The McCarter Theatre Center Block Party
August 22, 2018
On August 22, McCarter Theatre Center hosted its 8th Annual Block Party, a community-wide celebration taking place on McCarter’s front lawn. Inside the theater and out, visitors were treated to an expanded area for families to play, eat, and enjoy the day.
The afternoon featured live music from the Philadelphia Jazz Orchestra, comprised of top high school and college jazz musicians in the region. Other highlights included crafts with Art Sparks, hula hoop dancing with Glitter Hoops, prizes and giveaways, theater games and other fun activities for the kids, stage tours, and a beer garden featuring local craft brews.
McCarter’s West Lobby was utilized as a Sensory Room for the event, providing a calming activity space for children and family members of all abilities. In the Lockwood Lobby, families enjoyed interactive theatre games presented by members of McCarter’s talented Education staff. In the Matthews Theatre itself, McCarter’s production and stage management teams gave a world of insight and inside knowledge with backstage tours. In addition to a full complement of McCarter staff on hand, an army of volunteers from Bloomberg L.P.’s Philanthropy and Engagement Program helped make the day a success.
Food and drink vendors for the event included Gil & Bert’s Ice Cream, Jammin’ Crepes, Maddalena’s Cheesecake & Catering, Mediterra Restaurant and Taverna, Mobile Mardi Gras Food Truck, My Four Suns, Nomad Pizza, Oink & Moo BBQ, Surf and Turf Food Truck, The Chilly Banana, The Gingered Peach, and Tico’s Eatery/Juice Bar.
Party this way!
Some of our biggest fans were there.
So much room for activities!
McCarter staff ready to welcome guests.
Our photo booth is a must-do at every Block Party.
Glitter Hoops helped to get the party swinging.
Some of our guests are ready for Potted Potter later this year!
Like any good street party, great food is everywhere!
The Philadelphia Jazz Orchestra provided the soundtrack for a beautiful day.
Resident Production Stage Manager Cheryl Mintz gives a behind the scenes view of McCarter.
Stage Supervisor Steve Howe treats guests to a backstage tour.
Theater games!
Food trucks!
Chalk art!
McCarter's Block Party would be impossible without the help of our friends from Bloomberg LP!
Another wonderful evening at McCarter!
One of McCarter’s visitors for the day was Michael Arthur, a Brooklyn-based artist who specializes in both drawing the intimate moments of theater, dance and music as well as performing "live drawings". He draws mostly in ink without any pencils or rough drafts: each drawing is a live reaction to the moment. Michael's drawings have appeared in Vanity Fair, The New York Times, The New Yorker, Departures Magazine, NPR, The Huffington Post, and many other places, including right here on McCarter’s website. Take a look at some of his amazing work below! Visit Michael’s website to see more.
A sincere thank you to all our vendors, staff, and volunteers, and thanks to everyone who joined us for a beautiful day at McCarter!
All photos by Michael Clay and Tom Miller.