History
Since 1950, Totem Pole Playhouse has provided professional summer theatre to residents and visitors of the Cumberland Valley of Pennsylvania. Located just 17 miles west of Gettysburg and only two hours from Washington, DC, the theatre is known nationally for attracting high quality professional artists and for its wide variety of theatrical programming.

Now in its third location in beautiful Caledonia State Park, the theatre was first led by Artistic Director Karl Genus from 1951 to 1953. For the next 30 years, the late William H. Putch guided the Playhouse into national prominence. Working closely with his wife, actress Jean Stapleton, he was responsible for 270 productions at Totem Pole, in addition to directing several national tours.

From 1984 to the present Carl Schurr has been Producing Artistic Director Caledonia Theatre Company. In 2007 the non-profit organization to preserve, secure and promote professional theatre returned to its original Totem Pole Playhouse name. The fundraising efforts of Totem Pole Playhouse ensure you will enjoy quality productions at an affordable cost.

The mission of Totem Pole Playhouse also includes providing arts education opportunities for area residents. The popular theatre camps for students and the Theatre Family Fun Fest are programs included in this outreach.

Totem Pole Playhouse is one of the few remaining summer theatres that maintains a resident company of actors. Interspersed with the regular faces have been a series of well-known artists, including Keir Dullea, Sada Thompson, John Ritter, Sandy Dennis, Harry Groener, Curtis Armstrong and, of course, Jean Stapleton. Revered by members of the theatrical profession and theatre lovers all, Totem Pole Playhouse will celebrate its 58th season in the year 2008.