Strand-Capitol Performing Arts Center

Specialties

The historic Strand-​Capitol Performing Arts Center is a leading arts presenter in south central Pennsylvania. From Broadway, comedy and dance, to music, variety and film, the Strand-​Capitol is the cornerstone of the thriving arts community in York, PA and continues to attract people from all communities, cities and regions.

History

Established in 1906.

The Capitol Theatre was built as a one-​level dance hall and the Strand Theatre, which opened in 1925 primarily for vaudeville and silent movies. Designed by E.C. Horn & Sons and costing more than $ 1 million, the 1,200 seat Strand was a glittering example of Italian Renaissance architecture with its marble terrazzo floors, graceful archways and ornate decorative details — 1,800 pounds of gold leaf, 100 pounds of bronze and 4,000 pounds of ribbon gold in pilaster moldings. The theater continued as a popular movie house until it closed in 1977.

In the spring of 1976, a movement to renovate and re-​open the Strand began. A group of York business leaders and professionals formed an ad hoc committee to determine the feasibility of establishing a performing arts center in downtown York. The planning and renovations took four years and on April 12, 1980; the Strand Theatre re-​opened its doors. The Capitol Theatre re-​opened in May 1981