The Apollo Theatre in Oberlin is synonymous with consistent family friendly movies shown at reasonable prices. For 96 years, the downtown movie house has opened its doors to enthusiastic patrons, ready to see the latest offering shown reel-to-reel from a single screen.
From the first thriller shown in 1913, to today's Oscar-winning melodramas, the Apollo has not disappointed its audience. The theater has been a mainstay in the Oberlin community at its comfortable locale at 19 E. College St., and appreciated by town and gown alike.
When longtime owners, brothers Sandy and William Steel, decided to put the historic movie house up for sale last year, Oberlin College sought ways to preserve this community and college asset. College Properties of Oberlin, a wholly owned subsidiary of the college, agreed to purchase the theater from the Steel family. The purchase included the theater and commercial and residential space adjacent to it.
The group plans to upgrade the theater to meet local business codes and make some modifications to the lobby and concession areas. College Properties of Oberlin will continue to operate the venue as a movie theater and has hired Cleveland Cinemas to manage and program the theater once the initial modifications to the 840-seat venue are complete.
Learn more about the early Apollo
News and Updates
Apollo Theatre Renovations Begin
The Apollo Theatre will be closed from September 11, 2011, to early summer 2012 for the final phase of its renovations and improvements.Apollo Outreach Initiative has YouTube Channel
The Apollo Outreach Initiative in January launched a channel on YouTube to allow greater visibility of their work and to engage the community and other interested persons in projects and other programming. Founded in 2009 by Rian Brown, associate professor of cinema studies and new media, and Geoff Pingree, associate professor of cinema studies, the Apollo Outreach Initiative is a year-round media literacy outreach program housed in the cinema studies program at Oberlin College.
Student Films Showcased at the Apollo
Oberlin cinema studies students had the opportunity to view the culmination of their spring semester’s work on the big screen at the Apollo Theater on May 20. The films, 10 in all, were screened again to sellout crowds during Commencement/Reunion Weekend.
Apollo Outreach Initiative
Since a subsidiary of Oberlin College purchased the historic Apollo Theatre more than a year ago, the college had hoped to expand the role of the building so that it could also serve as a place of education. Thanks to a gift made by two parents, that hope is becoming reality.
Apollo Theatre Receives Historic Preservation Tax Credit Award
Oberlin College received a significant boost in its effort to revitalize the Apollo Theatre with the announcement of a $2 million historic preservation tax credit award from the State of Ohio. (photo by Gary Cohen)
Apollo Theater Reopens on October 3 after $1.2 million in Renovations
Oberlin College and community will celebrate the rebirth of the historic Apollo Theater when it reopens on October 3 after $1.2 million in renovations. While retaining the historical significance and architectural beauty of this local landmark, the Apollo received numerous upgrades including a new sound system and high-definition projector.College Announces Renovation Plan for Apollo Theater to Begin July 1
Oberlin College Special Assistant for Community and Government Relations Sandra Hodge has announced that the first phase of renovations and improvements of the Apollo Theater will commence on July 1. The theater will be closed until September 30, when the project is scheduled for completion.Apollo Theatre Clarity
All of us love the Apollo. So, allow me to try and provide some clarity about the theater's future. I’ll begin by addressing the main points of concern I have heard, which center on plans for the number of screens, the façade, the ticket prices, and for renovating the building.Oberlin College Alumni and Friends Group Funds Purchase of Oberlin's Historic Apollo Theater
Acting to preserve a cherished local institution, College Properties of Oberlin, a wholly owned subsidiary of the College, has agreed to purchase the Apollo Theater, one of the few single-screen movie houses still operating in the country.
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