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Click for the memory page
The
Paradise Theater was built upon the
foundation of the Grand Opera House in 1929, after
the original opera house was destroyed by fire. Designed
by the architectural firm Liebenberg and Kaplan, the
Paradise was originally conceptualized as the Granada
with a Moorish or Spanish theme.
The
Paradise is an example of an "atmospheric"
theatre, a Hollywood-inspired genre of architecture.
Unlike conventional theatres, atmospherics are rich
in fantasy decor, designed to divert the audience
away from everyday cares and set the stage for the
show to come on stage and screen. The architectural
design and decorative scheme in an atmospheric theatre
were planned to evoke the illusion that patrons were
seated outdoors. This effect was achieved by projecting
images of stars and moving clouds onto a painted,
seamless ceiling, using a brenograph, which is a special
type of projection equipment designed expressly for
this purpose. The employment of projected images is
the key element in an "atmospheric" theatre.
The auditorium appeared to have no roof, and patrons
seemed to be sitting outside under a starry summer
sky. The notion of a projector with clouds and stars
was a very clever and innovative idea in the 1930’s,
as most other theatres would utilize a pianist or
a pit band to entertain the patrons before a film
screening or production.
To create the mood, "atmospheric" theatres
were modeled after certain romantic themes. Some,
like the Paradise took their inspiration from Spanish
Mediterranean villages; others borrowed from ancient
Egypt. The image created for the Paradise was one
of a walled Moorish courtyard. Once seated inside
of the auditorium of the theatre, the full effect
of the courtyard "atmosphere" is achieved.
The sides of the theatre, faced with plaster scored
to look like masonry, were painted to resemble stone.
The theater was designed with a traditional proscenium
arch separating the shallow vaudeville stage from
the seating area. It also included a small orchestra
pit intended for use by the musicians who accompanied
the movies of that time. Originally designed to seat
900 people the theater was eventually divided in half
so that two movies could be screened simultaneously.
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Since the last
update, we’ve gotten a LOT done in the Paradise. Here’s what’s left!
Auditorium &
Backstage
The
Sound, Lighting, Movie Screen & Projector are in!. The backstage
areas are framed, sheetrocked and
have plumbing and wiring in place.
Second Floor
Classrooms and Labs
The
new windows are installed. The walls and ceilings
are nearly finished. The installation of sinks, counters, and equipment
remains to be done. The bathrooms are sheetrocked.
Basement
The
basement floor is in need of tiling (we have a volunteer to do the
work, now we need the tiles) and finishing moulding. We will also need
periodic “deep cleanings” and are always looking for volunteers to come
and help.
In Short...
There
are lots of things that we need to be able to offer the kind of
programming that we want, in the kind of facility that we want to offer
them in. From the twinkling lights to the cabinets that store art
supplies, your donations and volunteerism help, so please come on in
and learn more about how you make a difference!
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