Keystone History

The Keystone Theatre turns 125!

(Formerly Hale's Opera House-1886 Towanda, PA)

Over 100 years ago, John Philip Sousa brought his New Marine band to the Hale's Opera House.  In 1988, the Bradford County Regional Arts Council (BCRAC), with the help of supporters, began an $800,000 restoration project which brought new life to the Keystone Theatre.  The Keystone was the first major project of an effort that made the BCRAC owner of Bradford County's three restored theatres.

In 2001, with major support from the Towanda Borough, Representative Tina Pickett, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania an addition was constructed that included a 105 seat stadium theatre, rehearsal hall and board room.  It became easier to hold first-run movies in the new complex, and regional live shows could more easily rehearse. 

Beginning in August, 2010, two more major projects got under way. The first is a major structural project which includes, repairing and re-securing the facade of the historical theatre. It also includes painting the unfinished sides of the exterior of the building. The plan is to have this major project done sometime in the spring of 2011.

The second project is the installation of a brick plaza in the front sidewalks of both the historical theatre and the addition. The brick plazas will allow the community to "own a piece" of their historical theatre. The bricks are available for purchase by speaking with any BCRAC employee. You can personalize the message on your brick and we will have it engraved and installed. 

            With the help of the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, Pennsylvania Performing Arts on Tour, regional sponsors and the United Way , live performances are presented ranging from Schooltime Youth Series to Nightlife on the Susquehanna Series. In addition to the movies and live shows, the Rehearsal Hall in the Keystone addition is used almost daily by the Maggi Frawley Dancers, artists' workshops or other community events.  The Keystone is also home to the Endless Mountains Digital Film Festival.

            Deb Macnamara and Kelly Wilhem are the Keystone Theatre managers.   Movie manager; Mel Williams. Keystone Theatre staff include:  Joey Christian, Haley Cox, Kelsey Goodwin, Robin Holman, Joe Leljedal, Cassie Moore, Jesse Olsen, Nick Potter, Stefan Poost, Hannah Primrose, Jake Wilhelm, Lizzy Wilhelm, and Jon VanKuren .