The Newtown Theatre, located at 120 N State St, Newtown, PA 18940, USA, is a historic venue with a rich history dating back to 1831. It is recognized as the oldest continuously operating movie theater in the United States, having shown its first movie, footage from the San Francisco earthquake, in 1906.
Originally built as a hall for town gatherings and a non-sectarian church, it evolved into a center for entertainment. It has hosted various performances including social dances, concerts, theatrical productions, and even anti-slavery meetings with speakers like Lucretia Mott and Frederick Douglass. Over the years, it has undergone several upgrades, including the installation of a digital projector in 2014 and a significant $600,000 renovation in 2021 to improve comfort, convenience, and accessibility. Additional renovations were done in 2024.
The theatre has a charming 300-seat auditorium with a balcony, maintaining the ambiance of theatres from the past. It has a small lobby with classic movie posters and photos, a popcorn stand, and is equipped with modern amenities like a new sound system for concerts installed in 2019. Accessibility is enhanced with a wheelchair lift and an accessible restroom on the first floor.
Reviews of the theatre identify it as a well-regarded local gem offering a blend of historical charm and contemporary entertainment.
See all events here: concerts, movies, family events, stand-up comedy, live theatre.
