After a long day of work or school, find one's self wanting to do something different in this little town of Bloomsburg, Pa. Well look no further, the Alvina Krause Theatre might be a new favorite source for entertainment. This old building was originally a movie theater. Then in the late 1970's became a performance theater. Finally, in 1980, it became The Alvina Krause Theatre (AKT) when the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble (BTE) Took ownership of the building.
They are not the only theatre group to occupy the space. The Bloomsburg University Players also have all of their main stage performances at the AKT. Karen Anselm, a professor at the university, who has been working for the school and in the surrounding area as a theatre designer since 1985, is the reason why the BU players rent the space from BTE. A little over ten years ago or so NAST (national association of school of theatre) requires all theatre programs to have an official performance space. " At the time the performance spaces on campus where not adequate enough" she stated in an irritating manner. Needing a stage and with limited options, AKT could have not been more perfect. " My husband (Bob Tevis) was the president of BTE, and I had an edge to make it work out for both theatre groups" she beamed with pride. Theatres always need money and BTE is no different and both theatre ensembles have shared the space since.
To get to this fine treasure in the middle of the mountains, start walking down the main street heading away from the university, going towards the dollar general. Looking down Center Street seeing in big shiny lights like on Broadway the AKT. Some of the great shows that have been big hits like "Lisatrara, was very popular, and hade a cool set. Bat Boy fit the space perfectly and looked cool. Rocky Horror Show was are the most impacted audience" Karen remember those shows and felt they had the best audience responses. Going up to the doors to a welcoming lobby with delightful banter and music coming from theater. Before heading up one most buy a ticket to see the show the fine show that will be performed today. Ticket can be perched at the opposite end of the room. With ticket in hand, and ready to experience the show that will be performed that evening.
Handing toward the ticket holder, she rips it in half and verbally instructing to your seat. Onward up the stairs, greeted by ushers handing programs and asking if you need help finding your seat. Looking down at the racked or steeply angled seating, and find the seat that matches the ticket. The chairs have blue cushions on them, that are not uncomfortable but will be by the time you leave the theatre. The theatre itself does not feel very large but can hold 500 or so people. Space fit the town and is small enough so anywhere in the theatre a good seat but not so small that one can spread out and get comfy.
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| "Was the most packed audience" -Karen Anselm |
The stage has been set the lights start to dim down and the show begins. To the average Joe, that is all that they will see but your not Joe, and this historic building of Bloomsburg has to so much more to offer. Green room located under the stage happens to be a space not many patrons get to see. The reasoning for the location, right under the stage is that this stage has a trap door in it. Aside from the cool effect this space has a seating area with a massive book self-full of scripts and acting methodology books. It also has an eating area because actors get hungry and it gives them an incentive to not eat anywhere they shouldn't be. In the two back corners of the room on one side has the female dressing room(right) and men's dressing room(left). Both with full functioning bathrooms and eight makeup mirrors. Sadly This part of the theatre has endured a lot of water damage. Karen explained with disbelief "one time it flooded so quickly that costumes where sooked and it happened in an instant."
Bloomsburg magical gem of a building holds so many memories for all who visit. No matter the show there is a guaranty of pure entertainment. Keeping an eye out for the next show can be apart of a new hobby or tradition. The Alvina Krouse Theatre experience is one that just keeps on giving.
After a long day of work or school, find one's self wanting to do something different in this little town of Bloomsburg, Pa. Well look no further, the Alvina Krause Theatre might be a new favorite source for entertainment. This old building was originally a movie theater. Then in the late 1970's became a performance theater. Finally, in 1980, it became The Alvina Krause Theatre (AKT) when the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble (BTE) Took ownership of the building.
They are not the only theatre group to occupy the space. The Bloomsburg University Players also have all of their main stage performances at the AKT. Karen Anselm, a professor at the university, who has been working for the school and in the surrounding area as a theatre designer since 1985, is the reason why the BU players rent the space from BTE. A little over ten years ago or so NAST (national association of school of theatre) requires all theatre programs to have an official performance space. " At the time the performance spaces on campus where not adequate enough" she stated in an irritating manner. Needing a stage and with limited options, AKT could have not been more perfect. " My husband (Bob Tevis) was the president of BTE, and I had an edge to make it work out for both theatre groups" she beamed with pride. Theatres always need money and BTE is no different and both theatre ensembles have shared the space since.
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