Our History

In 1988, the BCRAC purchased and renovated the Keystone Theatre in Towanda, PA. Built in 1886 as Hale’s Opera House, the Keystone Theatre has the distinction of being Bradford County’s oldest theater, as well as the oldest continuously operating theatre in NE Pennsylvania.

With the successful restoration of the Keystone Theatre, the BCRAC was enlisted to help the community in Canton, PA to reopen the 1912 Crawford Theatre, which had been renamed the Rialto Theatre in the 1930s. This project added a second historic theater to the growing organization. In 1995, the BCRAC was invited a third time to assist in the purchase, rehabilitation, and operation of an ailing historic community theater. The Sayre Theatre, formerly Sayre Opera House, opened in 1914. The theatre has provided entertainment to the local community, known as The Valley, for over 100 years.

Following the expansion of theatres, the BCRAC became a Partner with the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts implementing arts in education programs, which places artists in residencies throughout six counties in the Northern Tier. A second partnership with the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts oversees the re-granting of state funds in support of public, community arts activities in seven counties in the Northern Tier.

The BCRAC historic community venues host a variety of community events throughout the year in addition to live arts programs, which include Schooltime Youth series, Missoula Children’s Theatre residencies and Nightlife Presents. The BCRAC offers National Theatre Live, Film Festivals, art workshops and summer art camp.

The BCRAC is a multi-faceted local arts service organization offering live performances, arts in education programs, re-granting opportunities, and first-run movies. It is also the proud steward of Bradford County’s remaining historic theaters.