how the fun began

It all started in 1988, when Paul Newman opened The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp for children with serious illnesses in Ashford, CT. His incredible vision of creating a fun, safe environment for children of all circumstances and backgrounds was finally a reality. And the camp became a nurturing home where campers could escape the fear and isolation of their conditions. But that was just the beginning. This remarkable concept sparked a quiet global movement as one camp evolved into 30 camps and programs worldwide and counting.

Designed to create positive, recreational experiences, our programs are purposefully developed to enhance coping and resilience; to foster independence and personal growth; and to help the children reach beyond the limits of their medical conditions. Although campers may only recognize the fun and adventure, every activity is intentional and provides therapeutic benefits to the children’s health, their quality of life and their future.

our serious but fun new name

Today, as we continue to grow globally, we have changed our name from The Association of Hole in the Wall Camps to SeriousFun Children’s Network. Our new identity embodies the root of our work—highlighting Paul Newman’s belief that taking fun seriously can make a real difference in the lives of children who need it most.

As we move forward, we remain committed to the cherished Hole in the Wall history that brought us here today. And those core values that all of our camps and programs share remain the same. Because we believe, as Paul did, that every kid deserves the chance to simply be a kid.

Mission:
Built on a tradition of innovation and excellence, The Pasadena Playhouse is committed to continue to be the premiere theatrical experience in Southern California showcasing the most exciting theatrical entertainment in the state and being an amazing forum for launching new work onto the national stage.

History:
The Pasadena Playhouse has a rich and vibrant history dating back to 1917 when an itinerant acting troupe by the name of the Gilmor Brown Players settled in Pasadena - at the time a sleepy little town of farmers and wealthy vacationers. The town fell in love with the Players and before they had spent ten years here, locals donated the money to move the company out of the derelict old burlesque house they had been renting and into the newly constructed Pasadena Playhouse in 1924, originally known as the Pasadena Community Playhouse. At the time, The Playhouse was the largest and most technically advanced venue on this side of the Mississippi.

After having produced the entire canon of Shakespeare for the first time in America, California legislature voted to dedicate the Playhouse as official State Theatre in 1937.  In recent years, The Playhouse has become instrumental in launching new works and landmark revivals for the American Theatre, while displaying a commitment to cultural and theatrical diversity, which is reflected in seasons featuring Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning plays and musicals.

The Playhouse Archives
A collection of history in the form of programs, photographs and written material from 1916 to the present is housed in The Pasadena Playhouse Archives, funded by The Pasadena Playhouse Alumni & Associates, and our generous donors.

Visitors are welcome. Come see the busy workshop where the “past is prologue.” For more information, please email archives@pasadenaplayhouse.org.