The Historic Electric Theater in St. George, Utah

Encore Performing Arts has proudly called the Electric Theater their home for the past 3.5 years, a venue rich in history and community significance. The Electric Theater, built in 1911 by Charlie Whipple, Johnnie Pymm, and Sherman Hardy, features three-foot-thick adobe walls and was the first motion picture theater in southern Utah. It also holds the distinction of being the first air-conditioned building in St. George, making it a popular destination during the hot summer months and contributing to the rise of the summer blockbuster phenomenon.

In 1930, R. M. Reber purchased the theater for $10,000 and renamed it the Gaiety, a name chosen through a public contest. However, the theater later reverted to its original name, the Electric Theater, during a renovation. After ceasing movie screenings in 1999, the theater was revitalized in 2003 by the Flowers family, who reopened it for live music and entertainment, providing 143 seats on the main floor and an additional 50 seats in the balcony reserved for bands and their guests.

Facing financial struggles, the theater was acquired by the City of St. George in 2013, along with two adjacent buildings, to anchor a new downtown arts district. After a $3 million renovation that modernized the facility while restoring its historic facade, the Electric Theater reopened in 2015. Today, it serves as a vibrant entertainment venue hosting a variety of events, including art and comedy shows, music performances, and theatrical productions, with a focus on supporting local and emerging artists. Encore Performing Arts looks forward to many more years of performances, classes, and community events at the Electric Theater, continuing to contribute to the rich cultural tapestry of St. George.