Philadelphia is known for many things, but one thing that has been gaining attention lately are its foxes. Yes, the city has a growing population of these sly animals, which have been spotted in parks and neighborhoods throughout Philly. But what do foxes have to do with theater? Actually, quite a bit.
In recent years, Philadelphia's theater scene has grown significantly, thanks in part to small theaters popping up all over the city. These theaters offer a range of productions, from experimental plays to classic dramas, and attract audiences from all walks of life. However, putting on a play isn't easy, nor is it cheap. Theater companies have to find ways to fund their productions, and one way they've accomplished this is by partnering with local businesses - including Tired Hands Brewery, Shakespeare & Co., and even Weckerly's Ice Cream.
And here's where the foxes come in: Philadelphia's theaters have also found a unique way to raise funds by selling fox sculptures. The sculptures were created by artist Margery Amdur, who works at Tyler School of Art and Architecture in Philly. The sculptures are made of recycled materials and painted in vibrant colors, creating an eye-catching addition to any home or office space. For each sculpture sold, $100 goes directly to selected local theater organizations, such as Theatre Exile and InterAct Theatre Company.
So why choose a fox? According to Amdur, the fox symbolizes quick thinking, adaptability, and cunning, traits which are valuable not just for the survival of foxes in the wild, but for theater companies as well. Theaters must be resilient and adaptable, always ready to pivot when something unexpected happens - much like a clever fox navigating its environment.
But the connection between Philadelphia's foxes and theater doesn't end there. In 2018, The Inquirer reported that an actual fox had found its way onto the stage of Plays & Players theater during a production of Edward Albee's The Goat. The fox remained calm and unfazed as the actors carried on with their performance, and eventually exited the stage on its own accord. Perhaps this was a sign of good luck for Philly's theaters - or maybe it just goes to show that anything can happen in live theater.
Regardless, Philadelphia's foxes have become a symbol not just of the city's natural beauty, but also of its thriving arts community. Theaters continue to find creative ways to engage audiences and raise funds, and the fox sculptures serve as a reminder of the ingenuity and resourcefulness needed to keep local theater alive and well. So next time you see a fox in Philly, remember: it may just be a cunning little creature, but it represents something much bigger than itself.