Venue #46: Keswick Theatre!

So we've been thinking here at Bring BD to EC about all the fun places we have yet to feature and we do wonder....which ones do you like so far? Don't be shy to contact us and share your thoughts! 


Alright, we do love Philly, but we also love that there are soooooo many places around Philly to feature as well! With that said, check out the Keswick Theatre in Glenside, PA!


Remember, if you like a venue or have any questions/comments for us, please don't hesitate to contact us at BringBDtoEC@gmail.com and let us know what you think! (Please let us know, we want the boys here just as much as you do!)

Peace, Love, & Bonnie Dune! (And get excited....Glee returns in two weeks!)

~The Bring BD to EC Team

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Keswick Theatre:

291 N. Keswick Ave.

Glenside, PA 19038

(215) 572-7650

www.keswicktheatre.com

Booking:

If you would like to lease the premise, please contact Judith Herbst (judith@keswicktheatre.com) at extension 202. Please have the following available at the time you contact us: Professional Artist: name of artist(s) and their technical rider and date range that you are looking to book the venue.

Amateur or Recital Events: description of your event including time line and technical needs (audio, visual, and musical) and a range of dates that you anticipate holding the event.

Corporate, Social or other Events: description of your event including a time line and technical needs, a range of dates, and if you need catering services provided or you have secured a caterer.  (Please note that all service of beverages is through the Keswick Theatre venue services).

If you are looking for us to present an act that you represent, agents or managers should contact Roy Snyder, Senior Talent Buyer.

Please note that the majority of our events provide their own opening acts.

While we vigorously support the development and efforts of growing talent, it is often not our decision to place the ‘opener’. If you would like to submit your information for these purposes, please send to Jennifer Muscatello (jmuscatello@keswicktheatre.com) or via mail to our address above.

History:

The Keswick Theatre first opened its doors on Christmas Night, 1928. Nationally recognized as the

most comfortable, acoustically perfect listening room in the entire Philadelphia market, the Keswick was designed by acclaimed architect Horace Trumbauer (who also created the Philadelphia Museum of Art!). Initially a combination vaudeville/movie house, the Keswick hosted such legends as Stepin’ Fetchit, Paul Robeson and Ina Ray Hutton (Betty’s sister) with her all-girl band. In 1955, the theater was remodeled into a cinemascope film house, hosting the area’s premiere releases of most of the big-budget movies from the 1950s and ’60s.  In Spring 1980, the Keswick closed its doors as a movie theater, slated for demolition. The Glenside Landmarks Society, a not-for-profit group,formed with the hope of restoring it to its former grandeur to operate as a performing arts center. It re-opened in 1981 with a sold-out concert by Fred Waring and the Young Pennsylvanians. Over the next four years, stars like Roberta Peters, Carlos Montoya, Theodore Bikel, Buddy Rich, Lionel Hampton and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band graced the stage. The Keswick was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983, but the non-profit group wasn’t to meet expenses, and closed the theater in December 1985.

The Keswick opened its doors again in March 1988, under private ownership. They successfully tackled problems associated with older buildings, drastically increased the activity at the theater and successfully established the Keswick in the eyes of the public. During that 15-year ownership, the Keswick blossomed in reputation and renovation. Establishment of a restoration fund allowed for more than a million dollars in upgrades, including extensive updates in electrical and heating/ventilation systems, reupholstering seats, roof replacement and repair, extensive facade repair, and restoration of the original ornamental plaster. The Keswick grew technologically, as well, with state-of-the-art sound and light equipment and a computerized ticketing system. The growth was recognizes as the Keswick joined legendary venues like The Chicago Theatre, Beacon Theatre and Fox Theatre in “Pollstar’s Top 50 Theater Venues.” The Keswick became one of the Central Atlantic states’ most active and diversified venues, presenting internationally-acclaimed performers geared to virtually every taste and interest.

Still want to know more? Stop by the venue during normal business hours and purchase a copy of Image in America: The Keswick Theatre.

Learn More about Why We’re Awesome (The Awards We’ve Won)

My Fox Philly’s Hot List for Best Live Venue – 2009, 2010, 2011

Voted Most Likely to have everyone know your name -

***All photos and information are courtesy of Keswick Theatre***