Hedgerow Theatre is a theatre company based in Rose Valley, Pennsylvania, near Philadelphia, founded in 1923. It was "for many years the only true U. S. professional repertory theater." The building is a contributing structure in the Rose Valley Historic District listed on the National Register of Historic Places. History Hedgerow was founded in 1923 by New York-based director and actor Jasper Deeter in Rose Valley, less than 3 miles from Media and Swarthmore. The theatre itself, originally a grist-mill built in 1840, seats 144 spectators after a reconstruction designed by architect Will Price. Other sources note, however, that the Theatre building was "erected in 1807 as a snuff mill and later rebuilt as a handweaving mill." It is a contributing structure in the Rose Valley Historic District. Hedgerow's green room showcases a staircase and table designed by Wharton Esherick, an acclaimed American craftsman and a one-time set designer for Hedgerow. Located a half mile from the theatre is Hedgerow House, used as housing for the residential company members as well as a rehearsal space, school, and office, accompanied by the costume and prop shops. The Pennsylvania Guide, compiled by the Writers' Program of the Works Progress Administration in 1940, described the founding of the Theatre by Deeter and its early operations: During its long history, Hedgerow has helped to spawn other popular theatre companies, such as People's Light and Theatre Company. Hedgerow has been the site of many play debuts and has received recognition by producing the plays of George Bernard Shaw, Eugene O'Neill, and Seán O'Casey. Its actors have included H. Foley, Richard Basehart, Ann Harding, Keanu Reeves, Stephen Lang, and Austin Pendleton. From 1990 to 2013, Hedgerow was under the artistic direction of Penelope Reed, who encouraged the educational growth of the company as well as an atmosphere of collaboration. Currently, the company is led by Mrs. Reed's son, Jared Reed. The company stages upwards of two dozen productions a year and relies on the dedication of its company members, volunteers, and surrounding community. A Mainstage season tends to include new plays, farces, Shakespeare, mysteries, and at Christmastime, A Christmas Carol. The Horizons series runs in repertory with the Mainstage season and frequently showcases new plays, often featuring the younger company members. The Mainstage season has been divided into two different series. The theatre has started to be operated under a Small Professional Theatre contract, featuring more