The Colonial Theatre
The Colonial Theatre is a historic 300-seat nonprofit performing arts venue in Bethlehem, New Hampshire (founded 1915) that presents 200+ live music, film, and family events annually from May through December, serving rural White Mountains residents and regional visitors through diversified ticket, membership, sponsorship, donation, and rental revenue streams.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1915
- HeadquartersBethlehem, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What The Colonial Theatre does
The Colonial Theatre is a historic 300-seat performing arts venue located at 2050 Main Street in Bethlehem, New Hampshire, in the White Mountains region. Founded July 1, 1915, and operated since 2000 by Friends of The Colonial — a 501(c)(3) nonprofit operating under the auspices of Bethlehem Redevelopment Association (EIN: 02-0366874) — the venue is listed on the New Hampshire State Register of Historic Places and recognized as one of the oldest continuously operated movie theatres in the country. It presents a seasonal schedule of more than 200 events from May through December, serving rural North Country residents, visitors, families, and regional arts audiences with limited access to metropolitan cultural programming.
The venue's product portfolio centers on three core pillars: the LIVE! @ The Colonial concert series featuring national touring artists in genres ranging from Americana and blues to jazz and folk (tickets $21–$79); KIDS! @ The Colonial weekly children's programming in July and August anchored by Weathervane Theatre's Patchwork Players ($8 per ticket); and a diversified film program across multiple series — Feature Films ($10–$13), Anniversary Classics, National Theatre Live, New Leaf, Reel Outdoors, Science on Screen, Spotlight, and the White Mountain Jewish Film Festival. Supporting products include a Membership Program with reciprocal benefits at 8 regional venues and access to ~100 arthouse theatres via Arthouse Convergence, the Open Door Ticket Program for food-assistance recipients, and White Mountain Cinema Camp, a two-week youth filmmaking intensive. Underlying technology includes state-of-the-art digital projection, laser film projection, 7.1 surround sound, theatrical lighting/sound, a newly installed HVAC system (2020–2026 capital program), and an 89-panel rooftop solar array activated October 2025.
The business model is a diversified nonprofit revenue stack across seven streams: ticket sales (Thundertix-powered online plus box office plus Catamount Arts partner), annual memberships, on-site concessions and patio bar (beer/wine), tiered event sponsorships ($250–$5,000), tax-deductible donations (one-time and monthly sustaining), facility rentals for private events, and gift certificates. Distribution is omnichannel via a self-serve website, in-person box office, and regional partner box office; the staff is under 15 full-time/part-time plus contractors, with executive leadership under Brenna Nicely and a 9-member board. Marketing relies on a 4,600+ email subscriber list, 4,000+ Facebook fans, 2,500+ Instagram followers, 2,000 distributed season programs, and 1,000 monthly event calendars, supplemented by community partnerships with over 20 nonprofits and all local libraries.
The Colonial Theatre firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- The Colonial Theatre
- Legal name
- Friends of The Colonial
- Website
- https://bethlehemcolonial.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1915
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- The Colonial Theatre is a historic 300-seat nonprofit performing arts venue in Bethlehem, New Hampshire (founded 1915) that presents 200+ live music, film, and family events annually from May through December, serving rural White Mountains residents and regional visitors through diversified ticket, membership, sponsorship, donation, and rental revenue streams.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
The Colonial Theatre industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Performing Arts Venue
- NAICS
- Theater Companies and Dinner Theaters (71111), Theater Companies and Dinner Theaters (711110), Performing Arts Companies (7111)
- SIC
- Services-Motion Picture Theaters (7830), Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Performing Arts & Cultural Event Venues (Theaters, Museums) (THAHAAAG)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Children’s & Youth Theatre (MPAGABAE)
Keywords
Where The Colonial Theatre is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Bethlehem
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
The Colonial Theatre business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Ticket sales: Revenue from film screenings, live concerts, kids programming, and special events. Tickets sold online via Thundertix, at box office, and through partner Catamount Arts. Member and non-member pricing tiers.
