Our History
The Bedford Playhouse has been part of Bedford Village since April 30, 1947, when it opened as a single-screen neighborhood movie theater designed by developer Joseph H. Stearns. Its inaugural feature was Boomerang!, directed by Elia Kazan, and for generations the Playhouse became a beloved gathering place where families and friends experienced the magic of the movies together.
In 1983, the theater was acquired by Bow Tie Cinemas, which converted the original auditorium into two smaller theaters. Although the Playhouse continued operating, much of its original architectural character was lost. Then, in early 2015, after nearly seventy years of continuous operation, the theater closed when Bow Tie chose not to renew its lease.
Rather than let an important community landmark disappear, Bedford residents launched the grassroots Save the Playhouse campaign. Led by John Farr, Sarah Long, and a passionate group of local supporters, the effort sought not simply to reopen a movie theater, but to reimagine it as a nonprofit cultural destination serving audiences of all ages. Through years of fundraising, community support, and generous philanthropic contributions—including a transformational gift from Bedford resident and legendary music executive Clive Davis—the vision became reality.
Following an extensive renovation, Bedford Playhouse reopened in 2018 as a completely reimagined arts center featuring three theaters, expanded community spaces, a café and bar, art gallery, and year-round cultural programming. Today, as the home of the Clive Davis Arts Center, Bedford Playhouse continues to honor its rich history while embracing a new mission: creating meaningful experiences that bring people together through film, music, literature, education, and the arts.
