Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble was founded in 1978 to establish a resident professional ensemble for the production of quality entertainment and educational programs for the region, and to promote the arts. With visionary start-up support from the Town of Bloomsburg and area patrons, the Ensemble presented two plays in the Central Columbia Middle School "cafetorium" which became their home for the next three summers. In 1980, BTE purchased the Columbia movie theatre in downtown Bloomsburg and reopened it in 1983 as the Alvina Krause Theatre, named in honor of the legendary acting teacher who was the Ensemble's founding inspiration.

Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble is unique in the United States and rare in the world; a resident ensemble that has over 30 years of experience together, BTE is comprised of both founding and new members to make up one of the most celebrated groups of artists in theatre. American Theatre Magazine calls BTE “a perfect illustration of commitment to place.”

With over 150 years of combined professional experience, Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble remains committed to bringing professional theatre to our region.