Reviewed by: Mary Helene Hall
Birmingham Festival Theatre is leaving Five Points South after 53 years
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Birmingham Festival Theatre (BFT) is moving out of its Five South location of 53 years at the end of May.
Located at 1901 1/2 11th Avenue South, the intimate theater with a capacity of 100 is home to the oldest black box theater in Alabama, according to BFT.
A black box theater is defined as a simple, flexible performance space characterized by black walls and a flat floor. The theater brings the audience close to the performance and is impactful.
Despite its departure from its original space, BFT is still very much alive.
As an all-volunteer, non-profit theatrical group, BFT will continue to produce performances, such as its upcoming rendition of Little Shop of Horrors in collaboration with Encore Theatre in June.
Staff have assured the community that they are in the process of looking for a new venue.
Celebrating over a half of century of theater
The old BFT adjacent to Golden Temple and behind St. Mary’s on the Highlands Episcopal Church has a long storied history in Birmingham’s arts community.
Over a half of a century, it has touched many lives:
- 366 productions involving more than 100+ directors
- 2,000+ actors and 600+ crew members have performed and worked the shows
- 150,000+ patrons have attended BFT performances since 1973
From May 2 to 3, BFT will hold a special farewell to the Five Point South event space for past performers, crew and patrons called “Intermission: Honoring the Legacy, Building the Future”
Hosting both events is local comedian and BFT alum Matt Davis. ETC Improv, with four of its original members, is scheduled to perform.
In addition to the scheduled performances, BFT has opened up slots during each event for performers who want to share their memories or entertain the audience. Contact BFT at info@bftonline.org or on Facebook messenger if you are interested.
Are you a big fan of Birmingham Festival Theatre? Please share your favorite memories of the Five Points space with us by tagging in our social media comment section @bhamnow.
