About TNECT and The Bradley Playhouse
General Information
History of The Bradley Playhouse
Management
Volunteer/Membership
The Bradley Playhouse is a 110 year-old vaudeville theatre in the heart of the Putnam Antiques and Restaurant District in the "Quiet Corner" of Northeastern Connecticut. Since 1991, the Theatre has been operated by the volunteers of The Theatre of Northeastern Connecticut, Inc. TNECT produces six season shows per year and several special fundraising events for The Bradley Playhouse Restoration Fund.
TNECT's mission is to produce or sponsor quality theatre and entertainment for the residents of Northeastern Connecticut and the surrounding areas, to encourage the development of creativity through the support of local artists, and to support education and hands-on experience in the creation, direction, and production of theatre and the performing arts.
The Bradley Playhouse is an amateur community theatre and is a member of:
The New England Theatre Conference,
The American Association of Community Theatre,
The Northeastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce,
The Last Green Valley, and
Putnam Business Association
TNECT's mission is to produce or sponsor quality theatre and entertainment for the residents of Northeastern Connecticut and the surrounding areas, to encourage the development of creativity through the support of local artists, and to support education and hands-on experience in the creation, direction, and production of theatre and the performing arts.
The Bradley Playhouse is an amateur community theatre and is a member of:
The New England Theatre Conference,
The American Association of Community Theatre,
The Northeastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce,
The Last Green Valley, and
Putnam Business Association
In 1890, Ransom Bradley dreamed of building a magnificent theatre in downtown Putnam. Two years later, on July 16, 1892, he purchased property on the corner of Front and Livery Streets. Designed and constructed by Charles H. Kelley of Putnam, The Bradley Playhouse was completed on January 29, 1901. A 1901 Putnam Patriot article describes the building:
During 1911, the theatre featured several benefit nights in order to raise money for the newly developed fire departrment in Putnam. On one of these evenings, an audience of 1,095 people had raised a donation of .75.
The Bradley has undergone a number of changes in its 109-year history. In 1914, the theatre was the site of two fires just 14 hours apart, causing over ,000 in damages. After the fires, the interior of the theatre was rebuilt with increased showing of movies beginning to influence the interior of the theatre. The thrust of the stage was removed and a set of stairs installed. The orchestra pit was covered over and the balcony remodeled.
The theatre has been known by various names through its history. Postcards announcing the opening of "The Old Homestead" in 1922 refer to The Putnam Opera House.
In 1927, Morris Pouzzner from Boston reorganized, remodeled, and renovated Putnam Theatres Inc. According to the Putnam Patriot, "Superlatives are needed to describe the remodeled playhouse...from roof to cellar nothing has been neglected that could give comfort and pleasure." Seating was replaced and reduced to provide more room for each patron. Improvements included a widened lobby and replacement of the restrooms, ventilation system, stage rewiring, lighting, emergency exits, hangings, chandelier, and pipe organ.
On December 9, 1937, a short circuit caused a fire in a dressing room which soon
became an enormous blaze. Fortunately for the theatre, a specially designed asbestos curtain dropped containing the fire to the stage area. It was noted at the time that of all the curtains so designed, only three had functioned as intended when fire struck. The theatre sustained ,000 in damages, including the loss of all scenery, properties, and "talking picture apparatus."
Soon, crews under the direction of district manager James Mahoney, were hard at work making repairs and additional improvements. The most noticeable improvement was the new "Bradley" marquee which lit up the street corner, extending over the sidewalk. Seventy seats were installed as the organ sound system, ventilation ducts, and the orchestra pit were removed. The rugs, seats, furnishings, and heating and air conditioning systems were again replaced. In addition, a "mirror phonic sound reproducer" was installed.
On Christmas Day, the Theatre reopened on schedule with the first of a series of "first run" pictures, which included, "Thoroughbreds Don't Cry", "Rosalie" with Nelson Eddy, and "Nothing Sacred" with Frederick March and Carole Lombard.
In 1953, the concession counter was moved from inside the theatre auditorium to its present location and further renovations were made. Movies continued to be shown at the theatre, now know as The Imperial until 1985.
In 1984, the Northeast Repertory Theatre was formed, bringing live theatre back to the Bradley. Productions included "Same Time Next Year", "Carnival", and "Pump Boys and Dinettes."
In 1988, the group changed its name to the Bradley Playhouse Association, and the Theatre continued to change and grow. 1989 saw the presentation of a Winter Festival, and in 1990, the summer children's acting workshop was added to the season's events.
