As a cultural arts center, the heritage of the Blackstone River Valley, as well as world music, acoustic blues and more, have found a home at Blackstone River Theatre. In addition to concert programming, BRT presents children’s shows, participatory dances, and an Art Gallery of rotating work that showcases local artists.

As an arts education center, BRT offers the opportunity for members of the community to actively engage the arts through Heritage Arts Studio classes. Believing that the arts help cultures connect, Blackstone River Theatre is dedicated to improving arts awareness and providing performance opportunities for diverse participants. BRT encourages arts engagement that is broad and active.

As a community center, BRT rents out its space for both public and private functions. Events that have taken place include ESL and women’s self-defense classes; arts, environmental and preservation workshops; public forums on education and youth leadership; and birthday, wedding and anniversary celebrations.

Blackstone River Theatre, across from the old Ann & Hope Mill on Broad Street in Cumberland, is the former site of the Unity Masonic Lodge. Built in 1928 and abandoned in 1987, the brick structure has been and continues to be renovated for use as a nonprofit cultural arts and community center. Spearheaded by members of the Rhode Island-based music ensemble Pendragon, the Theatre also provide arts education and instruction through its Heritage Arts Studio initiative.

After an initial four-year, all-volunteer renovation effort, BRT has been open for performances since September, 2000. Renovations and improvements are ongoing. Future plans include the renovation of another large performance area as well as office/meeting space on the building’s third floor. This effort will include the purchase and installation of a handicapped-accessible elevator and other necessary upgrades and improvements. The theater, like all Rhode Island places of assembly, has continued to upgrade our fire alarm system and evacuation equipment to adhere to the new state guidelines.