Hello and welcome to the history of Bunbury Theatre.

Your assistance is greatly needed to create the most complete history of the Bunbury Theatre. If you have old programs, pictures, ticket stubs, etc. we'd love to see them. We will scan them for archival purposes and return them to you as quickly as possible. Please drop us an email or snail mail (USPS) and let us know what you have.

Please bear with us over the next few months as this section expands. Also, if you have Bunbury tidbits to share, please email them to bunburytheatre@gmail.com. We'd love to hear from you! Come back often to see the newest additions to this section of the site.We are constantly updating our website.


Below are some links to actors that graced the Bunbury Theatre Stage. They've gone on to fame and hopefully fortune! If you think you should be on this list please email us at bunburytheatre@gmail.com

Caren Browning http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1037715/

Bruce Marshall Romans  http://movies.nytimes.com/person/506787/Bruce-Romans
Kimberly Magnus http://www.kimberlymagness.com/press.html

Betsy Reisz http://resumes.actorsaccess.com/betsyreisz

Jess Weixler  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jess_Weixler

1985 – 1990: Bunbury Repertory Theatre Company was founded in Louisville in 1985 by Caren Browning, Elizabeth Spicer and several founding members. As a theatre for professional actors, performing in what was an old tobacco warehouse, Bunbury Repertory Theatre Company's focus was on cutting edge/experimental theatre. At the opening of the 1990-91 theatre season the theatre facility on Baxter Avenue was acquired by Bitters Co. and was no longer available to Bunbury.

1990 – 1995: In the spring of 1990, Juergen K. Tossmann was hired to replace the Artistic Director. With the daunting task of opening a new season without a facility, Mr. Tossmann set out to find a space suitable for his artistic vision. He sought to find a space which could be converted into an intimate theatre. Within weeks 112 South Seventh Street became Bunbury’s new home. Bunbury Repertory Theatre Company's name was shortened to Bunbury Theatre and a new focus emerged. In the spring of 1991 the board of directors was reformed, a $10,000 grant was obtained from the Bingham foundation, and a $20,000 loan from PNC bank was acquired and Steve Woodring Director of Production and Consulting for The Kentucky Center was hired to develop the space. Corporate support from Brown-Forman Corporation, Vencor, Republic Bank and the Humana foundation helped in the build-out of the new facility. Through sheer determination and perseverance a wonderfully intimate theatre was developed in what was once an old garage. The 99 seat Bunbury Theatre became a jewel in Louisville's Theatrical Crown. Roger Fristoe (Critic for The Courier Journal) wrote at the time, "Bunbury is what an Off-Broadway theatre should be..." 1995 – 2000: By 1995 Bunbury’s reputation improved greatly. Ticket sales were up. Many companies provided in-kind services. Marketing brochures and materials were designed and campaigns were developed. Bunbury developed relationships with Quantum Communications, Focal Point Productions and Publishers Press, to mention a few. Bunbury's landlord, Michael Simon joined the board of directors and became a partner by offering the facility rent free for the duration of Bunbury's tenancy. As is often the case, a theatre company needs an angel and that angel helped Bunbury grow and prosper.

The following companies donated services and/or provided financial support: Cotton & Allen, Heine Brothers Coffee, Republic Bank, Papa John’s, KY Colonels, the KY Arts Council, Brown-Forman Corporation, . In 1999, the PNC bank loan was paid off but not without sacrifice. Stipends were reduced, the artistic director had yet to be fully compensated for his services and the theatre board of directors had dwindled to three members. However, ticket sales grew at a relatively moderate pace and the theater's reputation was at an all time high.

2000 – 2006: Between 2000 and 2003 Bunbury Theatre grew at an enormous rate. Ticket sales tripled and all areas of production became more stable. The Board of Directors was reformed through the executive development services of Lana Wertz. The theatre was poised for expansion and further growth. However, in 2002 the building on South Seventh was sold to make way for a new boutique hotel concept and Bunbury was asked to move. The 2002-2003 season was Bunbury’s last at the Seventh Street location. This was a very challenging period in Bunbury’s history, as the organization embarked on a search for a new home. Phil Lynch Vice-President and Director of Communications at Brown-Forman became Bunbury Theatre' Capital/Endowment Chair. With a new campaign in place, numerous location options were explored, first with Bravura Corporation on East Main Street, then with the Frazier Historical Arms Museum on West Main Street, followed by the Mellwood Arts and Entertainment Center on Mellwood Avenue and the Kentucky Theater on South Fourth Street. During this transitional period, Bunbury Theatre mounted a total of five productions, all at The Bomhard Theatre at the Kentucky Center for the Arts.

2006-2009: In February of 2006, Bunbury found a hew home at the newly developed Henry Clay. What was originally The Henry Clay Hotel, an Elks Lodge and a YWCA, The Henry Clay offered a new concept in multi-use. With retail on the first floor, event space on the second and fourth floors and residential space on floors five through eight Bunbury saw a new design from Steve Woodring.

Bunbury renovated the old gymnasium on the third floor beginning in the winter of 2007. Through sheer determination and will, the organization and it's members with the help of Bill Weyland, developed the 140 seat state of the art theatre which has become a symbol of the tenacity of a small arts organization which despite all odds continued to pursue its mission. From 2007-10 Bunbury mounted 15 maintstage plays and 3 social awareness issues oriented pieces.

In addition, Bunbury split focus to become a presenting organization as well as a producing organization and offered the space to Pandora Productions as they mounted three full seasons.

2009-10: At the end of 2009 the board of directors came to the decision that in order for Bunbury to grow in its mission, the organization could no longer be a presenting organization and a producing organization. Without the resources, the facility could no longer endure the strains of two companies performing full seasons in the space.

2010-2011 Season: Bunbury Theatre will focus its energy on what it does best and that is producing plays which reflect its mission: to create enriching and diverse theatrical experiences for the community and its artists in a live intimate setting. Bunbury Theatre Company's vision includes a very holistic approach to the performance process. Actors will now return to rehearsing and performing in the same environment, preparing for a monumental 25th Anniversary Season.

Bunbury will also look for opportunities to partner with individuals and organizations. Working in conjunction with individual artists is particularly appealing as we look toward diversity in our presentations.