DECATUR, Ala. – In the heart of downtown Decatur, the Princess Theatre has welcomed famed musicians and eager theatergoers for a century.
“You see the marquee and when it’s lit people in restaurants and everywhere know that there is some buzz and excitement going on downtown,” said Melissa Ford Thornton, communications director for the Princess.
The city now owns the historic building. But most people only get to see the lobby and theater from the perspective of an audience member.
“This theater survived when so many historic theaters did not, the community came together and said, ‘Nope, if you lose the building you lose the history and we can’t replicate that,'” Ford Thornton said.
The theater is full of quirks that you may not have experienced during a visit.
In addition to hosting theater and film events, Princess Theatre has found a way to stay occupied as restrictions were put in place for entertainment venues during COVID-19. Two concerts were canceled, and the rest were rescheduled to a later date.
The theater hosted a virtual “Singer Songwriter Series,” in which each performer was given a $100 stipend. Artist were also able to receive virtual tips.
Right now, the theater is operating at half capacity: 300 people maximum.
Head to the Princess Theatre website for a full list of events and to learn more about the theater’s history.
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