In 1894, J. Warner Johnson, a student at Germantown Academy then located in Germantown, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and a few of his schoolmates formed a dramatic society with the intention to appreciate the performing arts before their college years.
Drama clubs like the University of Pennsylvania's Mask and Wig were established already and popular among college students of the late 19th century.
The first production was of the comedy/drama Married Life held at the Workingmen's Club Hall on nearby Chelten Avenue in Germantown, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The play was given to raise money for the GA Athletic Association and sold out.
After a few years, the play grew into a focal point of the school year as it was given the night before the Germantown Academy, Penn Charter football game and was then followed by a dance with surrounding girls' schools.