Priscilla Beach Theatre Restoration, Priscilla Beach, Plymouth, Massachusetts, USA

I recently had the opportunity to wander in and around the venerable Priscilla Beach Theatre (PBT). The visit was arranged by the Plymouth Digital Photographers Club to raise donations for a scholarship for a young boy or girl to attend the renown Children's Summer Workshops at the theatre. The owners, Bob and Sandy Malone, were most gracious in permitting us inside.

The Barn Theatre (shown above) has fallen into disrepair and the new owners, Bob and Sandy Malone, have embarked on an extensive renovation program to bring live performances back into the space.

PBT's website says: "Priscilla Beach Theatre has been educating young actors for more than 70 years. Not only have Paul Newman, Rob Reiner, Peter Gallagher, Pat Carroll, Jennifer Coolidge, Jean Seberg and a host of other acting luminaries learned their craft here at a young age, but Andrew Lack, CEO of Sony Music and Andre Bishop, artistic director of Lincoln Center Theatre, who has won multiple Tony Awards, also trained at PBT. These Hollywood stars, high achievers, and many more have, in part, credited PBT with their success."  

PBT is more a small campus than a single building.  There are three performance areas: the  200-seat Barn Theatre (dark until next summer's grand reopening), the 60-seat Black Box studio theatre, and the 85-seat outdoor summer tent theatre that will soon be erected on this grass lawn.

More from the PBT website: "Research has shown that theatre arts education improves communication skills, enhances critical thinking abilities, and liberates creative expression. PBT has provided this in-depth education with exceptional results for more than 75 years. The creative process, joy of performance, ensemble accomplishment and accolades from enthusiastic audiences are unique experiences here at PBT. The learning they receive gives children a foundation they can build on for the rest of their lives."

I love the accent colors they used - campy, bold, artsy, chic - a great contrast with the traditional New England style cedar shingle siding.

More from their website: "PBT’s performance workshops are designed to provide young performers professional theatre training and to teach some of the most important skills they will ever develop: Self-Discipline, Personal Responsibility, Respect for Others, Communication Skills, Self-Awareness, Teamwork, Focus, Self-Esteem, and Integrity.  These workshops give young performers the opportunity to rehearse and perform productions for live audiences. The instruction is offered by highly qualified theatre professionals in a setting that is warm, supportive, challenging and extremely fun. PBT has 75 years of history building performers. But more important, PBT builds future leaders." 

The good news is that while much deterioration has occurred,  it is mostly surface damage only.  The "bones" of this old barn, built originally in 1875, are apparently strong and true and ready for a new life.  The labor of love (and money) that owners Bob and Sandy Malone are putting into this renovation is significant.

Blue, purple, red - perhaps reminiscent of colored stage lights.

Underneath the structure, the almost 140-year-old stone foundation walls and the overhead supporting beams give confirmation to the saying, "they don't build 'em like they used to." Back then a 2x12 piece of lumber actually measured 2x12.

I don't know if these were show props or just a few chairs left in the basement that were once used for sitting out on a fine summer day. I recall an almost identical style metal chair that stood in my childhood yard - back in the 1950's in Virginia.

So that's a brief look at the outside - let's step inside..........

The audience view  from the back of the theatre looking toward the stage. These seats and flooring will soon be removed and replaced as part of the renovation. 

The actor's view from the stage looking out.

And no, the renovation will not include the addition of wallboard and insulation.  It's a barn theatre - that's part of the charm and history. There's no heat, no air conditioning - just the passion of the performers to fuel the dreams and visions of those who love theatre and live performance. The old wagon wheel light will hopefully survive and continue to light the room in the future.

Lots of leaves on the floor from the wind blowing in over the past few years. 

Props from days gone by still linger on the stage.

This old piano prop stands beside the stage.

Elsewhere, an old organ and a newer piano await future shows.

Looking out to the audience from upstage.

And saving my favorite for last, perhaps the most memorable part of my visit was standing here taking this photo.  Bob told me this piece of set had once been used for "Man of La Mancha," my personal favorite show of all time. I couldn't help but burst forth a few notes of  "Impossible Dream," (much to the chagrin of the other photographers in the theatre).

Yes, I know, this blog post has run on for more than my trademark minute but, I hope you're still reading along with me for a bit of history............

In 1936,  Franklin and Agnes Trask bought the land in Manomet known as the Old Taylor Estate for $12,500. "It included several buildings and a huge barn, and I decided to purchase it within five minutes of seeing it.” (Franklin Trask 1996). They converted the barn into a theatre and called it The Priscilla Beach Drama Festival. They followed the same format they had in Westford with student actors living on the premises, studying and taking part in all aspects of theatre.

In 2003, the curtains closed for the last time in the famous Barn Theatre. All productions were moved into the Black Box studio theatre and the outdoor tent facility.

In 2010, PBT received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Plymouth Cultural Council.

In 2011,  PBT's marked its 75th Anniversary year and Geronimo Sands' 50th anniversary as Artistic Director.

In 2013, Bob and Sandy Malone, purchased the theatre complex and have embarked on an extensive restoration effort to return PBT to its former glory. Geronimo Sands, Artistic Director and a former owner, remains with the theatre as the creative force and lifeblood of the theatre's legacy.

......and in the future..........

Next year, in Summer 2015, after all goes well with the renovation, once again, the houselights will dim, the curtains will part, the stage lights will go up, and the sounds of live performance will echo through this venerable piece of Americana. Plan to be there and support this remarkable chapter in the life of performing art for our community.

PBT has a great website chock full of historical details and photos, upcoming shows, and ticketing info.Check it out at this link!