The Majestic Theater at Gettysburg College presents Plays, Music, and Movies

The Majestic Theater in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania is part of the Jennifer and David LeVan Performing Arts Center at Gettysburg College, a private institution of higher learning founded in 1832.

The theater first opened in 1929 as the largest vaudeville and silent movie theater in south central Pennsylvania. Originally built by Harry Scharf as an annex to the Gettysburg Hotel, the theater seated 1,200 people and was the place to go to enjoy the latest Hollywood flick. The theater gained national notoriety when President Dwight D. and Mamie Eisenhower began attending performances there while staying at their Gettysburg-area farm. The president also held White House press conferences there when in town.

Over the years, the Majestic Theater has hosted a huge number of premieres including Federico Fellini's Satyricon in 1970, and the world premiere of Ted Turner's Civil War epic, Gettysburg, in 1993.

Today, the theater is owned and operated by Gettysburg College, which purchased the theater in 1992 in order to assist with urban revitalization in the city. The theater's mission statement is "to program a diverse series of professional touring artists to enliven and enhance the cultural life of the whole community and its visitors, including people with disabilities; to exhibit films daily according to the interests of the community and the evolving marketplace; to present a balance of college & community produced events; to contribute to the economic vitality of downtown and the growth of regional tourism; and meet the highest organizational standards for professional practices, facility maintenance, and fiscal responsibility.''

The theater is currently in the throws of a $16.5 million renovation that will restore the venue to its Eisenhower-era splendor. Additions such as a pressed tin ceiling, stained glass chandeliers, new patron seating, new carpets, and a new raked balcony for better viewing are part of the plan. An improved lobby, a patron's lounge, an usher's lounge, gourmet concessions, and a staging area for catering will be added as well. The end result of the renovations will be two new cinemas, each with stadium seating and drink cup holders, Dolby-digital surround sound, stage lighting for pre-film lectures, and a caf, for post-film refreshments and discussions.

Movies at the Majestic Theater include art house films, American indie films, foreign language flicks, documentaries, short subjects, and renowned film festival winners. Classic movies from decades ago are often featured during a summer evening film series.

Live performances at the Majestic Theater include music of all genres from country western to jazz to opera. An occasional play, ballet, circus, or other performing arts offering may be on the docket as well.

The Majestic may be rented for all kinds of events including parties, wedding ceremonies and receptions, fundraisers, and recitals. Onsite catering or full service concessions are available for all functions held at Gettysburg's Majestic Theater.

Patrons may become members of the theater via contributions made at different levels. In return for their donations, they are recognized in playbills, receive complimentary tickets to certain events, or are invited to gala parties celebrating different events in the life of the Majestic Theater.