- Membership program: Annual memberships with benefits including discounted tickets, free popcorn on Member Mondays, regional reciprocal discounts at 8 partner venues, newsletter, and calendar mailings. Single gifts of $250 or monthly gifts of $10 or more include membership.
- Concessions: On-site concessions including beer, wine, soda, organic popcorn, candy, snacks. 1400 sq ft covered patio bar for beer/wine at live concerts.
- Sponsorships: Multiple sponsorship tiers for Live! series, feature films, film series, and kids programming. Platinum season co-sponsorship at $5,000, event sponsorships from $250-$2,500, advertising in season program.
- Donations: One-time and sustaining monthly donations. Checks to 'Friends of The Colonial', a 501(c)(3). Monthly sustaining donations require minimum $5. Annual $250 or monthly $10 includes membership.
- Theatre rentals: Facility rental for business meetings, private parties. 300-seat capacity, digital projection, sound, theatrical lighting, backstage accommodations, 1400 sq ft patio. Priority given to local 501(c)(3) nonprofits.
- Gift certificates: Available in any amount, redeemable for live events and regularly scheduled films.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Kids! @ The Colonial performances — $8 per ticket |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Feature films — $10-13 per screening |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Live music concerts — $21-79 per ticket |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Special screenings and series — $9-25 per ticket |
| Other | Annual | Platinum Season Co-Sponsorship — $5,000 |
| Other | Annual | Gold Event Sponsorship — $2,500 |
| Other | Annual | Silver Event Co-Sponsorship — $1,250 |
| Other | Annual | Bronze Event Co-Sponsorship — $625 |
| Other | Monthly | Feature Film Sponsorship — $500/month |
| Other | Annual | Film Series Co-Sponsorship — $250 |
| Other | Annual | Saturday Morning Cartoons sponsorship — $1,000 series / $500 co-sponsorship |
| Other | Annual | Kids! @ The Colonial Season Sponsorship — $3,000 |
| Other | Annual | Kids! @ The Colonial Event Co-Sponsorship — $250 |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels7 records
The Colonial Theatre product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The Colonial Theatre is a historic 300-seat performing arts venue that presents a seasonal calendar of more than 200 events from May through December, including live music concerts (LIVE! @ The Colonial), weekly children's programming (KIDS! @ The Colonial), and year-round curated film screenings across multiple series. Tickets are sold through the venue's own website (Thundertix), at the physical box office, and through partner Catamount Arts. Revenue is supplemented by memberships, donations, sponsorships, concessions, and facility rentals for private events.
Product overview
The Colonial Theatre is a historic 300-seat performing arts venue operating as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, offering a portfolio of live entertainment and film programming from May through December. Its core offerings include the Live! @ The Colonial concert series featuring touring musicians, the KIDS! @ The Colonial children's programming with weekly performances, and year-round film screenings across multiple curated series (Feature Films, Anniversary Classics, National Theatre Live, New Leaf, Reel Outdoors, Science on Screen, Spotlight Films, and the White Mountain Jewish Film Festival). Supporting services include a Membership Program with regional reciprocal benefits, the Open Door Ticket Program providing free tickets to food-insecure community members, and White Mountain Cinema Camp—a youth filmmaking intensive. The theatre also offers facility rentals for private events and operates concessions including a patio bar during live performances. Built in 1915, the venue features state-of-the-art digital projection and 7.1 surround sound.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- LIVE! @ The Colonial Flagship live entertainment series featuring acclaimed singer-songwriters, legendary bands, and touring artists performing in the historic 300-seat theatre from May through October. Ticket prices range $21-$79 per show.
- KIDS! @ The Colonial Weekly children's programming every July and August at 11 AM featuring music, magic, puppetry, and live theatre, anchored by the Weathervane Theatre's Patchwork Players. All tickets $8 at the door with group discounts available.
- Feature Films Independent and world cinema screenings with state-of-the-art digital projection and 7.1 surround sound. Features recent releases, documentaries, foreign films, and special screenings May through December. Tickets typically $10-$13.
