The Grand Theatre
7 North Wall Street
Cartersville, GA 30120
When you attend a performance at The Grand Theatre, you’ll be joining a nearly century-old tradition of entertainment. A theater has been housed on his site in downtown Cartersville since 1910, though a fire and several renovations have changed things a bit.
At one time an opera house, the theatre adopted the latest technology as motion pictures evolved. As movie stars started travelling to promote their films, several noted stars even appeared in person at the Grand, including western comic actor Smiley Burdette, Little Beaver (Robert Blake), Kitty Wells, Lash Laroo, and Jerry Lee Lewis. The last public movie showing at the theatre was “Silver Streak” in 1977. Eventually, The Grand Theatre was completely converted from movie theatre to live-performance -- including stage expansion, fly system, orchestra pit, lighting and sound equipment. – and it re-opened as a live-performance venue on May 19, 1989. Today, the theatre provides a wide range of educational, performing arts and entertainment programs throughout the year. It is also the premier rental space for other local performing arts organizations.
In 2004-2005, The Grand was renovated, recalling its original art deco look of the 1930s. In addition to terrazzo flooring, the lobby received detailed wood paneling, wooden columns and coved lighting. Restrooms were refurbished with black and white tiling and accommodations were added for more patrons. Facilities for handicapped visitors were expanded and improved. Inside the theatre, a new color scheme featured burgundy and gold designs on the walls, carpets and seating. A gondola and catwalk was built to give access to light fixtures. Walls were inlaid with detailed woodwork. New, roomier seats were installed.
A variety of performances are offered at The Grand throughout the year. Upcoming programs include International Bluegrass Music Association award-winner IIIrd Tyme Out, as well as Children’s Summer Musical Theatre camps and related performances by Elementary, Middle and High School students. See Coming Events on The Grand’s web site for more details.
The theatre can be booked for performing arts events and meetings (no weddings or parties). To do so, call Program Coordinator Terri Cox at 770-386-7343.
If you just want a peek inside, call ahead, and if there are no events and the staff isn’t busy, they will probably be happy to give a “nickel tour” of the theatre.
The Grand Theatre is located at 7 North Wall Street. How to get there? Travelling north on I-75 to Exit 288, take the Cartersville Main Street Exit and turn left toward Cartersville. Go through four traffic lights, and then turn right just before the railroad track onto Museum Drive. Go past one stop sign (Cherokee Avenue). You will see The Grand on your right.
See www.thegrandtheatre.org or call 770-386-7343 for more information.
PHOTO CREDIT
Photo by Amanda Carder