History Flashpoint Theatre Company was born on July 4, 2003. The founders — Derick Loafmann, Erin Lucas, Gigi Naglak, Michael Osinski, and Meghann Williams — met while studying Theatre Arts at Drew University in Madison, New Jersey. After graduating, each member pursued careers in theatre in various parts of the country before deciding it was time to relocate to Philadelphia to pool their collective talents, create an atmosphere where contemporary and cutting-edge work could be produced collaboratively.

Flashpoint, according to Merriam-Webster, is "a point at which someone or something bursts suddenly into action or being." In October 2004, Flashpoint burst onto the Philadelphia theatre scene with its inaugural production of Keith Bunin's The Credeaux Canvas.

Since then, Flashpoint has produced 12 Philadelphia premieres and 1 world premiere, staged David Sedaris's The Santaland Diaries with great success every holiday season, worked with over 100 new and emerging theatre artists in Philadelphia, and brought in almost 5000 audience members.

The organization regularly provides tickets to underserved audiences through Art Reach, and it has also raised money for the Renfrew Center Foundation, the American Red Cross, Covenant House, Philabundance, Save Darfur, WAVE, and the V-Day Spotlight Campaign. Additionally, Flashpoint has participated in the SPARK Program and Showcase Festival through the Theatre Alliance of Greater Philadelphia.

In its fifth season, Flashpoint made Second Stage at the Adrienne its permanent home, and now in its sixth season, Flashpoint is committing itself to the development and production of new work through Flashpoint DNA: Dynamic New Art.

Production History:
Season 1 (2004-05)

• The Credeaux Canvas by Keith Bunin, Shubin Theatre*
• The Santaland Diaries by David Sedaris, Society Hill Playhouse
• Schoolgirl Figure by Wendy MacLeod, Shubin Theatre*

Season 2 (2005-06)

• Between Us by Joe Hortua, Second Stage at the Adrienne*
• The Santaland Diaries & Season's Greetings by David Sedaris, Society Hill Playhouse
• autobahn by Neil LaBute, Shubin Theatre*
• Feed the Hype by Tim Appignani, Second Stage at the Adrienne**

Season 3 (2006-07)

• The House of Yes by Wendy MacLeod, Second Stage at the Adrienne*
• The Santaland Diaries & Season's Greetings by David Sedaris, Second Stage at the Adrienne
• Far Away by Caryl Churchill, Second Stage at the Adrienne*
• U.S. Drag by Gina Gionfriddo, Second Stage at the Adrienne*

• The Faculty Room by Bridget Carpenter, Second Stage at the Adrienne*
• The Santaland Diaries by David Sedaris, Fergie's Pub
• Memory House by Kathleen Tolan, Second Stage at the Adrienne*
• The Dead Guy by Eric Coble, Second Stage at the Adrienne*

• An Impending Rupture of the Belly by Matt Pelfrey, Second Stage at the Adrienne*
• The Santaland Diaries by David Sedaris, Second Stage at the Adrienne
• Jump/Cut by Neena Beber, Second Stage at the Adrienne*
• The Little Dog Laughed by Douglas Carter Beane, Second Stage at the Adrienne*

• boom by Peter Sinn Nachtrieb, Second Stage at the Adrienne*
• The Santaland Diaries by David Sedaris, Second Stage at the Adrienne
• Crumble (Lay Me Down, Justin Timberlake) by Sheila Callaghan, Second Stage at the Adrienne*
• Flashpoint DNA: Dynamic New Art, Second Stage at the Adrienne**

Accomplishments and praise:

"Flashpoint [is] a dynamic young company to watch." — Mark Cofta, Philadelphia City Paper

"...most original work on a local stage." — J. Cooper Robb, Philadelphia Weekly

"Flashpoint succeeds brilliantly." — Mark Cofta, Philadelphia City Paper

Best Theatre Company, City Paper Choice Awards