaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPredominantly Black church partnership for community engagement, including collaboration on 'To Kill a Mockingbird' production.
• FeverUpminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorThird-party event producer hosting Candlelight Concerts, Ballets, and Dance shows at the theatre venue. Tickets sold through FeverUp website.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves2 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• People's Light & Theatre Company: Regional theatre in Malvern, PA producing Broadway-style musicals with extensive youth education programs. Operates a similar subscription model, education classes, and summer camps - the most directly comparable peer given proximity and programmatic structure.
• Walnut Street Theatre: Philadelphia-based regional theatre producing Broadway Series musicals with subscription packages and education programs. Same Philadelphia regional market, similar core offering of professional musicals plus youth programming, though at a larger scale.
• Bucks County Playhouse: Historic Pennsylvania regional theatre producing Broadway-caliber musicals in a suburban market. Similar subscription season model and commitment to producing established titles with professional casts.
• Arden Theatre Company: Philadelphia-based regional theatre producing mainstage productions with strong education programming. Competes for the same local audience and offers similar season subscription packages.
• Theatre Horizon: Suburban Philadelphia professional theatre producing contemporary plays and musicals. Operates in Norristown, PA within the same Delaware Valley region serving similar suburban audiences.
• Bristol Riverside Theatre: Regional theatre in Bucks County, PA producing Broadway musicals and children's theatre. Similar size and programming mix with subscription season and education components.
• Hedgerow Theatre: Historic regional theatre in Delaware County (Rose Valley, PA) producing live performances with educational programming. Same regional Pennsylvania market with comparable historic-venue positioning.
• Playhouse on Park: Connecticut-based regional theatre producing Broadway-style musicals and offering youth education. Similar mid-size regional theatre model with subscription season and children's programming.
• Fulton Theatre: Regional theatre in Lancaster, PA producing Broadway Series musicals with education programming. Similar mid-size regional theatre with subscription season and youth academy offerings.

Broad incumbents

• Paper Mill Playhouse: Larger New Jersey regional theatre producing Broadway-bound musicals with extensive education programs. Same Northeast regional theatre category but at materially larger scale and budget.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/themediatheatre
• Facebookfacebook.com/mediatheatre
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/media-theatre

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles13 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Media Theatre