Theatre

The Cambridge Family YMCA Theatre

When the Cambridge Family YMCA's 185-seat, lovely Victorian theatre officially opened in 1897, a critical mission of the YMCA was clearly achieved. Our founders realized the importance of theatre arts, literacy, mentorship, entertainment, education and recreation. They understood the role these ideals played and the value provided to the greater community. Over one hundred years later, we strive to meet those ideals.

In 2001, the Cambridge Family YMCA Theatre, which was named after Oliver Durrell, the YMCA's first President, had not been active for over thirty years. The challenges of preserving the architectural integrity, while installing up-to-date lighting, sound, electric and video technology were great, but the need for civil, lecture and theatre space in the City of Cambridge was even greater. The YMCA board and staff knew that a full-scale theatre arts program would add an exciting new level and dimension to existing programs. They vowed to restore the Cambridge Family YMCA Theatre.

Through an aggressive renovation program that began with a substantial private gift, followed by board and management commitment, and aided by YMCA staff and student volunteers from Philips Brooks House, the Public Service Center at MIT, and City Year, the Cambridge Family YMCA successfully opened and re-dedicated the Cambridge Family YMCA Theatre in December of 2002.

The restoration project was so complete and successful, that in May of 2003, the Cambridge Historical Commission presented the YMCA with an award for outstanding achievement in historic preservation.

We have incorporated theatre arts into our literacy program for the children participating in our after school program. We use drama, music, and theatre arts as the impetus to achieve a higher level of literacy while helping children deepen their understanding of humankind through literature, song and dance. In the same way that recreational sports teaches children the value of team work, movement, commitment, responsibility, and cooperation while striving for a personal best, our theatre arts program will do all of that, plus give the kids the combined benefit of literacy and drama.

We are proud to report that during our first year of operation, we hosted, on many occasions to a full house, a variety of theatrical performances, readings, book signings, concerts and plays. Theatre companies performing in the Cambridge Family YMCA Theatre have included; The Longwood Players, Bread & Puppet Theatre and the Boston Directors Lab. Pulitzer prize winning author Jhumpa Lahiri, and authors Anne Garrels, Irshad Manji, and Molly Ivins have all presided over The Cambridge Family YMCA Theatre. With their insight and intelligence, they have provided thought-provoking engagement and conversation to hundreds of members and residents of the greater Cambridge community.

Please refer to our theatre schedule for coming attractions and events.

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