Theatre Life: From the Colonies to Kamps

Theatre Life: From the Colonies to Kamps

As we lean into celebrating our country’s 250th birthday, it seems fitting to reflect on the history and evolution of both American theatre and the theatrical journey of the Beaver Dam Area Community Theatre (BDACT).

Theatrical fun fact. The first English Colonial play, Ye Bare and Ye Cub, was performed in 1665 at Fowkes Tavern in Virginia. After the performance the actors were arrested and tried for the “crime of performing a play.” It must have been a captivating performance because they were acquitted after reenacting their show during their trial.

The first recorded American playwright was Benjamin Coleman, whose play, Gustavus Vasa was performed at Harvard University in 1690. Despite early efforts, the arts had a long way to go before being culturally acceptable. In fact, live theatre was banned on a colony-wide basis by the Massachusetts General Court in 1750. In 1774 live theatre was banned across the United States by the Continental Congress. They issued the ban to enforce economic self-reliance against Britain and to promote wartime frugality, while individual colonies like Massachusetts cited religious and moral corruption. The ban on live theatre was lifted on a state-by-state basis in the late eighteenth century.

In the 1800’s melodramatic stories dominated the stage, as they featured broad moral struggles, working-class heroes and stories rooted in frontier life.  Vaudeville and burlesque also flourished, appealing to diverse audiences, through music and comedy that transcended language barriers.

The Broadway Boom came to life in the late 1890’s, followed by the robust birth of American Musicals. In 1927 Show Boat, integrated song, dance, and serious narrative. In addition, playwrights like Eugene O’Neill, Arthur Miller and Tennessee Williams brought psychological drama and depth to the stage.

Fast forward to Beaver Dam, in 1964, where a group of talented and determined community artists took a huge leap of faith and launched what is now known as the Beaver Dam Area Community Theatre. Their inaugural production was the classic Pulitzer Prize winning, Harvey.  The play was rehearsed at the Girl Scout House and performed on the stage of the local movie theatre. 

The following year the organization expanded its ambitions by producing both Arsenic and Old Lace, and South Pacific. Of course, with no building of their own, rehearsals and performances were held at various locations around town.

In 1974 Tell-A-Tale Theatre was launched to provide a host of opportunities for children to experience the arts. Tell-A-Tale offers a variety of age-appropriate classes which cultivate valuable life skills for youth as they learn to act, sing and work together in a safe, creative environment.

From 1983-2018 the theatre operated from its home on Spring Street. However, to accommodate its growing programing the Board of Directors made a bold move to purchased and renovate a former Catholic grade school on Maple Ave. 

Today, BDACT continues to thrive in its state-of-the-art facility, offering a wide variety of theatrical productions, Tell-A-Tale programs, One Voice Children's Chorus, and numerous musical and performance opportunities for area artists.

With a strategic and dedicated Board of Directors, committed staff, and exceptional group of volunteers, BDACT's future remains bright, both on and off the stage.

As America celebrates 250 years of history, BDACT stands as a reminder that the performing arts continue to enrich communities, inspire creativity, and bring people together, just as they have for generations.

Anyone interested in exploring BDACT's history in more depth is always welcome to explore our History Hall!