Academy of Music Theatre History
In the late 19th century, Edward H.R. Lyman, a philanthropist and Northampton native, had a vision for a new venue for culture and theater in his hometown. On May 23, 1891, the then 1000-seat theater quickly became a favorite stop on tours of leading troupes and big-name performers: legendary French actress Sarah Bernhardt, film star Mae West, and illusionist Harry Houdini all performed at the Academy in the early 20th century. The Academy evolved over time. With the introduction of film in the 1930s, the Academy screened the latest in silent film, soon followed by talkies, as well as presenting live entertainment. By the 1970s with 800 seats, the theater was regularly screening first-run films. And in the late 1980s, with the introduction of the multiplex, the Academy was faced with creating a new business model. Today, the Academy of Music has been reclaimed as a venue for live theater, as well as for dance, film, music, and arts education. The Academy is home to resident companies and partners: the Pioneer Valley Ballet, PanOpera, Valley Light Opera, Signature Sounds and WGBY. We are host to annual programs such as Django in June, GEN IV Dance, Berkshire Bach, Rock Voices, Young at Heart Chorus; co-present KidsBestFest and Youth Film; and, act as anchor site of First Night Northampton. We are proud to host the many offerings presented by Dan Small Presents.The Academy continues to present their own slate of national and international artists and stands proudly as one of the most iconic buildings in downtown Northampton.” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>Academy of Music Theatre opened its doors to the public for the first time. One year later, Lyman deeded the Academy to the Citizens of Northampton, making it the first municipally owned theater in the nation.
The theater quickly became a favorite stop on tours of leading troupes and big-name performers: legendary French actress Sarah Bernhardt, film star Mae West, and illusionist Harry Houdini all performed at the Academy in the early 20th century.
The Academy evolved over time. With the introduction of film in the 1930s, the Academy of Music Theatre screened the latest in silent film, soon followed by talkies, as well as presenting live entertainment. By the 1970s with 800 seats, the theater was regularly screening first-run films. And in the late 1980s, with the introduction of the multiplex, the Academy was faced with creating a new business model.
Today, the Academy of Music has been reclaimed as a venue for live theater, as well as for dance, film, music, and arts education. The Academy of Music Theatre is home to resident companies and partners: the Pioneer Valley Ballet, PanOpera, Valley Light Opera, Signature Sounds and WGBY. We are host to annual programs such as Django in June, GEN IV Dance, Berkshire Bach, Rock Voices, Young at Heart Chorus; co-present KidsBestFest and Youth Film; and, act as anchor site of First Night Northampton. We are proud to host the many offerings presented by Dan Small Presents.The Academy continues to present their own slate of national and international artists and stands proudly as one of the most iconic buildings in downtown Northampton.
About
The mission of the Academy of Music is to enrich greater Northampton’s quality of life by offering first-class performing arts and film presentations in a historic theatre of national significance, and encouraging the use of the venue for social, educational and professional events; the Academy of Music seeks a broad and diverse audience through its programming and outreach efforts.
The Academy of Music building is owned by the City of Northampton, which received the deed in 1892 from former owner and builder Edward H.R. Lyman. The Academy of Music, Inc., is the operating entity for the building, and it is an independent, private, not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) charitable organization governed by a Board of Trustees. The Northampton Mayor and Smith College President serve on the board, as was Lyman’s wish. The other board members are volunteers who have an interest in the performing arts, in the continued vitality of the City of Northampton, or who have special expertise related to the Academy’s operations.
Our Commitment
The Academy of Music Theatre is committed to supporting our community and taking actions that increase equity and inclusion in our organization and the community.
The arts have always been an important vehicle for people to express and understand diverse perspectives and experiences. Equally important, art can be an agent for change with the ability to shine the spotlight on social inequities.
As a venue for the arts, we seek to sustain an inclusive and equitable space where everyone who walks through our doors feels valued and respected. We recognize that strength comes from diversity, and will work to ensure that patrons, artists, employees, volunteers, vendors/promoters, and community partners feel welcome regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, age, ability, religion or other identities.
The Academy recognizes that the path to equity and inclusion is long and steep. We hope that together we can achieve a deeper understanding of prejudice and its impacts to create a better, stronger and more just world. As an organization and as individuals, we need to listen more, and more carefully, to put our collective energy and vision toward uprooting racism, sexism, violence and hate and their destructive legacies.
We will strive to ensure that all voices are heard and shared in a safe environment. We will continually seek opportunities to engage, learn, and discuss topics related to this essential work in order to build a stronger theatre by ensuring that programs and institutional policies reflect our values.
“I’ll tell you what freedom is to me: no fear. I mean, really, no fear.” Nina Simone
To view more Historic spaces in Matterport 3D, visit our portfolio page.