The current theatre group, incorporated in 1991 as The Theatre of Northeastern Connecticut at The Bradley Playhouse, gained non-profit status in 1992. In addition to producing a full six- or seven-show season, each of these groups has spent countless hours in physical improvements to the building. The goal has been to restore The Bradley. One early project included the stripping of the display cases in the entryway and repainting them with gold leaf paint. Fifteen thousand dollars in electrical updates were also made.
In 1997, TNECT embarked upon an ambitious and ongoing restoration project. The floors were repainted and new carpeting put down. An airconditioning system was installed. The ceiling, walls, and proscenium arch were repaired and painted. Work lights were installed in the ceiling. The seats were replaced, thanks to many of our generous patrons and volunteers, the HVAC systems overhauled, sound and lighting upgraded, and the main curtain was replaced.
In 2004, we were fortunate to make contact with the great nephew of the original Ransom Bradley, who we did not know existed. Ransom Bradley and his family were extremely pleased to learn that The Bradley Playhouse still existed and bore his name. The family visited the theatre in July 2004, and a reception in his honor was held, at which he was made a lifetime member of the theatre.
Also in 2004, a state of the art fire alarm system was installed, which is automatically monitored and connected to the local fire department. Thanks to a matching grant from the Quinebaug Shetucket Heritage Corridor Historic Preservation Program, the Bradley installed this mandated smoke and fire alarm system and embarked on a campaign to bring the building up to local and state safety codes. Corporate donations, coupled with fundraising events and private donations, generated the funds needed to replace exit doors and undertake electrical improvements.
The balcony railing upgrade was accomplished in 2006 with the assistance of Central Construction Industries and funded in part by productions staged by David Panteleakos and Carl Mercier. Other recent restoration projects included new stage curtains, lighting and sound equipment, new carpeting, and the restoration of the 1927 stained glass chandelier.
In 2007, the Bradley mounted an ambitious campaign, “Bring Back the Bright Lights” to re-construct
the famous 1934 marquee that once graced the front of the playhouse. Generous gifts from our patrons and supporters added to the 80% grant from Putnam’s Redevelopment Agency’s Commercial Façade Improvement Program (funded by HUD and The Connecticut Economic & Community Development Agency) which allowed us to see this project to completion. In early 2009, the Lauretano Sign Company installed the new marquee with much fanfare and public interest. Its addition to the theatre’s façade has made it a focal point in Putnam’s downtown revitalization.
As the Bradley begins its 109th year, we’ve moved ahead with our 2009 – 2010 Annual Community Theatre Campaign, “Everyone is a Star.” Designed to add improvements that will make the facility handicap accessible, such as a wheelchair lift and upgrades to the restroom facilities to name a few, we have received generous support in our first year of the campaign. We thank our supporters for their patience in this process and Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Borner for their continued support and assistance. We, the members and Board of Directors, hope that we will be able to provide all of our audience with easier accessibility and many more years of entertainment and drama here at The Bradley Playhouse.
"From the main entrance on Front Street, a 10-foot wide corridor leads up to the ticket office. This space is all decorated withThe new theatre featured national touring companies fresh from Broadway with such hits as "Uncle Tom's Cabin", "The Soul Kiss", "Beverly", and "The Red Mill." The Bradley also featured silent films complete with piano accompaniment until 1928, when the first talkie was presented. The movie "Buffalo Bill's and Pawnee Bill's Wild West and Far East Show" featured Buffalo Bill in his final public appearance.leaded glass, theatrical figures in white and gold, and a tile floor at entrance. The theatre is to have 973 opera chairs, four boxes with white and gold chairs, and not a poor seat in the house. On entering the theatre, at the rear is the foyer, check room for coats, and ladies' and gents' toilets and a marble drinking fountain. Each box in the foyer is fitted with plate glass mirrors. Each side of the foyer arch is a 6-foot stairway to the balcony floor and rear balcony. The theatre is decorated with comp. and papier mache and colored old rose, green, ivory-white and gold. All draperies are of green, boxes and balcony rails are brass. The balcony front is decorated with a festoon of cupids in white and gold and the boxes in ivory and gold. Carpets are dark red. All seats are in mahogany with Moroceonie seats. All have wire hat racks under and nickel numbers and letter to each. The stage is the most modern that can be constructed...fitted for 52 scenes and 4 traps in the stage floor. The stage opening is 30 feet by 20 feet back with asbestos and fancy drop curtains and borders. The building is a thing the city should be proud of and a vote of thanks should be given to Mr. Bradley for building such a fine playhouse for the use of the public."
During 1911, the theatre featured several benefit nights in order to raise money for the newly developed fire departrment in Putnam. On one of these evenings, an audience of 1,095 people had raised a donation of .75.
