[6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13] BST's first public performance, a reinterpretation of Lysistrata, occurred on May 9, 1969, after a several-months delay due to legal action by the Dane County District Attorney.

[22] The theater's time at St. Francis House included film and video projects, a literary magazine, and performance tours on UW System campuses around the state,[23] and nationally.

[24][25][26] After leaving St. Frances House, the theater focused for two years on purchasing its own building, culminating in the acquisition of an old radiator repair shop at 1119 Williamson Street.

[29] The passing of Joel Gersmann required a substantial change to the organization of the theater, as he had been solely responsible for its management for 35 years.

By early 2006, the theater's articles of incorporation and bylaws were rewritten to make it a member-run organization with direct election of board members.

This style was frequently criticized for the shows being too long, being unpolished in the writing, the actors screaming their lines and playing multiple roles, and repeating themes ad nauseam.

Despite this, the theater has received positive reviews from alternative and mainstream press and was invited to tour numerous times in its early years.