Entertaining the Pee Dee Since 1936
Prime for a COMEBACK
Our historic theater is poised to re-open its doors in 2026, 90 years after its original debut.
Renovations continue, and talented artists are being pursued. It won’t be long until we celebrate a new era of Alive After Five entertainment featuring concerts, plays, ballets, musicals, and more, alongside an engaging mix of classic and modern films.
To ensure our re-emergence is a show-stopping success, we’re launching a 36–26 COMEBACK Campaign to raise much-needed financial and operating support, while commemorating our 1936 Grand Opening and 2026 Ceremonial Re-Opening.
We invite you to get involved and to stay informed by subscribing to our newsletter and connecting with us on social media.
We look forward to entertaining you soon.
Center of Attention
A vibrant showplace with a remarkable past, The Center Theater in Hartsville, SC, is a culture and creativity hub and an economic engine with a promising future.
Past
Our doors opened in 1936 as a movie theater showcasing blockbuster Hollywood hits, like The Maltese Falcon.
Present
Local talent has continued to brighten our stage with popular events like Dancing with the Stars and the Little Miss SC Pageant.
Future
Our re-emergence will strengthen the arts and entertainment ecosystem, resulting in a higher quality of life.
History
An Entertaining Past
Established in 1936 with funds from the Works Progress Administration (WPA) component of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal, The Center Theater is a recognized entertainment venue and a distinguished landmark on the National Register of Historic Places.
Its Art Deco façade was designed by Lafaye & Lafaye, and Wheatley & Mobley Construction Company constructed the building.
After serving as a movie theatre for many years, the venue transitioned into a live performance hall, featuring touring shows like those of Johnny Cash and Loretta Lynn, as well as local performances by The Hartsville Community Players.
The Center Theater is governed and operated by the Hartsville Building Commission, a special-purpose tax district designated by the State of South Carolina.
Our 36–26 COMEBACK
1936 Grand Opening + 2026 Ceremonial Re-Opening
The 36–26 COMEBACK Campaign is a formal fundraising endeavor designed to honor the theater’s celebrated past while paving the way for a new generation of live entertainment and cinema.
Renovation costs are estimated at $2,150,000, and we anticipate $500,000 in startup expenses.
Our 36–26 COMEBACK Campaign will seek financial support from individuals, families, organizations, businesses, and foundations, as well as grants and local government.
Funds raised will help to complete necessary renovations, build new dressing rooms and a green room, secure talented performers, and introduce opportunities that inspire local engagement and expand our community’s cultural ambience.
There are three ways to show your support:
- Invest in a Naming Opportunity
- Become an Inaugural Patron
- Buy a Theater Seat
To learn more about how you can play a role, contact Hartsville Building Commission Chairman Ben Gore at bennygore64@gmail.com or The Center Theater Manager Kim Cranfield at kim.cranfield@thecentertheater.com.
GIVE & GET
Give to The Center Theater… Get Wowed in Return
When you support our re-emergence, you’re investing in the future of Hartsville and Darlington County. Every gift and donor makes a difference as we work to expand our cultural arts presence and boost our local economy.
We’ve invested over $1.6 million in renovations since 2022, thanks to support from some early COMEBACK donors. We need your help to finish what we started – to create an epic venue that attracts talent and tourists.
Help us launch a new era of Alive After Five entertainment by donating to our 36–26 COMEBACK. Invest in a Naming Opportunity, become an Inaugural Patron, or purchase one of 900 new theater seats.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Center Theater will reopen in the first half of 2026. A grand re-opening date will be announced soon.
We anticipate an assortment of live musical concerts of varying genres, theater performances, comedy shows, soloists, authors/speakers, and local talent and events.
Yes. The Center Theater is equipped for both live performances and movies. We will showcase classic, current, and family-friendly films and themed series, such as movies from the 1950s or 1990s, and host organized film festivals.
Live performances will range from $25 to $75, with the average ticket price for an anchor show costing approximately $62.50. Movies will range from $8-10 for children and $15-$20 for adults.
Yes. The main auditorium, balcony, and stage can be rented, as well as our upstairs lobby, ballroom, and catering kitchen. We also have a large conference room for rent.
Yes. We will seek corporate sponsors for anchor events following the conclusion of our capital campaign.
Yes. Before our grand re-opening, we will seek volunteers to assist with ticketing, seating, concessions, special events, and more.
- 843-332-5721
Call Us
- info@thecentertheater.com
Email Us
Visit Us
212 N 5th St
Hartsville SC 29550
Contact
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