The Bradley has undergone a number of changes in its 109-year history. In 1914, the theatre was the site of two fires just 14 hours apart, causing over ,000 in damages. After the fires, the interior of the theatre was rebuilt with increased showing of movies beginning to influence the interior of the theatre. The thrust of the stage was removed and a set of stairs installed. The orchestra pit was covered over and the balcony remodeled.
The theatre has been known by various names through its history. Postcards announcing the opening of "The Old Homestead" in 1922 refer to The Putnam Opera House.
In 1927, Morris Pouzzner from Boston reorganized, remodeled, and renovated Putnam Theatres Inc. According to the Putnam Patriot, "Superlatives are needed to describe the remodeled playhouse...from roof to cellar nothing has been neglected that could give comfort and pleasure." Seating was replaced and reduced to provide more room for each patron. Improvements included a widened lobby and replacement of the restrooms, ventilation system, stage rewiring, lighting, emergency exits, hangings, chandelier, and pipe organ.
On December 9, 1937, a short circuit caused a fire in a dressing room which soon
became an enormous blaze. Fortunately for the theatre, a specially designed asbestos curtain dropped containing the fire to the stage area. It was noted at the time that of all the curtains so designed, only three had functioned as intended when fire struck. The theatre sustained ,000 in damages, including the loss of all scenery, properties, and "talking picture apparatus." Soon, crews under the direction of district manager James Mahoney, were hard at work making repairs and additional improvements. The most noticeable improvement was the new "Bradley" marquee which lit up the street corner, extending over the sidewalk. Seventy seats were installed as the organ sound system, ventilation ducts, and the orchestra pit were removed. The rugs, seats, furnishings, and heating and air conditioning systems were again replaced. In addition, a "mirror phonic sound reproducer" was installed.
On Christmas Day, the Theatre reopened on schedule with the first of a series of "first run" pictures, which included, "Thoroughbreds Don't Cry", "Rosalie" with Nelson Eddy, and "Nothing Sacred" with Frederick March and Carole Lombard.
In 1953, the concession counter was moved from inside the theatre auditorium to its present location and further renovations were made. Movies continued to be shown at the theatre, now know as The Imperial until 1985.
In 1984, the Northeast Repertory Theatre was formed, bringing live theatre back to the Bradley. Productions included "Same Time Next Year", "Carnival", and "Pump Boys and Dinettes."
In 1988, the group changed its name to the Bradley Playhouse Association, and the Theatre continued to change and grow. 1989 saw the presentation of a Winter Festival, and in 1990, the summer children's acting workshop was added to the season's events.
The current theatre group, incorporated in 1991 as The Theatre of Northeastern Connecticut at The Bradley Playhouse, gained non-profit status in 1992. In addition to producing a full six- or seven-show season, each of these groups has spent countless hours in physical improvements to the building. The goal has been to restore The Bradley. One early project included the stripping of the display cases in the entryway and repainting them with gold leaf paint. Fifteen thousand dollars in electrical updates were also made.
In 1997, TNECT embarked upon an ambitious and ongoing restoration project. The floors were repainted and new carpeting put down. An airconditioning system was installed. The ceiling, walls, and proscenium arch were repaired and painted. Work lights were installed in the ceiling. The seats were replaced, thanks to many of our generous patrons and volunteers, the HVAC systems overhauled, sound and lighting upgraded, and the main curtain was replaced.
In 2004, we were fortunate to make contact with the great nephew of the original Ransom Bradley, who we did not know existed. Ransom Bradley and his family were extremely pleased to learn that The Bradley Playhouse still existed and bore his name. The family visited the theatre in July 2004, and a reception in his honor was held, at which he was made a lifetime member of the theatre.
Also in 2004, a state of the art fire alarm system was installed, which is automatically monitored and connected to the local fire department. Thanks to a matching grant from the Quinebaug Shetucket Heritage Corridor Historic Preservation Program, the Bradley installed this mandated smoke and fire alarm system and embarked on a campaign to bring the building up to local and state safety codes. Corporate donations, coupled with fundraising events and private donations, generated the funds needed to replace exit doors and undertake electrical improvements.
The balcony railing upgrade was accomplished in 2006 with the assistance of Central Construction Industries and funded in part by productions staged by David Panteleakos and Carl Mercier. Other recent restoration projects included new stage curtains, lighting and sound equipment, new carpeting, and the restoration of the 1927 stained glass chandelier.
