Cameo Theatre

Per a recent article in the ORLANDO SENTINEL, the Cameo opened on Christmas day, 1940. The opening feature was FOUR MOTHERS.

Irv, the 1945 Film Daily Yearbook already shows the Cameo being closed.

I went there today to check it out (I am currently considering locations for a future concert hall/bar), and it was in surprisingly good shape. The place looks like it has a still-fresh coat of sea foam green paint, and other than the several graffiti marks, it seems alright. The worst thing that I saw there was that the place has marble on the bottom, and some of it has cracked and been infested with fruit ants.

I couldn't see the inside at all, but it definitely looked like it had been a while since the poor Cameo had seen a tenant. I called the number on the sign that said "For Rent", but the person didn't answer, and there was no message stating who the owner of the phone was. On a good note though, to anyone who's considering renting out the property, I went next door to the furniture store to inquire about the owner of the Cameo, and they were incredibly friendly and very helpful. Definitely not the type of attitude you'd expect from such a fancy business. Depending on the state of the interior and how much the rent actually is, it's definitely a space I would consider renting.

The 1943 edition of Film Daily Yearbook lists the Cameo Theatre as (Closed) and operated by Paramount Pictures Inc. through their subsidairy E.J. Sparks.

The Cameo Theatre must have only been open for 12 to 18 months!

The Cameo, indeed, was only open for a brief period. I've always wondered why since it is a beautifully designed theatre. When Florida State Theatres (aka Paramount & Sparks) added the Vogue just down the street from the Cameo, apparently the Cameo bit the dust. I hope The Angus is successful in making something theatrical out of this attractive building.

I finally was able to get in touch with the owner of this property today. To my chagrin, they've not only built this theatre into a building with two floors (I imagine it was only one floor since it was a single-screen theatre), but they've built office space into the top floor. Even worse for my situation was that it would most likely not be able to house a bar, since there's a preschool several blocks away, which would kill my chances for a booze permit.

On the technical side though, I was told that each floor is 4500 sq. ft., and that the bottom floor is completely wide open. Hopefully in several weeks I will be able to get the dimensions of the space (I asked for them as if the middle ceiling was gone and it was like the old theatre) or even better, be able to see inside of the Cameo for myself.

If I do I will be sure to take pictures for you guys!!

I'll be interested to see what you come up with, The Angus. When I was a kid, I always wanted to go in and explore the Cameo. Our parents would sometimes drop us off at the Vogue, and afterwards, it was understood that they would pick us up at the Cameo. This was so we could peer in the windows and try to get some idea of what the theatre was like inside.

I was finally able to enter the Cameo Theatre building last Sunday (Feb. 17). An art show enterprise had rented the space for the weekend, and the staff permitted me to look around. The only evidence I could find that would indicate a theatre once was here were decorative side panels that had a downward thrust. They were apparently created to enhance the slanted floor that once existed. Otherwise, there was only a big open space on the first floor, and the second floor contained only small office spaces.

Here's a photo: http://flickr.com/photos/retrojason/2704753397/

The Cameo is open again, this time as a live theatre venue. The Greater Orlando Actors Theatre has acquired the building, and is presenting "A Streetcar Named Desire" as its first production.

Here is the Actor's Theater website:
http://www.goatgroup.com/

I regret to announce that the Greater Orlando Actors Theatre has moved its performance space to a warehouse building in Winter Park. Unfortunately, the Cameo's status will have to be changed to closed.

The July 5, 1941, issue of Boxoffice mentioned the Cameo as one of several theaters opened in recent months by the Florida State Circuit.

The January 18, 1947, issue of Boxoffice ran this item datelined Orlando: "The Cameo Theatre in Colonialtown, closed during the war years, has been reopened. The theatre is booked to show return engagements."

Those are the only mentions of the Cameo I've been able to find in Boxoffice.

Thank you for digging up some history I hadn't located, Joe. Does anyone else know additional information about the Cameo?

The Cameo is open but not with The Greater Orlando Actors Theatre. They were using the space not running it. There are many users of the space including live music, comedy, theater, dance, art openings or just plain birthday parties. They are currently working with the space and trying to grow it again. True direction unknown. Currently including: MegaloMusic www.myspace.com/megalomusicevents ( a live music production company) which has shows many weekend nights a month, Hump Day Humor a comedy act on Wed. nights. Many events happen here every month including upcoming "Vibe" event (this weekend) and ELLA Music Fest Oct. 1-4 www.ellamusicfest.org
There is a Downtown revitalization by the city in this area spear headed by Mills 50. www.mills50.org
The Cameo Theater current active website www.thecameo.org