Dixie Theater
125 E. Beverly Street,
Staunton,
VA
24401
125 E. Beverly Street,
Staunton,
VA
24401
4 people
favorited this theater
Opened in 1913 as the New Theater by local architectural firm T. J. Collins and Sons, this gem is located at the intersection of Beverley Street and Market Street 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 with seating for 1,100 in orchestra & balcony levels and reopening as the New Dixie Theater. On April 10, 1981 it was split into three screeens.
The Dixie Theater’s old vertical marquee is gone and the theater has now 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 15 comments)
Here is a great picture.
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Bring back the cool Deco vertical blade sign seen in 1955 photo!
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.
A 1996 view of the Dixie Theater (4) in Staunton.
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
The Dixie Theatre is no longer showing movies. The Visulite Cinema on N. Augusta is the only movie theatre open in Staunton.
I am looking for a poster for the Dixie Theater “Battle of the Bands” in 1974-75. It had Southern Cross & Cyberous and one other band. It was a great venue for new artists to perform.
3 screens on April 10th, 1981. Grand opening ad in the photo section.
1918 postcard added courtesy of George & Sharon Sproul.