BLACKSTONE RIVER THEATRE

Results: BRT History Since July, 1996, when Blackstone River Theatre took over the former Unity Masonic Lodge at 549 Broad Street, Cumberland, it has been painstakingly transformed from an abandoned, heavily vandalized historic building into what a nonprofit cultural arts center. The renovation work was spearheaded by Russell Gusetti and Bob Drouin of the RI-based music ensemble Pendragon who coordinated a small but dedicated group of volunteers with financial support provided by the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor Commission, the Town of Cumberland, and several local businesses. Volunteer support and dedication to the BRT Mission are the backbone of the organization. Since it’s inception in 1996, the volunteer efforts now total more than 30,000 hours and have averaged more than 2,000 volunteer hours per year since reopening in 2000. Enthusiastic support of BRT by the Town of Cumberland is evidenced by a newly renewed 15-year lease from the Town in 2015. BRT Programming Since 2000, BRT has presented weekly world and roots music concerts with an emphasis on the ethnic groups that settled in the Blackstone Valley, arts classes for adults and children, and special events on a year-round basis. Since that time, an estimated 89,000 attendees of all ages have experienced and participated in more than 1,800 cultural events produced by BRT. In addition to the daily programming at the group’s renovated Masonic Hall located at 549 Broad Street, Cumberland, RI the Blackstone River Theatre produced the 2007 and 2008 outdoor Celtic Festivals in Cumberland and continue to produce their successful annual Summer Solstice Festivals at Diamond Hill Park, drawing an estimated annual audience of 1,200 attendees and their families. BRT is dedicated to supporting, promoting and developing the arts for the local community and its artists by creating awareness, and providing both educational and performance opportunities. As part of their Heritage Arts Studio initiative, BRT pursues arts education outreach by offering classes and workshops at the theatre, allowing the local community to discover or reconnect with the Blackstone River Valley area's rich arts heritage. BRT maintains a rotating fine art gallery in the theatre lobby showcasing works by local visual artists and also makes its space available for a wide variety of community events ranging from adult literacy classes to public forums.

Programs: Presents performing and visual arts, offers arts education and collaberates with local and regional artists and arts community organizations in the presentation of cultural events