The Art House in Provincetown

The Art House is one of Provincetown’s most important entertainment venues, combining a rich architectural history with a nationally recognized program of live performances. Located at 214 Commercial Street in the heart of Provincetown, the venue has evolved from a movie theater complex into a celebrated center for cabaret, comedy, drag, music, and Broadway-style entertainment. Its story reflects both the entrepreneurial vision of its founders and Provincetown’s longstanding reputation as a haven for artists and performers.

The origins of The Art House can be traced to local entrepreneur George Shafir, who played a major role in Provincetown’s cultural development during the mid-twentieth century. After converting the former Congregational Church into the Art Cinema in 1954, Shafir undertook a more ambitious project: the construction of the New Art Cinema.

Unlike many Provincetown businesses that occupied adapted historic structures, the New Art Cinema was built from the ground up and was reached through an arcade of shops incorporated into substantially altered older buildings. Designed by architect Burnett Vickers, the complex featured a distinctive carved wooden signpost created by artist Joan Wye, which became one of its most recognizable decorative elements. The New Art Cinema complex opened in 1966 and quickly became a lively destination for both entertainment and shopping.

The arcade reflected Provincetown’s eclectic commercial culture. Early tenants included Café Express, Leathering Heights, Pearson’s Stained Glass, Frappo 66, Lagniappe Café, and Little Deb’s Cafe. Over the decades, the complex continued to attract successful local businesses. Current tenants include 1620 Brewhouse and Donna Flax’s D. Flax clothing store, which opened in 1987.

A significant transformation occurred in 2006 when the New Art Cinema ceased operating as a movie theater and reopened as The Art House, a venue dedicated to live performances. During its early years, The Art House was associated with Theatre Go Round through 2008. The new venue quickly established itself as a major attraction, particularly for audiences seeking cabaret and LGBTQ+ entertainment. Among its earliest and most successful headliners were the drag performers Varla Jean Merman, Miss Richfield 1981, and Miss Coco Peru. Their appearances helped define the venue’s identity and drew audiences from across the country.

The Art House’s reputation continued to grow under the leadership of producer Mark Cortale, who brought nationally known performers to Provincetown and elevated the venue’s profile within the performing arts community. One of the venue’s most notable achievements came in 2011 with Seth Rudetsky’s Broadway at the Art House series. The program featured acclaimed Broadway performers and entertainers, including Charles Busch, Christine Ebersole, Andrea Martin, Andrea McArdle, and Adam Pascal. These appearances demonstrated that a relatively small venue in Provincetown could attract talent of the highest caliber.

Following management transitions in recent years, Kevin Levesque and Prescott Seymour assumed leadership of the venue and began guiding a new chapter in its history. Both are accomplished performers in their own right, known through their drag personas Miss Conception and Sutton Lee Seymour. Drawing upon their extensive experience in live entertainment, they have sought to preserve The Art House’s reputation for outstanding programming while fostering a welcoming and supportive environment for artists. Under their leadership, the venue continues to balance Provincetown’s traditions of cabaret, drag, comedy, and musical performance with new productions that appeal to contemporary audiences.

Today, The Art House remains a cornerstone of Provincetown’s cultural life. From its beginnings as the New Art Cinema to its transformation into a premier live-performance venue, it has continually adapted to changing audiences while preserving its connection to the town’s artistic heritage. Through visionary management, memorable performers, and a unique history, The Art House continues to embody the creativity, diversity, and spirit that have made Provincetown one of America’s most distinctive arts communities.

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