Stadium Theatre Performing Arts Center

Sunday February 18th 2007, 2:00 PM 
Stadium Theatre - Woonsocket Rhode Island

History the Stadium Theatre

The Stadium Theatre was built in 1926 and was recognized as one of the finest theatres in the country.
The Stadium Theatre was erected under the supervision of Mr. R. E. Hall, chief consultant, architect and engineer in the construction of the Paramount Theatre in New York. The Stadium Realty Foundation, Arthur I. Darman, President and Treasurer operated the Theatre. In 1926, artist Maurice Compris chose his theme of Muses to decorate the lobby and the Grand Hall.

The Stadium stopped operating as a daily theatre in the 1970’s and was left unheated for many years. The “Save Our Stadium” Committee was formed in 1991 for the purpose of saving and restoring the theatre to it’s former glory. After a strong, cross section of community leadership came forward and was able to demonstrate local support for the restoration of the theatre through public events, feasibility studies and economic impact projects; the non-profit Stadium Theatre Foundation was formed. The Foundation received it’s 501 - c (3) approval as a non-profit corporation in 1996. In March 1998, the Foundation purchased the theatre. Thanks to strong grassroots and business support, the Foundation was able to use grants and donations as a down payment. From 1996 to present, approximately Three Million Dollars has been raised. Restoration took place under the direction of Daniel Peloquin, Architect and the John Canning Preservation and Restoration Studios.

A gala 75th anniversary celebration took place in September of 2001. This magnificent facility has been operating ever since under the direction of a volunteer Board of Directors and has offered outstanding local, regional, and nationally renowned live entertainment.