Woodstock Playhouse - (845) 679-6900

A project of/currently owned and operated by the Pan American Dance Foundation, Inc., a non-profit 501(c)3 promoting the growth, respect and appreciation of the Arts.

The playhouse has come alive again from the ashes of the 1988 fire which destroyed its original structure. Following years of rebuilding and the recent renovation and complete transformation, the theatre is once again bringing rich talent and art to the community. The Woodstock Playhouse, with its nearly 80 year history, was one of the first theatres in the country to offer a summer stock season.

Built by scenic designer and architect Albert Milliken, the Woodstock Playhouse was created from the artistic vision of Robert Elwyn. His dream to build and operate a state of the art, modern summer theatre came to fruition in 1938. Opening the summer season with "Yes, My Darling Daughter," the playhouse went on to present quality theatre to the community.

WOODSTOCK PLAYHOUSE HISTORICAL TIMELINE

1928 - Mr. David Reasoner, a charter member of the Woodstock Golf Club, built a playhouse on the Riseley property on the North side of 212 on
which his and subsequent playhouses were built; all part of the original Club property.

1931 - The uninsured theatre was destroyed by a fire.

1938 - Robert Elwyn, former manager and director of the Maverick Theatre, partnered with noted architect Albert Milliken and built the second Woodstock Playhouse near its original site.

1946 - Michael Linenthal, a Boston lawyer and actor, brought great success to the playhouse when he bought the theatre and produced Broadway plays that were modern and daring.

1949 - The Margaret Webster Shakespeare Company appeared on the playhouse stage, performing "Julius Caesar" before packed audiences. Ms. Webster, the great author, director, producer, and actress returned with her theatre troupe the following summer and took over programming for the season.

1951 - The theatre was sold to Abe Sainer

1960's - M. Edgar Rosenblum bought the Woodstock Playhouse, and, for the first time in its history, the theatre offered performances of musicals, dance, and music in its program.

1973 - The theatre continued to present music, dance, and theatre performances after Harris Gordon purchased the playhouse. Because of its artistic and historical value to the community, Gordon sought to preserve the theatre by creating the not-for-profit corporation Woodstock Playhouse Association, Inc.

1986 - RAM III Ltd., a group from New Hope, PA, bought the Woodstock Playhouse. For two season, the company presented amateur repertory productions. The musicals were unsuccessful.

1988 - On Memorial Day, a 4 AM fire burned the Woodstock Playhouse its adjoining Joan Gordon Theatre to the ground. The Harris Gordon estate was then able to foreclose from RAM III, Ltd. on the property.

1991 - The Woodstock Arts Board was formed in order to protect the playhouse property. This board of actors, musicians, artists, dancers, business leaders, and local patrons of the arts raised funds in an effort to purchase the lot.

1994 - The Woodstock Arts Board purchased the Woodstock Playhouse property with funds donated from the community.

1995 - A band shell was constructed at the site of the original playhouse with the help of volunteers and the donation of materials.

1996 - Arlo Guthrie appeared at the Woodstock Playhouse on July 7th as a benefit for the Woodstock Nation Foundation.

1999 - The band shell was covered by a pre-engineered steel frame.

2000 - New construction of the Woodstock Playhouse began. To create a regular outdoor performance venue, a concrete foundation was poured, aluminum bleachers were installed, and a front facade, designed by architect Les Walker, reminiscent of the former historic playhouse was built.

2001 - The first season at the new Woodstock Playhouse opened with singer/songwriter Livingston Taylor, who received rave reviews and performed to a sold out house. Several other performances took place, including the Agatha Christie production by Bird-On-A-Cliff Theatre Company, "Ten Little Indians."

2002 - Grants from the State of New York, the Catskill Watershed Corporation, and individual donations were used to complete Phase II of the theatre's construction. A new stage platform and rest rooms were built, which enabled local promotors, musicians, and theatre companies to rent the playhouse, expanding its bookings.

2003/2004 - The theatre received a grant to re-pave the driveway and provide proper handicapped parking spaces and access points in front of the theatre. All construction of Phase I and II was brought fully up to code.

2005 - A $100,000 grant from the New York State Economic Development, along with loan packages from local banks and proceeds from very successful fund raiser that August with Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward, allowed for additional construction. This construction included an enclosure for stages right and left, a proscenium arch, a loading dock and access driveway, secure dressing rooms, additional backstage bathrooms, and a perimeter fence that allowed greater security for the outdoor seating area.

2010 - The Woodstock Playhouse was purchased by the Pan American Dance Foundation Inc. following the Catskill Watershed Corporation's approval of a loan.

2011 - In February, the theatre was fully enclosed; and by the end of June the Woodstock Playhouse was completed and opened with a triumphant run of summer stock theatre, orchestral concert, music concerts, the Byrdcliffe Winter Solstice and more.

To see more details regarding the History of the Woodstock Playhouse, visit the History page of our website at www.WoodstockPlayhouse.org

Tags: Performance Venue