Bethesda Theatre

The Bethesda Theatre, originally a classic 1938 Art Deco movie palace, was restored and reopened in October 2007 as a new venue for live theatrical events. The 700-seat modern theater, operated by Nederlander Worldwide Entertainment, LLC, presented Off-Broadway-style performances. Sadly, the Bethesda Theatre was not successful and closed in June 2010.

Address

7719 Wisconsin Avenue
Bethesda, Maryland

History of the Bethesda Theatre

The Bethesda Theatre initially opened its doors as a movie theater, the Boro Theatre, in 1938. It was Art Deco in style and offered seating for 1,000 and incorporated the latest in audio/visual technology that was available in the late 1930s. Ticket prices were $0.35 for regular admission and $0.20 for matinees. After the first year in operation, the Boro Theatre was renamed as the Bethesda Theatre. It was one of the early Bethesda buildings to have air conditioning, and was also used for community events and demonstrations. The theater prospered into the early 1980s.

In 1983, the Bethesda Theatre was converted to a restaurant/movie house and re-opened as the Bethesda Cinema & Drafthouse. Tiered concrete floors were built over top of the original sloped floor. The original fixed auditorium seats were removed to accommodate small dining tables. Second run movies were offered at low admission prices, and patrons could enjoy food and drinks while watching a movie. In 1990, it became the Bethesda Theatre Café.

In 2001, construction began to revitalize the Bethesda Theatre and apartments were built above and adjacent to the theatre. The Bethesda landmark building has been restored and in 2007 opened as a venue for live Off-Broadway theater.