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Sullivan Performing Arts is dedicated to the revitalization of the Catskills region. Towards that end we have purchased and are in the process of renovating the Academy Theater in Liberty, NY. Our idea is to create a multi-purpose room for events and performances, while restoring as much of the theater as possible.
This site has recently been listed on the New York State Register of Historic Places and the National Register of Historic Places, as part of the prestigious Liberty Historic district.
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The Academy Theater during its presentation of the film New Moon in July, 1940
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We plan to make this our home for many of our upcoming performances, as well as make it available to others in the county who are seeking a venue for performances.
This project, for which we have employed the services of many volunteers, is the primary focus of our present work.
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An interior shot of the Academy Theater during its 1940 opening. Photo courtesy of cinematreasures.org
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Designed by architect Ben Schlanger, the Academy Theater, located at 151 N. Main St. in Liberty, NY was opened in 1940.
According to cinematreasures.org, the theater was built for the Cohen & Kutisker circuit and the original seating capacity of the 50 foot by 112 foot theatre was 650 at a cost of just $30,000 to build. It was listed as 'Closed' in the 1943 edition of Film Daily Yearbook, but had reopened again by 1950.
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Original Floor Plan of the Academy Theater by architect Ben Schlanger. Image courtesy of cinematreasures.org
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The Academy Theater remained open throughout the 1970's, but unfortunately closed down, and was sold off in the early 1980's.
Sullivan Performing Arts acquired the historic theater in 2011, and immediately started on much needed roof repairs - which were completed in 2012.
The original marquee was uncovered, and restoration began in 2016 (See Pictures Below). The marquee restoration is ongoing, along with many other repairs and restoration work to the rest of the building.
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The Academy Theater during its presentation of the film Ghost Breakers in June, 1940. Photo courtesy of cinematreasures.org
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The Academy Theater in 2016, just as the restoration crew begins to remove the roof structure that had been covering up the original marquee for decades
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The original Academy Theater marquee begins to be revealed
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The Academy Theater restoration crew begins to remove and replace the roofing material of the original marquee
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The original Academy Theater marquee is fully revealed!
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The Academy Theater restoration crew begins to cover the original light fixtures with temporary wood panels
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The Academy Theater marquee looks its best in many years!
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This ongoing restoration work is only possible with the help of the many volunteers
and donations from our many kind supporters! Many Thanks to ALL of You!!
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