 Some of these mighty structures have been destroyed others have been refurbished and are open for business. If you have any information regarding Kansas theaters, opera houses or drive in theaters but they are not listed or you have additional information or pictures for a theater please email me. Let's keep the history of our classic theaters alive!
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| Derby, Kansas |
Silver Screen Theater
Opened in the 70's and is still around today. Recently it has been converted into a Dinner and a movie style theater featuring pizza, beer and more. |
| Dighton, Kansas |
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Dighton
Drive In No history available at this time. |
| Dodge City, Kansas |
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Crown
Theater
Dodge Theatre
Newspapers at the time applauded what was then named the "New Dodge Theater," citing Dodge City's rich history in stage productions and vaudeville. Over the years, the theater played host to countless popular movies, including the Al Jolson movie "The Singing Fool." What is often considered the theater's biggest event was the world premiere of the movie "Dodge City." Estimates from the time put between 60,000 to 100,000 people flooding into Dodge City for the event. Time Magazine published a photo spread, and national media arrived to show the world the small Midwestern town. Local movie theater owner Ron Cooper began to lease the theater in 1971. In 1985, Burkhart purchased the theater, kept Cooper on the lease and continued to show first-run shows as they came through town. Cooper stopped showing movies in the theater in 1997 after diminishing audiences brought in less money. Burkhart began renovation in an effort
to improve the theater and increase customers in a downtown shopping
district that was slowly losing merchants.
Twilight Theater
South Drive In Theater
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| Downs, Kansas |
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Downs
Opera House The Opera House building built in 1881 is still standing. Although badly in need of repair, it now houses a thrift store, "The Agape Shop" operated by the local churches. The second level of the building was used as a theater for commercial plays until about 1912-1915. It was also used for school events, plays, graduations, and civic programs, and later converted into apartments. |
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