Nestled in a residential area near Jamaica Pond, The Footlight Club, America's oldest community theatre, has performed every year since 1877. Founded by an energetic group of young socialites, The Footlight Club has evolved along with its neighborhood. Once, wealthy aristocrats arrived in coaches to enjoy the society of their own kind in an atmosphere of gentility and wealth. The performances sometimes seemed secondary to the social function. Today the Footlight Club draws its membership from Jamaica Plain, other Boston neighborhoods and surrounding communities.