Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) | Brooklyn

The Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM), located in the Fort Greene neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York, is a pivotal institution in the arts world. Known for its innovative programming and diverse range of performances, BAM has become one of the leading centers for culture and creativity in Brooklyn, offering a rich blend of theater, dance, music, opera, and film.

History and Evolution

Founded in 1861, BAM is America's oldest continuously operating performing arts center. It was established with the goal of fostering the performing arts in Brooklyn and has continuously evolved to meet the needs of contemporary audiences while maintaining a deep connection to its past.

Early Years: BAM's first home was a 2,200-seat theater located on Montague Street in Brooklyn Heights. The institution was initially known for hosting major performances by celebrated artists, including actors like Edwin Booth and writers like Mark Twain. Over the years, BAM became an important cultural hub, particularly attracting theater, music, and opera aficionados.

Relocation to Fort Greene: In 1908, BAM relocated to its current location at 30 Lafayette Avenue in Fort Greene. This new building, designed by Herts & Tallant, was constructed in the Renaissance Revival style and included new performance spaces such as the Howard Gilman Opera House and the BAM Rose Cinemas.

Further Expansion: In 2012, BAM expanded with the addition of the BAM Fisher Building at 321 Ashland Place. This addition introduced more intimate performance venues, including the Fishman Space (a 250-seat theater) and the BAM Fisher Hillman Studio, which serves as a flexible rehearsal and performance space for new works and smaller productions.

Performance Venues

BAM is home to several distinct venues, each designed to support different types of performances and audiences:

Howard Gilman Opera House: The largest and most prominent of BAM's venues, the Howard Gilman Opera House has a seating capacity of 2,109 and serves as the main venue for major performances, including Broadway-style productions, operas, and large-scale theater events.

BAM Harvey Theater: Known for its intimate atmosphere, the Harvey Theater seats 874 people and is typically used for more experimental theater performances, dance shows, and avant-garde productions. It provides a closer connection between the performers and the audience.

Lepercq Space: This is a versatile space located within the BAM cultural complex. It serves multiple purposes, from housing the BAMcafé (a popular hangout for theatergoers) to hosting smaller events and performances.

Fishman Space: A 250-seat black box theater located in the BAM Fisher Building, the Fishman Space is ideal for more experimental and contemporary works that require flexibility in staging and seating arrangements.

BAM Fisher Hillman Studio: A smaller, adaptable space used primarily for rehearsals and workshops, but also for performances by emerging artists and avant-garde theater companies.

These venues help BAM maintain its reputation for showcasing a range of innovative performances that challenge traditional forms of theater and the performing arts.

Notable Productions and Artists

Over the years, BAM has hosted numerous landmark productions, some of which have gone on to achieve international recognition:

"A Streetcar Named Desire" (2024): Starring Paul Mescal, this production was one of BAM's major theatrical showcases, drawing attention for its acclaimed performances.

"The Sign in Sidney Brustein's Window" (2023): Starring Oscar Isaac and Rachel Brosnahan, this production featured both seasoned stage actors and up-and-coming talents, and received critical acclaim for its storytelling and performances.

"Cyrano" (2022): This production featured James McAvoy in the title role and was widely celebrated for its fresh take on the classic tale.

"Medea" (2020): Starring Rose Byrne and Bobby Cannavale, this modern interpretation of Euripides' tragedy was one of the standout events at BAM during the year.

"King Lear" (2014): Starring Frank Langella in the title role, this production of Shakespeare's "King Lear" became an instant classic at BAM, showcasing the depth and power of the actor's performance.

In addition to theater, BAM has hosted performances by major musicians and artists, including Solange Knowles, who debuted her album "A Seat at the Table" at BAM, and has celebrated the work of legendary choreographers and composers.

Community Engagement and Education

BAM plays an important role in the cultural and educational life of Brooklyn. The institution reaches out to diverse communities, ensuring that its programming is inclusive and impactful. BAM’s educational programs serve more than 33,000 students, teachers, and families each year. These programs include:

In-school and after-school activities.

Summer arts programs.

Workshops that teach students about various aspects of theater, music, and the performing arts.

Through these efforts, BAM fosters creativity, promotes the arts, and provides opportunities for young people to explore the world of performance.

Recent Highlights

Leadership of Gina Duncan: In recent years, Gina Duncan became the first Black president of BAM, making significant strides toward creating a more inclusive and diverse institution. Duncan has worked to highlight the contributions of underrepresented groups in the arts while also focusing on building strong community connections.

Honoring Solange Knowles and Mikki Shepard: In 2023, Solange Knowles and Mikki Shepard were honored at BAM for their substantial contributions to the cultural landscape of Brooklyn and the broader art community. Knowles was recognized for her creative work at BAM, while Shepard was celebrated for her longstanding involvement with BAM, including her role in founding the DanceAfrica festival.

Visiting BAM

Location:
30 Lafayette Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11217.

BAM is easily accessible by various modes of transportation:

Subway: The Atlantic Avenue-Barclays Center station is a major transit hub nearby, with access to several subway lines including the 2, 3, 4, 5, B, D, N, Q, and R lines.

Long Island Rail Road: The Atlantic Terminal station is also nearby, making BAM an easy destination for those coming from other parts of New York.

Conclusion

The Brooklyn Academy of Music is an essential part of Brooklyn’s identity, both as a cultural institution and a hub for experimental and innovative artistic works. Whether you're interested in cutting-edge theater, live music, or avant-garde performances, BAM offers something for everyone. Its commitment to fostering diverse voices in the arts and providing an accessible platform for both well-known and emerging artists ensures that it remains a vital cultural force in New York City.