Servant Stage is making top-notch theater accessible to all

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette recently called Servant Stage “Broadway on a Budget” and it’s easy to see why.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette recently called Servant Stage “Broadway on a Budget” and it’s easy to see why.

For 10 years now, Servant Stage has been bringing Broadway musicals and exceptional theatrical experiences to the Lancaster community at a price anyone can afford. With a mission to make the arts accessible for everyone, tickets to all Servant Stage performances are sold as “pay-what-you-will,” where the audience member decides the rate they can afford to give. 

“When we started Servant Stage, we saw a real need for good quality theater that is accessible for anyone,” says Johnathan Bauer, Servant Stage’s founder and executive director. “Theater is thriving in Lancaster County, but not everyone can afford to pay $60 for a single ticket. It’s especially hard for families or those with limited income.”

Servant Stage’s name reflects a mission that is focused on serving the community and caring for people.

“Theater can be so enriching and inspirational and our goal is to make sure that no one is left out,” Johnathan said. “We’re passionate about making these experiences available for everyone.”

As Servant Stage celebrates their 10th anniversary season, it’s clear that the mission and vision has taken off. Servant Stage now offers a dozen different productions each year, including their recent production of Disney’s Newsies and their upcoming production of the epic Broadway musical Ragtime.

Servant Stage’s theater education programs have also taken off, with 150 students performing this summer in youth productions of Frozen Jr, Annie Jr, and Lion King Jr. Students train weekly in the Teen Company, Apprentice Company, and Junior Company programs, and over 200 students have taken part in the weekly pay-what-you-will theater classes that Servant Stage offers every Monday night.

In addition to classes, thousands of students experience Servant Stage performances in their schools. Touring performances to venues across Lancaster County has been a big part of Servant Stage’s mission to bring theater to the community. Performances frequently take place in local schools, parks, retirement homes, churches, and other community venues. In total, over 50,000 audience members from across the county attend Servant Stage performances in a typical year.

“We are so blessed to be here in Lancaster County with so many incredibly talented people and a community that truly values and supports the arts,” Johnathan said. “It’s easy to hear pay-what-you-will and think it must not be any good, but the talent level and the production value of these performances is top-notch.”

Servant Stage invites you to come experience their upcoming production of the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical Ragtime, performing September 16–October 2 in the auditorium at Lancaster Mennonite High School (2176 East Lincoln Highway, Lancaster). Their holiday production of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol tours across Lancaster County in November and December, including a weekend of performances at The Ware Center, December 15-18.

Find out more information and reserve your show tickets at servantstage.org or call 717-455-0255.

More from Fig

Your Weekly Guide to Lancaster

Delivered right to your inbox for free, Fig Weekly features local stories, small business features, and upcoming events you won’t want to miss.

By signing up, I agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy.

Fresh Figs Delivered to You

Designed and produced four times a year, Fig Lancaster magazine is filled with the latest in Lancaster including local shopping, dining, arts, events, and community.