Theatre Boosts South Hill’s Performing Arts Image

            In January 2011, a theatre in South Hill, Virginia was revamped, giving South Hill a good name. Before 2011, the mayor of South Hill, Earl Horne, did not have anything good to say about their performing arts programs and venues because they were non-existent. He would avoid questions on the subject. Now, Horne is changing his priorities with theatre on top. The new theatre is bringing sell out crowds. They are in the process of finalizing bookings with huge name bands.

            The theatre originally opened in 1925 as a vaudeville theatre and after transforming into a movie theatre, it closed in the 1970s. The renovation process began in 2001. At that point, the theatre no longer had a roof. Ten years later, the venue is now one of the “places to see” in the area. Horne believes that the Colonial Center will boos the area’s economy. The shows that they are holding there are boosting local restaurant’s business and bringing more tourists into the town. The new venue will help attract industries, encourage downtown activities, and bring vibrancy to the community in the near future.

            I think that this story is very inspiring. The Colonial Center Theatre went from a vaudeville theatre to a movie theatre to a hit venue for theatrical performances and concerts. I think that the renovation of this theatre will give a new sense of culture and arts to South Hill. The theatre went from a nothing to something big. I like how it is now a tourist place to go. Theatre arts is boosting the economy of this town and no one saw it coming.