The Academy was designed by theater architect J.M. Wood, and built by E.A. Hempstead in 1885.
Serving as a community venue, it attracted traveling groups looking for a legitimate showhouse to play. By 1910, it was serving as a Vaudeville and Minstrel house, as well as silent films were being displayed.
I can remember seeing a number of movies here as I was growing up, including Bambi, The Seven Dwarfs, Greystoke - The Legend of Tarzan, Karate Kid, and The Last Starfighter.
This became its primary function till its closure in 1987.
Fortunately, benefactors and volunteers were quick to step in, perhaps most notably, Richard Lang - founder of Dads Dog Food. The theater was re-opened in 1988 - a scant year later.
Since that time, it has served to show independant films, but mostly as a live performance theater.
My wife and I were fortunate enough to see "The Pirates of Penzance" last season. The theater is small enough to allow a very personal experience. We were close enough to the action to almost feel a part of it.
The theatre seems plain when compared to "The Warner" in Erie, but it is an indicator of its history. It has survived through the hard efforts of those who care about it without the benefit of a large populace to fund it.
All renovations have been done by volunteers, money is made through benefit functions, private donations, and ticket sales. The decision was made to run it via board of directors, rather than City Government. while this denies the theatre of government funds, it also allows it to be managed without interference.
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The Academy Theater
275 Chestnut Street
Meadville, PA 16335
(814) 337-8211