Princess Theatre Center for the Performing Arts
The Princess Theatre has been a north Alabama landmark for more than a century. Beginning as a livery stable in 1887, it was transformed into a silent film and vaudeville playhouse in 1919. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the Princess completed the first phase of a new Master Plan during 2000-2001 and continues to restore and renovate the much-loved building.
Today, the Professional Series brings national touring arts events from
Broadway musicals to major concert artists and family events. Since 1983, the Princess Theatre has presented an array of outstanding cultural events, including such artists as Cloris Leachman, Loretta Swit, Henry Cho and Ray Charles, the national tours of attractions such as The New Shanghai Circus, Broadway musicals, classic movies, and concerts by Chris Botti, Ricky Skaggs, the Del McCoury Band and Arlo Guthrie. Annual festivals include the River City Film Festival and the Petals for the Princess, both in April. Local performing groups make their home on the Princess stage, presenting children’s theater, choral concerts, musicals and theater.
As north Alabama’s largest classroom, the Princess annually serves more than 20,000 students and teachers, including Young Audience Professional Series performances, school matinees, master classes and teacher workshops. Camp Princess explores the performing arts with young people in June and July. Visiting artists serve residencies in the community with workshops and performances for schools and the community.
