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Bill

SR 295

A Resolution designating the Bucks County Playhouse in New Hope as the State Theater of Pennsylvania.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Frank Farry and 1 co-sponsor

Designates the Bucks County Playhouse as Pennsylvania’s official State Theater, a symbolic recognition of its historic and cultural contribution to the arts.

Referred to State Government
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SR 295

Summary: Senate Resolution 295 (Session 2025-2026) — Designating the Bucks County Playhouse as the State Theater of Pennsylvania

Purpose and Intent

  • SR 295 designates the Bucks County Playhouse in New Hope, Pennsylvania, as the State Theater of Pennsylvania.
  • The resolution expresses recognition of the Bucks County Playhouse’s historical significance, cultural impact, and ongoing role in Pennsylvania’s theatrical landscape.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Formal designation: The resolution designates the Bucks County Playhouse as the official State Theater of Pennsylvania.
  • Rationale and background (as recited in the bill):
    • The Playhouse is located on the site of a historic mill by the Delaware River, with roots tied to the town’s name origin (New Hope, formerly Coryell’s Ferry).
    • The site’s preservation in the 1930s involved notable artists, including Moss Hart.
    • It officially opened on July 1, 1939, with a production featuring Edward Everett Horton.
    • It gained national prominence as “America’s Most Famous Summer Theater,” hosting a long list of renowned performers.
    • After a period of closure, the venue was restored and reopened in 2012, continuing to offer productions, education, and community engagement.
  • No enacted funding or regulatory changes are attached to the designation in the text of the bill. The resolution serves as symbolic recognition rather than a funding mechanism or statutory mandate.

Who or What Would Be Affected

  • The Bucks County Playhouse in New Hope would receive formal recognition as the State Theater of Pennsylvania.
  • There are no explicit requirements placed on state agencies, municipalities, or private entities beyond the designation; no changes to governance, funding, operations, or oversight are specified in the text.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced: April 29, 2026 by Senators Santarsiero and Farry (co-sponsors listed).
  • Referred to: State Government committee on April 29, 2026.
  • Nature of action: A Senate Resolution, i.e., a non-binding formal designation and commendation.
  • As a resolution, it does not establish enforceable duties, authorize spending, or alter statutory law. If passed, its effect is ceremonial and symbolic, highlighting the Playhouse’s status within Pennsylvania’s cultural heritage.

Context and Significance

  • The designation aligns with Pennsylvania’s practice of recognizing historic and culturally significant institutions (e.g., state theaters) to promote tourism, arts education, and state pride.
  • The summary emphasizes the Playhouse’s long-standing contributions to the Commonwealth’s performing arts history and its role as a cultural landmark in Bucks County.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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