- Anniversary Classics Series Celebrates classic films with significant anniversaries, featuring timeless works like Charlie Chaplin's City Lights and Modern Times, and The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly.
- National Theatre Live Broadcasts the best of British theatre to cinema screens, including productions like Fleabag and Hamlet filmed from London's West End.
- New Leaf Series Highlights films about the natural world, created in partnership with Ammonoosuc Conservation Trust. Features environmental documentaries and nature-themed programming.
- Reel Outdoors Series Adventure film series featuring breathtaking landscapes, adrenaline-fueled activities, and outdoor storytelling including the Paddling Film Festival.
- Saturday Morning Cartoons & More Free family-friendly film programming welcoming kids and families for classic and contemporary animated features in a cozy, pajama-clad atmosphere.
- Science on Screen Creative pairings of films with engaging discussions by notable figures from science, technology, and medicine. Presented in partnership with White Mountain Science, Inc. (WMSI) with support from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.
- Spotlight Films Shines a light on independent, rare, or locally significant films with special curated screenings.
- White Mountain Jewish Film Festival Annual film festival presented by the White Mountain Jewish Film Festival showcasing Jewish-themed films and cultural programming.
- Membership Program Annual membership offering discounted tickets, free movie admissions, Member Mondays with free popcorn, regional ticket discounts at 8 partner venues, and weekly newsletter access. Included with single gifts of $250 or monthly donations of $10 or more.
- Open Door Ticket Program
Quantifiable outcome
- 10,000+ annual attendees across 200+ events May–December
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use The Colonial Theatre
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles6 records
The Colonial Theatre technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration3 records
Feature4 records
The Colonial Theatre partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Catamount ArtscoreCatamount Arts is the regional partner for ticket sales, with a physical box office at 115 Eastern Ave., St. Johnsbury, VT. Customers can purchase Colonial Theatre tickets in person at this partner location alongside Catamount Arts's own programming.
- Ammonoosuc Conservation TrustcoreThe New Leaf Series is created in partnership with Ammonoosuc Conservation Trust. The series highlights films about the natural world, aligning with the Trust's conservation mission in the region.
- White Mountain Science, Inc. (WMSI)coreScience on Screen series is presented in partnership with White Mountain Science Inc. (WMSI), integrating science education with film programming. Series also sponsored by Kerberos LLC and Hacker.Nexus.
- Kerberos LLC and Hacker.NexuscoreSponsor of Science on Screen series at The Colonial. Science on Screen is an initiative of the Coolidge Corner Theatre with major support from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.
- Appalachian Mountain ClubcoreCo-sponsor of Reel Outdoors Film Series along with Carlson's Lodge, North Country Climbing Center, The Lawton Company, and Trout Unlimited Ammonoosuc Chapter 554.
- Weathervane Theatre / Patchwork PlayerscoreAnchor partner for KIDS! @ The Colonial series, providing theatrical performances on alternating Wednesdays in July and August. Produces Broadway Bound and other family shows.
- Bethlehem Redevelopment AssociationcoreFriends of The Colonial operates under the auspices of Bethlehem Redevelopment Association (EIN: 02-0366874), the parent nonprofit organization. The theatre is located at the Bethlehem Village property owned/managed by the association.
- Sounds in the SanctuaryminorPartnership with Sounds in the Sanctuary at Bethlehem Synagogue for Anat Cohen jazz performance. Cross-promotional venue partnership.
- Adaptive Sports PartnersminorHosting partner for Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival screening, working with Adaptive Sports Partners to integrate the event.
- Arthouse ConvergenceminorParticipating theater in the Visiting Members Program, allowing Colonial members to receive membership benefits at nearly 100 other arthouse movie theatres across the country.
- Bethlehem Village StoreminorNearby ATM location referenced for patron convenience. Also serves Indian food on Fridays and Saturdays.
- Cold Mountain CaféminorHospitality sponsor and food delivery partner for double-feature screenings at the theatre.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves10 records
Expansion highlights4 records
The Colonial Theatre competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- The Music Hall: Historic nonprofit performing arts venue in Portsmouth, NH offering live music, film, and cultural programming. Directly comparable in scope, New Hampshire regional footprint, and mixed live/film programming model.
