The Historic North Theatre

About Us:

The North Theatre is a restored facility showing classic movies and presenting all types of theatrical productions. The theatre originally opened in February of 1947 as Danville, Virginia's finest movie and vaudeville house. Unfortunately for the owner, Mr. Leonard Lea, TV hit about the time of opening and he never had a vaudeville performance. The theatre remained open until 1976. After that time it was an auction house, a number of different churches, and, finally, from 1990 to 2003, Carolyn's House of Flowers.

In 2003 a group was formed who purchased the theatre, a former restaurant next door with residence on the second floor, and a third building next to the restaurant, which had been a two-story residence.

The theatre building was in fairly good shape, requiring modernization of power, heat, and AC. All theatre items, such as screen, projectors, and sound systems were either gone or of such an early vintage they needed to be replaced. The theatre was completely remodeled, adding two new 35mm projectors, a true digital projector, two sound systems, one surround-sound for movies, and a second for theatrical productions. The stage, originally 42 feet wide by 18 feet deep, was enlarged to 42 feet wide by 38 feet deep. A Hofend Vortex stage rigging system was installed. The Vortex is the very latest and the very best available computer controlled stage rigging system. Refurbished seats were installed which are wider than the original and additional space was provided between rows for added comfort. We went from 608 seats to 488 seats, 372 on the first floor and 116 in the balcony. The balcony level has a beautiful bar and commons area for pre and post show receptions and other events.