Learn about
The Carlisle Theatre is the hub of downtown, and is a key force in the revitalization on West High Street!
Established in 1939 and renovated in 1993, we remain Carlisle’s downtown source for entertainment. The Carlisle Regional Performing Arts Center presents musical concerts, performances, films, live theatrical productions, and programming for children and families.
The Theatre is also available for corporate events and meetings, community events, weddings, and much, much more!
Become a friend of the Carlisle Theatre and get your business listed here!
Plan a visit
To Downtown Carlisle
The Carlisle Theatre is proud to be a part of the thriving Carlisle community. Plan a getaway and discover all of the many events and amenities of Cumberland county.
Most notably, Carlisle hosts many festivals throughout the year including the Bluegrass on the grass, Caslisle Summerfair, Harvest of the Arts, Halloweekend, and Ice Art Fest.
Carlisle is also home to Dickinson college and a rotating schedule of art exhibits at the Trout Gallery. There are also self-guided historical walking tours to explore, as well as the reknown U.S. Army Heritage & Education Center museum.
Support the Carlisle Theatre
Arts are Alive in Central PA
Our Story
The History of the Carlisle Theatre
The Carlisle Theatre, originally called The Comerford, opened its doors in May of 1939. It was by far the grandest of three movie “palaces” all within a block of one another and was the first centrally air conditioned building in Carlisle.
The Theatre was built in the Art Deco style known as “streamlined moderne.” From the razzle-dazzle modernistic marquee with its bold Deco lettering, to the richly designed interior, Art Deco styling abounds.
During its early years, the Theatre offered daily continuous shows from 2:30 until 11:30 P.M. The matinee price for adults was 25 cents and the evening price 40 cents. The Theatre flourished through the 1960’s, acting as the “hub” of a vibrant downtown. With the advent of cineplexes, the Theatre entered a state of decline in the 1970’s, eventually closing in 1986.
In response to a desire to see the Theatre reopened as an anchor to a changing and revitalized downtown, a group of citizens formed the Carlisle Regional Performing Arts Center, Inc. in 1990. A fundraising effort was launched and the Theatre was purchased in 1991. After thousands of hours donated by a skilled volunteer workforce, the Theatre was restored to its 1930’s Art Deco brilliance and reopened in 1993.
Since then, the Theatre has been reinvigorated, and the programming has continued to develop, grow, and expand. There are a lot of exciting offerings at the Carlisle Theatre. Each year offers musical concerts and performers, live musical theatre productions, programming for children and families, and award-winning and nominated films on a brand new digital movie projection and sound system.
Meet Our Team
Executive Staff
Ashley Byerts
Artistic Director
Laura Portillo
Financial Manager
Amanda Moore
Box Office Lead
Matt Hinton, All Sound Pro, LLC
Tech Lead
