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.
To top off the quality
of the theatrical presentations, we have purchased a Steinway Model D 9-foot Concert
Grand Piano. An annual National Piano Competition will be initiated in the fall
of 2005.
The third floor of the theatre building was and still is a three-bedroom
apartment. The apartment will be available to performers while working at the
theatre.
The lowest level of the theatre building, at ground level, was
transformed from an open room with no particular intended use, to dressing rooms,
showers, makeup rooms, set and costume construction rooms, and some equipment
storage. There is also a Green Room on the lower level. All of these facilities
are arranged for the performers' comfort.
The restaurant was, at the time
of purchase, a church with the old greasy grill still in place along one wall.
It has been completely modernized and a lessee will be opening a full-service
restaurant in April 2005. The residence above the restaurant has been transformed
into a large open art gallery. It is connected through an open passageway directly
to the theatre balcony level. The gallery and the theatre bar and commons make
for a wonderfully open and flowing reception facility.
The third building,
formerly with residences on each of the two levels, has been transformed into
offices for rent on the first floor and a two-bedroom apartment as additional
space for performers to reside in while performing at the theater.