Birmingham Festival Theatre will relocate from its long-time Five Points South venue after more than five decades in the same space.
End of an Era at Five Points South
Birmingham Festival Theatre (BFT) will exit its home at 1901½ 11th Avenue South at the end of May. The move comes after 53 years in the historic location. Rising operational costs led the organization to leave the building.
The venue seats about 100 people and is recognized as Alabama’s oldest black box theater. Despite the departure, the organization will continue its work. BFT remains an all-volunteer, nonprofit theater group focused on live performance and community arts.
Leaders have confirmed that the group is actively searching for a new performance space.
Continued Productions and Community Mission
BFT will continue staging productions even after leaving its current theater. The group plans to co-produce “Little Shop of Horrors” in June alongside Encore Theatre.
The organization’s mission focuses on producing theater that both challenges and entertains audiences while supporting artistic development. Over its history, BFT has produced more than 300 shows and involved thousands of actors, directors, and crew members. Its performances have reached more than 100,000 audience members since its founding in the early 1970s.
The theater began in 1972 when three Birmingham actors formed the company after working in smaller local productions. In 1973, the group moved into its current Five Points South location, which later underwent renovations to improve seating, accessibility, and backstage space.
Looking Ahead After a Long Legacy
BFT has long maintained a reputation for diverse programming, ranging from classic plays to experimental works and musicals. The organization has remained volunteer-driven and community-focused throughout its history.
An active board of directors now oversees operations and continues to support local theater talent. While the company prepares for relocation, it remains committed to producing shows and maintaining its role in Birmingham’s performing arts community.
Despite leaving a landmark venue, BFT leaders emphasize that the organization will continue its mission and future productions in a new space.
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