The owners of Catskill, N.Y.’s popular Bridge Street Theatre say it’s common for out-of-town artists to ask them: “What’s going on in Catskill, N.Y.?”

It appears that the success John Sowle and Steven Patterson’s performance space has enjoyed is creating intrigue.

“There’s buzz,” Steven told us, reflecting on questions some Brooklyn artists had for him recently.

“A lot of surrounding communities have become too upscale for many artists. Catskill, N.Y. is still affordable.”

Hudson Valley roots

Steven’s love of the Hudson Valley dates back to 1977 when he worked with a small, innovative theatre company in Lexington, N.Y.

“It was one of the most creatively fulfilling summers of my life.”

Acting work took him to San Francisco. There, he met John while they worked together on a production at Theatre Rhinoceros.

The couple moved to Manhattan in 2003.

They soon relocated to the Hudson Valley where they continued to produce theatre in rented spaces.

New beginnings

In 2013, an available West Bridge Street property captured their collective imagination.

Within a few months, they had presented their first event in the building.

Productions of plays and musical events followed. This year, they debuted their first six play subscription season.

What’s on

Response has been enthusiastic and consistent, encouraging them to continue cultivating their long-standing reputation for showcasing offbeat, interesting work.

“We love taking creative risks. We’re attempting to strike a balance between being audience friendly and pushing the envelope,” John says.

Check out a list of upcoming shows here.

“We’re definitely doing the kinds of shows other theatres in the area are not doing.”

Previous productions have included an eclectic mix of classics (Shakespeare’s “The Rape of Lucrece” and a one-man adaptation of “The Epic of Gilgamesh”), comedies (Dick Zigun’s “Lucky Lindy” and Anna Carol’s “Aunt Nona”), serious dramas (Brad Fraser’s “Kill Me Now” and Johnna Adams’ “Gidion’s Knot”), new plays (Logan Black’s “Bond: The Story of a Soldier and his Dog”, Roxanne Fay’s “Home Fires Burning” and Aizzah Fatima’s “Dirty Paki Lingerie”), and neglected works (Oakley Hall III’s “Grinder’s Stand”, William Inge’s “The Killing” and “The Love Death”, and Lanford Wilson’s “The Mound Builders”), as well as a cabaret series, staged readings, musical acts, magic shows, and more.

A community of creatives

Earlier this year, Bridge Street Theatre joined Thomas Cole House and LUMBERYARD in receiving New York State-sponsored grants.

The funds they received are being used to convert a large empty space in their building into a fully functioning 84-seat mainstage.

It will open to the public this September with a production of George M. Cohan’s “The Tavern”.

John and Steven say they’re excited to win such support — in large part because of the promise it signals for Catskill, N.Y. itself.

“The state has begun to recognize that Catskill, N.Y. has enormous potential to become a regional Arts hub.” John says.

“It appears that the Village is on the cusp of making a real comeback and what’s driving that is a focus on the Arts.

“With the Cole House, Bridge Street Theatre and the imminent arrival of LUMBERYARD, it looks like we’re poised to undergo a true Renaissance.”