For the love of the Bohm! Nearly 10 years ago the beloved historic Bohm Theatre in downtown Albion was restored to its original glory. Now, it is a place that does so much more than show weekly movies. The Bohm is a place that can take you back in time with the beautifully restored interior and exterior. Over the years, the Bohm went through numerous changes of ownership and style. But in 2011, the non-profit 501C3 Friends of the Bohm Theatre was created with lots of help and support from the Albion Community Foundation. With this support and fundraising expertise, the Bohm Theatre was fully restored and open for business in October of 2014.
Dating back to the original opening on Christmas Day in 1929, the Bohm Theatre is a venue filled with memories and experiences, among so much history. Besides the weekend movies, the Bohm Theatre is enriched with culture through live performances. Since 2015, the Bohm Theatre has been home to Blues at the Bohm, a monthly live blues concert on the first Monday of the month. From big name artists to local start-ups, Blues at the Bohm has not only offered the opportunity for entertainment and music exposure in the Albion community, but also a space for people to gather and share their musical talents.
Other live performances include the annual 4-H Creative & Expressive Arts performance in the summer. 4-H allows for students to learn and engaging in the performing arts through singing, dancing, and acting. At the end of the summer, they perform on the big stage right at home at the Bohm Theatre. The Bohm has offered comedy shows like “Jokes on You” Comedy Tour, and worldly festivities like hosting Okaidja Afroso, a musician from Ghana touring in part of the Arts Midwest World Fest.
Beyond the laughs, enjoyments, and memories that come from live performances, the Bohm Theatre is also a place to gather and love. The Bohm has been used for a few different weddings from local families. Memories have been made that will last a lifetime as couples have stood on the stage and said, “I do”. With such a beautiful venue, why does it only have to be movies?
The Bohm Theatre is available for all your fun memories too. Did you know that you can rent the Bohm out? Have Bohm I or Bohm II for a full screening all to yourself. Whether you are planning a birthday party or special occasion, how cool would it be to say you had a whole movie theatre to yourself?
The Bohm also gives back to the community by offering different programming to make movies and entertainment accessible in the Albion community. This summer the Bohm is offering Free Family Films every Saturday at 11 AM. With the support from grants for the Albion Community Foundation, Decker Manufacturing Corp, and other personal donors, the Bohm is able to provide a time and space for families to come together to watch a film. It is more than a movie; it is the chance for quality family time.
So, the next time you are looking for some local entertain, events, or experiences, give the Bohm Theatre a try. And we’ll see you at the Bohm!