The Amphitheater at Scaroon Manor
ADK Shakes is proud to have brought live performance back to this once-glorious space on the shores of Schroon Lake. In 2013, the Company became Stewards of the Scaroon Manor Amphitheater through the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation.
If you would like to support our efforts for restoration of this incredible space, our role as Stewards enables us to fundraise specifically for that work. Our most immediate need is the stabilization and restoration of the lighting booth. We would also like to provide our audience members with weather-proofed seasonal seating. Our long-term goal is weather coverage so that we can perform rain or shine!
A Photo History of the Amphitheater at Scaroon Manor
1938 | Anton Bergdolt, a German immigrant, leads construction of the Amphitheater, projection booth, benches, and stone work at the site.
The project is completed in six months.
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1957 | Scenes from Marjorie Morningstar are filmed at Scaroon Manor, including a brief musical interlude on the stage of the Amphitheater.
Starring Gene Kelly, Natalie Wood, and Ed Wynn, the film is released in 1958.
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In the 1960’s Scaroon Manor closes.
1967 | The grounds are purchased by NYS and become part of the Adirondack Forest Preserve. Many of the buildings are sold and a controlled burning of the remaining structures is staged, but the stone amphitheater remains.
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1974 | Anton Bergdolt returns to visit the Amphitheater, which has fallen into disrepair.
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2006 | Scaroon Manor Day Use Facility opens to the public
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August 2, 2019 | Adirondack Shakespeare Company performs “Hungry Will’s Variety Hour,” the first live performance in the Amphitheater in over half a century
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July & August 2011 | Adirondack Shakespeare performs its Second Annual Summer Festival Season
(This is the first year the company performs its summer season at the Amphitheater.)
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August 2013 | Adirondack Shakespeare Company becomes official Stewards of the space
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The Future of the Amphitheater at Scaroon Manor
We at the Adirondack Shakespeare Company are dedicated to restoring this incredible performance space to its heigh-day, but we can only achieve this with your help! By making a tax-deductible donation to our Restore the Amphitheater Fund, your generous contribution will go towards stabilizing the lighting booth, seasonal seating, and weather coverage for rain-or-shine performances. With a fully restored performance space, we can be a part of the revitalization of the Schroon Lake Region providing arts and culture to the region, the country, and the world. Contribute today!
Photos of Anton Bergdolt courtesy of his grandson, Bob Peters.
(518) 538-1863 info@adkshakes.org
