Devon Theater for the Performing Arts

6333 Frankford Avenue,
Philadelphia, PA 19135

Unfavorite 4 people favorited this theater

Showing 101 - 107 of 107 comments

jackferry
jackferry on December 5, 2005 at 8:05 pm

Just checked the public records on this theater. The Mayfair Housing Development Corporation (a neighborhood redevelopment group) bought the theater and stores for $740,000.00 in June 2004.

raymondgordonsears
raymondgordonsears on October 24, 2005 at 2:50 pm

Construction work is moving along. The stores have been gutted and it appears some work is taking place in the theatre. It’s nice to see old theatres being saved. Too many have been lost.

jackferry
jackferry on June 20, 2005 at 2:04 pm

I agree that use of the Devon as a performing arts center sounds exciting, but I frankly have a hard time thinking of it as a “grand old theater”. Compared to architectually interesting theaters on Frankford Avenue like the Mayfair and the Merben, the Devon wasn’t much more than a box with seats.

For what it’s worth, my brother was an usher there in the early 80s, and I worked there a couple times fixing seats, working in the candy stand, and helping with projector problems. (Although I mainly worked at the Mayfair.)

jjg38
jjg38 on June 7, 2005 at 5:21 pm

This is the organization undertaking the project.

www.mayfaircdc.org

ginaelia8189
ginaelia8189 on April 19, 2005 at 7:55 pm

Dear Sir,I live in Mayfair and every time I pass the Devon Performing arts center I keep wondering when it will open, any idea? I always stop to see if anyone is around but no such luck. I was so happy to see that this was to be the future home of the performing arts right here on Frankford Ave but I cannot seem to reach anyone regarding this venue. I am very interested in filling out an application to work there in some compacity and also to enroll in your acting classes. I love the theater so much and would like the opportunity to become a part of this new center. Could you please put me in contact with someone regarding applications and enrollments? Please advise and I appreciate your time & attention to this matter. Thank you, Barbara Elia (Mayfair resident 40 yrs.)

morgana544
morgana544 on March 11, 2005 at 7:45 pm

I was just on Frankford Ave. across from the old beloved Devon today, eating lunch with an old friend. When I came out to my car, what should I see but signs plastered all over the outside of the theater : FUTURE HOME OF THE DEVON PERFORMING ARTS THEATRE! It’s so exciting. Apparently, there was some agreement that these theaters would never again become movie theaters in Philadelphia. (I’m talking about, in alphabetical order, the Benner, the Devon, the Castor, the Crest, and the Tyson.) Well, they CAN become performing arts venues, as has the Keswick in Glenside. I’m so happy that someone has had the vision and energy to save this grand old theater. I’m looking forward to attending events there.

RaeEleanor
RaeEleanor on November 20, 2004 at 7:30 am

Need historical information. My Great Aunt, Rae Eleanor Ball was a violinist who played with the RKO circuit (1910-1930). I am looking for any information that shows she may have played at your theatre.
Thank you for your time.