In 2007, the Bradley mounted an ambitious campaign, “Bring Back the Bright Lights” to re-construct
the famous 1934 marquee that once graced the front of the playhouse. Generous gifts from our patrons and supporters added to the 80% grant from Putnam’s Redevelopment Agency’s Commercial Façade Improvement Program (funded by HUD and The Connecticut Economic & Community Development Agency) which allowed us to see this project to completion. In early 2009, the Lauretano Sign Company installed the new marquee with much fanfare and public interest. Its addition to the theatre’s façade has made it a focal point in Putnam’s downtown revitalization.As the Bradley begins its 109th year, we’ve moved ahead with our 2009 – 2010 Annual Community Theatre Campaign, “Everyone is a Star.” Designed to add improvements that will make the facility handicap accessible, such as a wheelchair lift and upgrades to the restroom facilities to name a few, we have received generous support in our first year of the campaign. We thank our supporters for their patience in this process and Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Borner for their continued support and assistance. We, the members and Board of Directors, hope that we will be able to provide all of our audience with easier accessibility and many more years of entertainment and drama here at The Bradley Playhouse.
The Theatre of Northeastern Connecticut, Inc. is a non-profit 501 (c) 3 volunteer community theatre organization. TNECT's management structure is made of three governing bodies which we believe offers great opportunities for volunteer participation and for balance between the artistic and the business goals of the organization.
- TNECT's Membership elects a Board of Directors each year.
- The Board of Directors sets policy and manages financial, marketing, fundraising, employment issues, and oversees final decisions made regarding shows produced and scheduling of events.
- The Artistic Committee consist of at seven individuals with at least ten years of theatre experience through the study and practice of the dramatic arts. The Committee researches and analyzes plays appropriate for TNECT's audience and acting pool, and submits a selection of shows to the Board of Directors for production by the organization. The Artistic Committee also consults with Directors on each production, lending an objective eye to the quality of each production, making suggestions for technical and artistic improvements, and helping to coach new actors.
The Theatre of Northeastern Connecticut at the Bradley Playhouse relies solely on the talent, dedication, commitment and hard work of our volunteers. "Putting up a show" can be a daunting task and requires a great deal of time and commitment, but it is an intensely rewarding activity and a great learning experience, on stage, backstage, or working in the front of the "House".
Please consider joining our theatre and spending some time with us. Newcomers are always welcome!!! Please read the options below to see how to get involved.
Volunteering
We are particularly in need of costumers and costume coordinators at this time! It takes many helping hands to keep The Bradley running. For every actor, there are 2-3 folks you never see who have generously contributed their time building and painting sets, working backstage, managing props, set dressing, make-up, costumes, producing, and managing the business of each production. Then, there are the show directors, stage managers, technical directors, lighting and sound technicians, and the actors themselves. If performance isn't "your thing", working in the lobby on show nights as ushers, ticket scanners, concessions sellers, or popcorn makers are also options.
Membership
The Theatre of Northeastern Connecticut, Inc. at The Bradley Playhouse offers individual memberships for per year and family memberships for per year. Benefits include .00 off your admissions to any show on it's opening night, addition to our email and members' mailing lists, invitations to special closed events, and our Annual Meeting. Actors cast in our shows are required to become members of the theatre.
Performance
Acting, singing, dancing! Even if you've never "trod the boards" before, The Bradley may be just the place for you to start. Acting, like most other activities, takes practice, and although we strive for excellence, we do not demand perfection. At the Bradley, we "play" hard, work hard, and laugh hard. We are amateurs and we love our theatre. Please come and audition if you have the interest. You might find it a great joy to join us regardless of the amount of experience you have. We think the Bradley is a special place. Make it your special place too! Click here for audition information.
Please consider joining our theatre and spending some time with us. Newcomers are always welcome!!! Please read the options below to see how to get involved.
Volunteering
We are particularly in need of costumers and costume coordinators at this time! It takes many helping hands to keep The Bradley running. For every actor, there are 2-3 folks you never see who have generously contributed their time building and painting sets, working backstage, managing props, set dressing, make-up, costumes, producing, and managing the business of each production. Then, there are the show directors, stage managers, technical directors, lighting and sound technicians, and the actors themselves. If performance isn't "your thing", working in the lobby on show nights as ushers, ticket scanners, concessions sellers, or popcorn makers are also options.
Membership
The Theatre of Northeastern Connecticut, Inc. at The Bradley Playhouse offers individual memberships for per year and family memberships for per year. Benefits include .00 off your admissions to any show on it's opening night, addition to our email and members' mailing lists, invitations to special closed events, and our Annual Meeting. Actors cast in our shows are required to become members of the theatre.
Performance
Acting, singing, dancing! Even if you've never "trod the boards" before, The Bradley may be just the place for you to start. Acting, like most other activities, takes practice, and although we strive for excellence, we do not demand perfection. At the Bradley, we "play" hard, work hard, and laugh hard. We are amateurs and we love our theatre. Please come and audition if you have the interest. You might find it a great joy to join us regardless of the amount of experience you have. We think the Bradley is a special place. Make it your special place too! Click here for audition information.