Dixie Theater
125 E. Beverly Street,
Staunton,
VA
24401
125 E. Beverly Street,
Staunton,
VA
24401
3 people
favorited this theater
Opened in 1913 as the New Theatre by local architectural firm T. J. Collins and Sons, this gem is located at the intersection of Beverley and Market Streets in downtown Staunton.
The theater’s exterior features dramatic arches (inlaid with terra cotta tiles), false windows (also decorated with terra cotta tiles), and, above the arches, four laughing theatrical faces. After a fire in 1936 destroyed the original interior, it was rebuilt in Art Moderne style by John Eberson.
The Dixie’s old vertical marquee is gone and the theater has been split into four small auditoriums, but its exterior still retains much of this old theater’s charm.
Contributed by
Ross Melnick
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Recent comments (view all 20 comments)
This is 2007 photo of the Dixie Theater.
The Dixie has always been a part of my life. I was Asst. Mgg. at the Dixie in 1951 and 1952, under Frank Shaffer. Many friends were made and still part of my life. Looking forward to when it will become a performing arts theatre. Gene Whitmore, Roanoke,Va.
Here is another recent photo.
This is an April 2008 photo.
A 1996 view of the Dixie Theater (4) in Staunton.
The Dixie Theater is listed in 1955 with 879 seats.
Dixie Theater photo
A 2008 photo can be seen here.
2010 photos of the Dixie Theatre:
1, 2, 3, 4, 5
This is a real showpiece. Although the auditorium has been carved into four mini cinemas, it apparently has not inflicted much damage to the original design and could be restored to its former glory.
The theater just got new seats and other improvements and now is running first run films, but its life as a movie theater is apparently going to be limited to about five more years, after which it will converted to a live performance center: http://www.nbc29.com/Global/story.asp?S=13672914