Sponsors:

The Theatre is funded in part with a Facility Operating Grant from the City of Salem’s Transient Occupancy Tax Funds

 

FROM THE DIRECTOR'S CHAIR:

    If you have not experienced the Historic Elsinore Theatre since our renovation, you are missing one of the most magnificent historic theatres in the nation. Built in 1926 and restored in 2004, it is truly a place of Grandeur and is the last remaining example of a Tudor Gothic atmospheric theatre in North America. With its 30 foot high Gothic lobby, exquisite stained glass windows, 24 foot tall murals of Romeo and Juliet and Macbeth’s Witches along with the 1,300 seat auditorium it is truly a Theatre to experience.
    Each season the Theatre offers our community a variety of wonderful shows that delight and entertain. Thanks to each of you who donate to our year-end appeal. These gifts support the day-to-day operation of the Theatre, and help us provide a world-class theatre that our entire community can enjoy. You can view a complete calendar of events on the “calendar” section of the web page.

    See you at the Theatre!

Stephen R. Martin, Executive Director

Director's Note | What's New | Did You Wonder? | In The News


WHAT’S NEW AT THE ELSINORE.... EVERYTHING!

A NEWLY RENOVATED THEATRE!
New Dressing Rooms, New Stage Flooring, New Aisle Carpeting, New Sound and Lighting, A Beautiful Renovated Lobby and Striking Auditorium!
Take a online photo tour>
 
OUR WEDNESDAY FILM SERIES!
Featuring classic, contemporary and silent films in partnership with Chemeketa Community College and Allied Video. See the Film Series schedule>
 
THANK YOU FRIENDS OF THE ELSINORE….YOU ARE THE REASON THAT EVERYTHING IS NEW!
 

Director's Note | What's New | Did You Wonder? | In The News


DID YOU EVER WONDER....

Who are those performers painted on the back of the Theatre?
Theda Bara (Cleopatra), Charlie Chaplin, Marlene Dietrich and W. C. Fields are subjects of the mural was painted by James Mattingly in 1984.  Professor Mattingly was Arts Chair at Western Oregon University in Monmouth at the time of the painting.

What’s the story on the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ played at Silent Movies?
The Mighty Wurlitzer Pipe Organ was donated to the Theatre in 1994 by the Clayton Parks Family. The organ has three key boards, twenty six ranks and 1,778 pipes which are housed over the proscenium arch. The organ has been completely restored through a $60,000 grant from M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust and is now called the Parks/Murdock Mighty Wurlitzer.  This organ is one of the 60 Wurlitzer theatre organs remaining in the nation. <Read More>

What did the Theatre cost to build in 1926?
Mr. George B. Guthrie, a prominent Portland attorney built the Theatre in 1926 for $250,000, exceeding the $100,000 originally budgeted for the project.

Where did the name Elsinore originate?
The Elsinore received its name from Shakespeare’s immortal tragedy, Hamlet. The design is based on the historic Elsinore Castle in Denmark which is believed to be the setting William Shakespeare chose for Hamlet.

The theatre's grand drape is still in remarkably good condition after 76 years of use. Can you guess why?
During the theatres many movie years, patrons were allowed to smoke in the auditorium. That's right, nicotine from their many cigarettes actually acted as a preservative. (Sorry smokers, we are not changing our policy).
     Another reason is that during the movie years, the drapery was lifted to the fly loft for the majority of the time. It's forward position directly behind the fire curtain protected it from damage from people. It also was never sprayed with today's chemical fire retardants, which would have caused its demise within fifteen years. Finally, the lack of air-conditioning kept the curtain from getting overly dried out.
 

Director's Note | What's New | Did You Wonder? | In The News


ELSINORE THEATRE IN THE NEWS
Over the years, Elsinore Theatre has been making headlines. 

Director's Note | What's New | Did You Wonder? | In The News

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