- Coolidge Corner Theatre: Independent nonprofit arthouse cinema in Brookline, MA that runs the Science on Screen initiative (which the Colonial emulates). Directly comparable as a mission-driven film and live programming venue with strong community programming.
- The Brattle Theatre: Historic nonprofit arthouse cinema in Cambridge, MA with repertory film programming, special series, and live events. Comparable as a heritage single-screen venue with diverse programming and nonprofit governance.
- Wilton Town Hall Theatre: Small historic rural theatre in Wilton, NH offering live music, film, and community programming. Highly comparable in scale, rural New Hampshire location, and nonprofit heritage venue model.
- Catamount Arts: Regional nonprofit arts organization in St. Johnsbury, VT presenting film, music, and cultural programming. Direct partner of the Colonial (ticket reseller) and highly comparable rural New England arts venue.
- Colonial Theatre (Hudson, NH): Restored historic single-screen theatre in Hudson, NH offering live music, film, and community events - the closest same-name peer in NH. Peer in scale and mission-driven nonprofit venue model.
Regional players
- North Country Center for the Arts: Performing arts venue in the White Mountains region of NH presenting live music and theatre. Strongest geographic peer - same North Country region, comparable programming and audience.
- Lebanon Opera House: Regional performing arts venue in Lebanon, NH hosting touring music and theatre. Comparable as a NH nonprofit venue serving a similar rural demographic, though larger scale.
- Bank of New Hampshire Stage / Capitol Center for the Arts: Regional performing arts venue in Concord, NH hosting touring music, theatre, and film. Comparable as a regional NH arts venue serving a similar state-wide audience, though larger in scale.
Emerging players
- New Hampshire Music Festival: Annual summer music festival in the White Mountains region. Comparable as a regional musical programming organization; differs in festival vs. year-round model but shares audience and artistic mission.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
The Colonial Theatre social profiles
Digital presenceThe Colonial Theatre compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
The Colonial Theatre financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
The Colonial Theatre leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles14 records
The Colonial Theatre funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
The Colonial Theatre M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about The Colonial Theatre
What does The Colonial Theatre do?
The Colonial Theatre is a historic 300-seat performing arts venue that presents a seasonal calendar of more than 200 events from May through December, including live music concerts (LIVE! @ The Colonial), weekly children's programming (KIDS! @ The Colonial), and year-round curated film screenings across multiple series. Tickets are sold through the venue's own website (Thundertix), at the physical box office, and through partner Catamount Arts. Revenue is supplemented by memberships, donations, sponsorships, concessions, and facility rentals for private events.
Is The Colonial Theatre a public or private company?
The Colonial Theatre is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was The Colonial Theatre founded?
The Colonial Theatre was founded in 1915. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is The Colonial Theatre based?
The Colonial Theatre is headquartered in Bethlehem, United States, in the North America region.
How does The Colonial Theatre make money?
Seven revenue lines are on record. Ticket sales are the primary driver. The others are membership program, concessions, sponsorships, donations, theatre rentals and gift certificates.
Who are The Colonial Theatre's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are The Music Hall, Coolidge Corner Theatre, The Brattle Theatre, Wilton Town Hall Theatre, Catamount Arts and Colonial Theatre (Hudson, NH). Regional players are North Country Center for the Arts, Lebanon Opera House and Bank of New Hampshire Stage / Capitol Center for the Arts. New Hampshire Music Festival is listed as an emerging player.
Does The Colonial Theatre have an API?
No public API is recorded for The Colonial Theatre.
What industry is The Colonial Theatre in?
The Colonial Theatre's product category is Performing Arts Venue. Its primary akta.pro industry code is THAHAAAG, Performing Arts & Cultural Event Venues (Theaters, Museums), with a secondary code of MPAGABAE, Children’s & Youth Theatre. Its NAICS code is 71111 and its SIC code is 7830.