The  Story  of  Highfield Theatre

Built in 1876 as a home for Ali Baba and Salaam, Pierson Beebe’s prized horses, this modest building in the woods has since become a destination for audiences in search of a classic New England theater-going experience. Since 1947, the building has housed productions by the Falmouth Theatre Guild, the College Light Opera Company, and a number of other renowned groups. The Conservatory's Highfield Theatre has long been known to audiences as a home to intimate stagings and powerful performances.

In 1963, one critic noted that “seeing any theatrical performance at Highfield, good or bad, becomes a pleasurable experience.” In 1972, Mr. and Mrs. Josiah K. Lilly III, saved the Beebe Estate from possible development, and gave the theater and 22 acres to the Cape Cod Conservatory to help ensure the future of the performing arts in the region.

The Highfield Theatre Restoration Project

The Highfield Theatre Restoration Project (HTRP) was awarded a $25,000 grant by the Falmouth Community Preservation Committee to fund a feasibility study for the future of Highfield Theatre. The HTRP chose Durland - Van Voorhis Architects of New Bedford to perform the study. It was completed in the summer of 2007 and the outstanding final report spells out in detail what needs to be done. The study presents the work in four phases which is necessary in order not to disrupt theater performances. It also allows time to raise funds for each project. This may take years to accomplish. A copy of the study is available for review at the Falmouth office of the Conservatory.

At present the HTRP committee is concentrating on Phase I from the report which includes more life-safety issues. A modern fire alarm system was installed in the Spring of 2008.  Now in its fourth year, the project needs to go to the next level. The theater has been stabilized. There are new doors, a solid stage, a new porch and stairway, gutters which do not leak, and freshly painted exteriors and a new fire alarm system. The feasibility study, enabled by the Community Preservation Act, indicates there is major work (and major expense) ahead if the theater is to survive.

Our Mission

For almost 60 years, thousands of people from the Falmouth area and visitors from afar have enjoyed the shows at Highfield Theatre.  But popularity has its price:  This constant use has taken its toll on the buildings.  The Highfield Theatre Restoration Project is a committee whose mission  is to preserve and improve the theatre -- the only theatre building the Falmouth area.

Under the auspices of the Cape Cod Conservatory, the Falmouth Theatre Guild and the College Light Opera Company, Highfield Theatre provides a space for the young and young-at-heart to perform and entertain audiences of all ages... to the benefit of all involved.

How You Can Help

You can make a tax-deductible donation directly to the Highfield Theatre Restoration Project.  We accept checks and credit cards.  Please make your checks out to Highfield Theatre Restoration Project and mail them to:  Cape Cod Conservatory, 60 Highfield Drive, Falmouth, MA 02540.  For payment by credit card or other information, please call the Conservatory at 508.540.0611.

The Highfield Theatre Restoration Project has also created a Recognition Wall.  It is mounted on the outside wall of the theatre next to the patio.  The wall consists of 2"x6" nameplates on which you may place your name or the name of someone you would like to honor or recognize.  Each nameplate carries two lines with 25 characters per line.  A name on the first line with text (perhaps indicating an affiliation with the theatre) on the second line is a common and popular approach.

These nameplates are available for a minimum (and tax-deductible) donation of $200 each.  For more information on acquiring one of these handsome plates, please contact:

John Funkhouser at 508.548.1394, ajfunk@cape.com

or Donn Winner at 508.548.5272, seafoto@erols.com