Salem Playhouse

Salem Playhouse

Salem Playhouse | Historic Performing Arts & Event Venue | Salem, MA

About Us

Salem Playhouse, formerly known as The Bridge at 211, is emerging with a new name, renewed energy, and a bold vision for transforming a historic Salem landmark into a vibrant performing arts and education center. Located in a Federal-style building originally constructed in 1808 as the First Universalist Society of Salem, this National Register of Historic Places property (since 1983) became a nonprofit in 2016 to preserve its legacy and serve the community. In partnership with the Olde Essex Stage Company, a nonprofit grounded in storytelling tradition, we’re working to cultivate artistic excellence, engage the community, and bring new life to our historic building through diverse programming while honoring the progressive spirit of our founders who championed abolition, women’s suffrage, LGBTQ+ rights, and social justice movements.

Our Vision

We are currently setting the stage by preparing our building and developing the structures needed to support future events and programming, working toward a self-sustaining, community-centered performing arts destination.

Core Focus

• Professional Theater Productions
• Community Performing Arts Events
• Arts Education Programming
• Historic Venue Event Rentals

Specialty Services/Features

Our unique combination of historic architectural significance, progressive social justice heritage, and professional theater partnership creates a venue unlike any other in the region.

Key Features

• National Historic Landmark: 1808 Federal-style building on the National Register of Historic Places with original architectural details
• Professional Theater Partnership: Collaboration with Olde Essex Stage Company brings experienced theatrical production to Salem
• Multiple Flexible Spaces: Four distinct rental spaces accommodating 35 to 300 guests with various configurations
• Historic Performance Elements: Original 1,200-pipe Hutchings organ and baby grand piano in Murray Hall with exceptional acoustics

Historic Venue Spaces

Our thoughtfully preserved building offers multiple spaces, each named for individuals significant to the building’s history, providing options for various event sizes and needs.

Venue Highlights

• Murray Hall (Crown Jewel): Federal-style first-floor space with 4,961 sq ft, 300-person capacity, excellent acoustics, pipe organ, and baby grand piano
• Bolles Hall: Second-floor versatile space with raised stage and storage, 3,140 sq ft, 140-person capacity
• Anna F. Hill Room: Light-filled first-floor room, 525 sq ft, 35-person capacity, ideal for intimate gatherings
• Dickson Room: Lower-level space with direct Bridge Street access, 2,459 sq ft, 96-person capacity

Community Impact & Heritage

Our building has served as an incubator for local nonprofits, a home for arts organizations, and a venue for theatrical, musical, charitable, and civic events, continuing a legacy of community service spanning over two centuries.

Historical Significance

• Progressive Founders: Built by advocates for abolition, women’s suffrage, and LGBTQ+ rights, inspiring our inclusive programming commitment
• Architectural Legacy: Original construction in 1808 under Perley Putnam’s guidance with Reverend Hosea Ballou laying the cornerstone
• Preservation Through Transformation: Congregation chose nonprofit conversion over commercial development in 2015 to preserve community access
• Future-Forward Vision: 2023 adaptive reuse study confirmed clear market opportunity for community-centered performing arts center

Contact

Location 211 Bridge Street Salem, MA 01970

Information

• Email: info@salemplayhouse.org
• Website: www.salemplayhouse.org
• Instagram: @salemplayhouse
• Facebook: @salemplayhouse
• Currently in development phase preparing for future programming and rentals
• 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (Tax ID: 47-4156788)

Bringing new life to a historic landmark – serving the greater Salem community as a hub for artistic, cultural, and educational events.

We’re creating a space the greater Salem community can use and be proud of for generations to come – a place that will enhance downtown development, embrace diversity, support local businesses, and entertain while inspiring. Rooted in Salem’s rich heritage, we’re committed to shaping its future as a place to connect, celebrate, and learn.