History
Built in 1931 and restored to its original splendor in 1991, the Paramount continues to grow as the Mountain Empire's premier performing arts center. Here audiences share passion and drama, laughter and tears, majesty in motion, joy in music, pride in learning... and memories.
Opening Night
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Paramount is an excellent example of the art deco motion picture palaces built in the late 1920's and early 30's. The restoration retained the Paramount's opulent, richly embellished interior. The original Venetian-styled murals and the art deco ambience were faithfully recreated. The auditorium holds 756. You'll feel as though you are a part of the performance from every seat in the theatre.
Tennessee Ernie Ford
A major change to the original structure widened the Theatre's old 12-foot-deep stage to 36 feet, and created fly space above the stage to house curtains, lighting and scenery, rehearsal rooms and scene shops. An orchestra pit was constructed at the front of the stage. The pit includes a hydraulic lift to raise the theatre's Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Organ to stage level.
