Bedford Playhouse Signs New Lease, Gains Tax-Exempt Status

The Bedford Playhouse has signed a new lease with building owners Alchemy Bedford LLC, which will allow the historic, 1947 theater to begin renovations this summer, the theater group announced Friday.

Additionally, Bedford Playhouse, Inc. has been granted tax-exempt status, which also will allow it to begin redeeming pledges received earlier this year by the precursor organization, Friends of Bedford Playhouse. More than 850 people and groups raised more than $2.5 million in pledges to undertake its theater renovation and reimagining.

“The goal of the Playhouse is simply to create an exceptional experience that keeps its members coming back,” said John Farr, founder of the Bedford Playhouse, in a statement. “Great on-screen programming is just the beginning; what happens off the screen will be equally important.”

The renovation process, which Farr estimates will take about a year, will involve constructing a large theater of approximately 280 seats that will retain the charm and grandeur of movie houses from the golden age of film, but will also incorporate cutting-edge technology, screens and sound. The second, 90-seat theater will have a more intimate, modern feel, and will be designed for maximum comfort and an unsurpassed viewing and listening experience.

“We’ve been making good progress,” Farr added. “First, the Playhouse received its 501(c)3 not-for-profit status designation. Also, on May 20, we signed a long-term lease with the building owners, Alchemy Bedford, which also includes an option to buy. Now, once we sign a contract with the approved architect, we’ll be ready to begin theater renovations.”

Related:

• Bedford Playhouse Raises $2.5 Million
• Bedford Playhouse Site Sold to NYC Developer

Alchemy Properties President Kenneth Horn said he is pleased the space will remain a theater, in part because such a use will help nearby businesses.

“We invested in this initiative early on and we’re delighted it’s paid off for the benefit of the whole community,” said Horn in a statement. “Bedford is a remarkable place and we’re happy to be participating in bringing this important resource to the Village.”

In addition to the renovations, the playhouse group is also firming up its organizational structure, according to Executive Director Wendy Ross.

“We’re now finalizing a Board of Directors (Trustees) and supporting Advisory Boards,” said Ross in a statement. “We’re also developing staffing plans, both pre- and post-theater launch. And we are organizing exciting community events around our next stage of development.”

Beyond screening first-run independent, foreign and documentary features along with selected classics, the new Playhouse will serve as a cultural and community hub, providing the village of Bedford with renewed vitality and vibrancy, according to Farr.

There will be high-end concessions convenient to both theaters, and there will be a small café with tables situated on the upper level. Unlike most movie theaters, the café will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, allowing people to meet and gather regardless of whether they’re staying for a movie, according to Farr. The high quality food will be prepared off-site (as there will be no kitchen on the premises), and beer and wine will also be available.

Both upper and lower levels will have generous public space ideal for events, which the café can also cater. Both theaters will also be available for corporate meetings, seminars, private parties and importantly, to other local arts groups who may wish to perform there. The organizers also envision smaller musical performances, one-act plays, speaking events, and other arts and cultural events yet to be imagined.

“We know that many residents held back because they weren’t sure this initiative would go forward,” Ross said of the fundraising. “Some supporters gave less than perhaps they could have for the same reason. Others we simply haven’t connected with yet. Our message to them is: now that this is really happening, we need you more than ever!”

Farr stated that the funds raised to-date are insufficient to cover all costs over the next year. “The initial budget of $2.5 million was an informed but still preliminary projection, and we currently have no reserve in the event of unforeseen costs. We need the flexibility to change plans or specifications somewhat if it means getting a better result. Above all, we want to make sure we can do the plans full justice, and a renovation reserve fund will ensure that. Also, we will raise more dollars to cover development and staffing needs in advance of opening next year.”

Farr and Ross encourage all residents who haven’t given to do so now by visiting www.bedfordplayhouse.org - and there are still naming opportunities available. Anyone who gives in calendar year 2015 will be perpetually designated in printed materials as “Founding Donors.” Gifts given in 2015 at the $5,000 level and above will also be listed on the Donor Plaque in the theater lobby.

Later this year, the team will unveil the Playhouse membership program, offering various benefits at a variety of levels. “While the theater will be open to the public, we believe that many residents will join as members at whatever level they feel appropriate.” said Ross. “Membership will mean access to a series of ongoing events and parties they’ll surely want to be part of. We want these events -- and the new Playhouse itself -- to be the hottest ticket in town!”