Miracle Theatre

535 Eighth Street SE,
Washington, DC 20003

Unfavorite 1 person favorited this theater

Related Websites

Miracle Theatre (Official)

Additional Info

Previously operated by: Crandall Amusement Company

Functions: Live Performances, Movies (First Run)

Previous Names: Meaders Theatre, New Theatre, Family Theatre, Academy Theatre, Academy-on-the-Hill

Phone Numbers: Box Office: 202.400.3210

Nearby Theaters

News About This Theater

Miracle Theatre

Originally opened in early-1910 as the Meaders Theatre, seating was provided in orchestra and balcony levels for 600 patrons. In the fall of 1927 it was acquired by the Stanley-Crandall Company and between 1927 and 1930 was known as the New Theatre. Briefly known as the Family Theatre in 1930 when it was operated by Sydney Lust, it became the Academy Theatre in 1933. It was closed in 1961 when it was known as Academy-on-the-Hill

The People’s Church has been housed in the former Academy Theatre building since 1962. It is located in the Barracks Row neighborhood on Eighth Street near E Street.

It reopened May 5, 2016 as the Miracle Theatre presenting recent movies and live events. There are now 371 seating in orchestra and balcony levels.

Contributed by Bryan Krefft, Ken Roe

Recent comments (view all 9 comments)

JackCoursey
JackCoursey on January 30, 2008 at 5:45 pm

Here, here and here are January 2008 photos of the former Academy Theatre. Most of the original façade has been altered and there is nothing really distinctive about the auditorium/sanctuary.

JackCoursey
JackCoursey on June 4, 2011 at 3:43 pm

Some work is underway to revert the auditorium to its original design and purpose by creating a new hybrid called the cinema church. The pulpit is gone, the stage restored and a giant new screen added. It could be quite a showpiece but I don’t hold any faith that there will be any screenings of the works of John Waters at this site for the immediate future.

nickparis
nickparis on June 10, 2011 at 4:35 pm

Yeah, i’m sure Female Trouble will go down real well there…

CSWalczak
CSWalczak on July 3, 2012 at 2:35 pm

A news feature about this church-owned theater’s return to cinema use: View article

Giles
Giles on July 5, 2012 at 5:29 pm

interesting/great article – my only question: is the projection going to be 35mm and digital projection?, or just the latter?

CSWalczak
CSWalczak on July 13, 2012 at 2:01 pm

4k digital, at least according to a comment posted here.

Giles
Giles on April 30, 2016 at 10:25 am

the theater has reopened as of last week (April 22nd). Seating which includes a balcony sits 370 people and features 2K digital projector and 5.1 sound.

from the theater’s Facebook page:

“We are officially OPEN! Celebrate with us for our GRAND OPENING WEEKEND! We’ll be adding more to the movie lineup- stay tuned!

Thursday, May 5 Many Beautiful Things Film Screening & After Party 7pm

Friday, May 6 Princess Bride || 10pm

Saturday, May 7 Open House || 1 pm || FREE (During Taste of 8th 2016) Kids music by Rainbow Rock Band from 1-2pm || FREE

Sunday, May 8 Princess Bride || 4pm

Giles
Giles on May 1, 2016 at 8:06 pm

in it’s new incarnation – it’s called The Miracle Theater is serves as a multi-use facility equipped to host “gala events, live theatrical productions, private film screenings, concerts, meetings and weddings”

You must login before making a comment.

New Comment

Subscribe Want to be emailed when a new comment is posted about this theater?
Just login to your account and subscribe to this theater.