Mission 1812 Productions is dedicated to creating theatrical works of comedy and comedic works of theater that explore and celebrate our sense of community, our history and our humanity. History 1812 Productions was founded in 1997 by Jennifer Childs and Peter Pryor, two long-time friends and artistic collaborators, with a dedication to comedy, theater, accessibility and Philadelphia artists. In 1998 the company premiered with The Compleat Works of Wllm Shkspr (abridged) and was promptly named “Best of Philly – Theater in Infancy” by Philadelphia Magazine. In 2000 they presented the company’s first original piece, The Big Time. It was a critical and box office success and was the beginning of what would become a holiday tradition – an original piece each year that focused on an era or area of comedic history. It introduced a unique comedic style that is signature 1812 and was the first of now over fifteen original works created by the company. Since that time, 1812 has continued to combine their original work with plays and devised theater pieces by established and emerging playwrights and artists. They now run a four-show season at Plays and Players Theater in Center City Philadelphia. 1812 is the only professional theater company in the country dedicated to comedy. In 2010, they were honored as one of only 10 theaters in the country to receive a National Theatre Company grant from the American Theatre Wing, founder of the Tony Awards.