Philadelphia Young Playwright’s Finance Director for over 20 years, Judy Adamson, passed away May 10, 2024. If there was one thing Judy was passionate about (besides her immaculate spreadsheets), it was making sure that youth got to see theater. The experience of students in our playwriting residencies is enhanced when they are able to go and see a live theater production, but at this time we can only provide that opportunity to a few students. In honor of Judy and to celebrate her birthday, April 16th, we are launching the Adamson Arts Access Fund to raise money to send more students to see live theater.

Help us carry Judy’s legacy forward. Your donation to the Adamson Arts Access Fund will open doors for young people to experience the magic of live performance—many for the very first time. Together, we can honor Judy’s lifelong commitment to arts access and inspire the next generation of playwrights and theater lovers.

Judy's Legacy in Our Words

"From the moment I started at PYP Judy was an invaluable guide for me in finance, leadership, and stewardship. She was a huge advocate and supporter of the arts in Philly and for youth arts exposure in particular. An artist in her own right, I deeply admired her ability to lead with both force and care simultaneously." - LaNeshe Miller-White, Executive Director, Philadelphia Young Playwrights

"Judy was unwavering in her advocacy for young people in Philadelphia and the nonprofits benefiting from her financial expertise. She possessed a rare blend of left and right brain capabilities—operational and strategic prowess alongside extraordinary skill in fiber arts. Above all, I admired her boundless love for her family, evident in the meticulous care she poured into crafting delightful creations for her granddaughter and joyfully collaborating with her nieces on artistic projects." - Lisa Nelson-Haynes, Former Executive Director, Philadelphia Young Playwrights

"Judy was a peerless financial advisor; and among PYP’s most stellar advocates. I felt very fortunate to have her on my team, and also to count her - and Fred - as good friends." - Glen Knapp, Former Executive Director, Philadelphia Young Playwrights

Adamson Arts Access Fund

A Fund in Honor of Judy Adamson to Support Student Tickets to Local Theater