BETHLEHEM, PA “ Touchstone Theatre, the regions only ensemble-based theatre, is accepting submissions for Hidden Bethlehem “ a chance for our community to shine a spotlight on the places and people in Bethlehem that deserve to be seen and appreciated.
Part of Touchstone Theatres annual Festival UnBound, a hyper-local, arts-infused community celebration and conversation for those who call the Lehigh Valley home, this project will feature pop-up events, an interactive treasure hunt, and an online gallery. 
The Hidden Bethlehem events will occur throughout the month of September and during Festival UnBound, September 27 through October 1, in venues throughout Bethlehem.
Do you know a place in Bethlehem that you feel goes unseen' A person who brings joy to those around them, and who makes their neighborhood a little bit better every day' Do you have a hidden talent that you want the world to know about' Tell us about somewhere or someone that you feel is overlooked or unknown!
"There is a lot in Bethlehem that is well known, that people love and frequent, like SteelStacks or the Iron Pigs," says Hidden Bethlehem project leader Matt Prideaux.
"But there are some truly wonderful places and people that not enough folks know about “ we want you to share them with us!"
TO PARTICIPATE: Simply email submissions to
Each submission must include a picture or video of the place or person, along with a story about what makes this place or person a "hidden gem."
These stories can be anything that you create that can help connect us to and understand the beauty of your submission.
They can be written, recorded, a play, a song, a dance, a poem, a painting, etc.!
Please limit all stories to either one minute in length or 250 words.
Submissions for "hidden gem" places will be considered as potential locations for the various Hidden Bethlehem pop-up events and the treasure hunt.
"Hidden gem" people and talent submissions will be in the running to share their stories or perform their talents at Hidden Bethlehem events, or be included in other performances/story sharing experiences throughout Festival UnBound.
"I am fairly new to the area," says Matt, "I only moved here about three years ago. So this is a really incredible way for me to get to know the city. What better way to fall in love with Bethlehem, than through those who know it best' Ive done all the touristy stuff; nows my chance to experience the real heart and soul of the place that I call home."
Touchstones season is supported locally by season sponsor RCN. WDIY provide media sponsorship, and Working Dog Press provides print sponsorship. Touchstone also receives support from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Festival UnBound runs from September 27 through October 1, 2023.
Hidden Bethlehem events will occur throughout the month of September, as well as during the Festival itself.
More information can be found by calling 610.867.1689 or online at touchstone.org.