Paramount Theatre
The Paramount Theatre is a historic landmark in the middle of downtown Aurora, Illinois. It has been entertaining people for almost a hundred years. The theater opened in 1931 and has had many renovations and repairs since then, but it still has a lot of the original Art Deco architecture and charm. Today, the Paramount Theatre is one of the best places for arts and culture in the Midwest. It draws both locals and people from other parts of the region.
How the Paramount Theatre came to be
In the early 1930s, the Paramount Theatre was built as a movie palace. At the time, movie palaces were a popular way to have fun. They had fancy decorations, grand lobbies, and projection and sound systems that were the best they could be. With room for more than 3,000 people, the Paramount Theatre was one of the largest and most impressive movie palaces of its time.
The Paramount Theatre fell into disrepair over the years, and by the 1970s it had been left empty and was in danger of being torn down. But a group of concerned people got together and made the Paramount Arts Centre, a non-profit group whose goal is to save and fix up the theater. With the help of government grants and private donations, the group was able to get the money it needed to fix up the theater and make it as good as it used to be.
In 1978, the Paramount Theatre reopened to the public after being fixed up. Since then, it has grown into a well-loved cultural center in Aurora and the towns around it. In 2006, the theater had another big renovation that added a new sign, made the lobby bigger, and improved the lighting and sound systems.
The Paramount Theatre has shows and events.
Today, the Paramount Theatre is home to a wide range of performances and events, such as Broadway shows, concerts, comedy acts, and community productions. The theatre’s Broadway Series features national touring productions of some of the most popular shows from New York’s Broadway district. “Hamilton,” “The Lion King,” and “Wicked” are just a few of the recent shows.
The Paramount Theatre has a lot of different events throughout the year, in addition to its Broadway Series. The concert series at the theater has a wide range of acts, from old rock bands to modern pop stars. There are also dance performances, comedy shows, and special events like movie screenings and holiday concerts.
The Paramount Theatre’s commitment to the community is one of the things that makes it stand out. The theater’s Community Engagement program gives people of all ages and backgrounds the chance to learn and reach out to others. The program has classes and workshops for adults as well as workshops and masterclasses for school groups.
The theater also works with local groups and charities to give back to the community. For example, the theater holds a gala every year to raise money for the Paramount School of the Arts, which teaches young people in the area about the arts. The theater also works with the Aurora Public Library to show classic movies for free throughout the year.
How the Paramount Theatre was built and how it looked
One of the most striking features of the Paramount Theatre is its Art Deco architecture and design. In the 1920s and 1930s, Art Deco was a popular style of architecture. It was made up of geometric shapes, bright colors, and ornate details. The facade of the Paramount Theatre is symmetrical, the lobby has marble floors and decorative columns, and the plasterwork and murals are very detailed.
The auditorium of the theater is also a great example of Art Deco design. The ceiling has a beautiful mural of stars and clouds, and the walls have gold leaf accents and designs. The stage is framed by an elaborate proscenium arch, which is adorned with intricate details and a large sculptural figure of a woman.
The Paramount Theatre has some original Art Deco features, but it also has modern technology and design features. The lighting and sound systems in the theater are state-of-the-art, giving audience members a seamless and immersive experience. The theater also has a big LED screen above the stage that can show custom graphics and animations to make performances more interesting.
Today, the Paramount Theater
The Paramount Theatre is still one of the best places for arts and culture in the Midwest. Its dedication to preserving and celebrating its historic architecture and design, as well as its commitment to community involvement and education, make it a well-known landmark in the Aurora area.
Even though the COVID-19 pandemic caused a lot of problems, the Paramount Theatre has kept putting on shows and events, adapting to new safety rules and guidelines. Digital programming has also been added to the theater, so people can watch shows and events from the comfort of their own homes.
The Paramount Theatre has big plans for growth and expansion in the coming years. In 2022, a new annex building will open next to the theater. It will have more performance spaces, rehearsal rooms, and classrooms for the Paramount School of the Arts. The annex will also have a rooftop garden and event space, which will give people more chances to see shows and events outside.
Conclusion
The Paramount Theatre in Aurora, Illinois is a cultural gem of the Midwest. It is a beautiful and historic place that hosts world-class performances and events. Its commitment to keeping its Art Deco architecture and design and its commitment to community involvement and education make it a unique and well-liked place in the Aurora area. With big plans for growth and expansion, the Paramount Theatre is ready to keep entertaining and moving people for many years to come.