The Carlsbad Village Theatre has been owned and operated since 1993 as a multi-purpose entertainment venue by Carlsbad residents, Tom & Judy McMahon.
…. “Our goal is to provide the historic Carlsbad Village Theatre together with its unique amenities as a venue for local residents and visitors to enjoy a broad scope of contemporary entertainment choices.” ….
A major renovation was completed in 1999 that included: a new cinema screen, stage, carpet, drapes, projection booth, increased electrical power and distribution, major audio / visual / lighting fixtures together with a comprehensive inventory of audio / visual / lighting operating equipment. The foregoing operating equipment and premises have been upgraded annually to keep pace with current technology and the needs of our contemporary event producers.
The Theatre’s rich history of uses has ranged from the original black & white silent movies and vaudeville shows in 1927, to the variety of contemporary entertainment uses today
History
(Plaque located near entrance to Theatre) …
The Carlsbad Theatre
The Carlsbad Theatre had its grand opening on February 8th, 1927 with the showing of the film “It”, starring Clara Bow. Mr. A. J. Clark, the developer and manager, hosted the ceremonies. The Theatre featured a full stage, fly gallery, orchestra pit, pipe organ, and flyable movie screen. The original cost was $40,000. In 1939 it was renamed the “Iris Theatre” and in 1943 it was known as the “Sylvia Theatre”. The Samuels family owned and operated the Theatre from 1946 to 1961, known then as the “Carlsbad Theatre”. The Donald C. Dunham family purchased the Theatre in 1961 and showed movies until the late 80′s. Renovated in 1999, The Carlsbad Village Theatre serves the community as a multi-purpose entertainment venue for live stage and music performances, group meetings and large cinema screen presentations.
