Academy of Music Theatre
The Academy of Music Theatre in Northampton, Massachusetts has a long and storied history as the nation’s first municipally owned theater. Opened in 1891, the Academy quickly became a favorite stop on tours of leading troupes and big-name performers, ranging from Mae West to Harry Houdini. With the advent of film in the 1930s, the Academy screened silent films, soon followed by talkies, in addition to hosting live entertainment. The Academy has evolved over time to support a wide variety of programming, including rock concerts, theatrical productions, films, literary arts, dance, and youth programs. As the Academy evolved, the need for an updated sound system to support their diverse programming became increasingly apparent.