History

The Popcorn Hat Players and Harrisburg Shakespeare Festival were both founded by husband and wife team Clark and Melissa Nicholson. In the thirteen years since they started, Clark, Melissa and a dedicated Board of Directors have worked diligently to foster and expand the companies as permanent, professional fixtures in Harrisburg's theatre community.

The companies merged into the Gamut Theatre Group in 2001, which shares artistic and administrative staffs. Gamut Theatre Group has secured a long-term lease for our home in Strawberry Square (Gamut Classic Theatre) to be shared by both companies. The Gamut is a small, intimate theatre, which seats an audience of approximately 100-150 (the theatre can be arranged in many different configurations).

Popcorn Hat Players and Harrisburg Shakespeare Festival thrive thanks to generous community support from individuals and corporations alike.