Oneonta Theatre

In 1897 Williard E. Yager, a prominent Oneonta resident, built the Oneonta Theatre intended as a venue for plays and other live, traveling entertainment. Vaudeville acts and plays danced across the stage, the first being Sporting Dutchess. The movies began showing in 1913, "Birth of a Nation" as one of the first. Vaudeville remained very popular, so movies were shown between the acts. In 1922, the theatre was purchased by the Shine Company.

One Saturday evening in 1923, an earthquake hits Oneonta to a well-filled theatre. Patrons left quickly but with no signs of panic. Many returned later to continue that evening's entertainment! Talking pictures debuted in 1926. The first "talkie" shown was the epic "Don Juan" starring John Barrymore. The acts of Will Rogers (1927) and John Phillip Sousa have graced the theatre. Many high school graduations were also hosted. In 1966 Harold DeGraw purchased the theatre. Subsequent owners have been Peter VanWoert, Phil Colone (who procured the historic landmark status), and Terry Mattison.

Did you know the theatre is actually two brick buildings? The original building facing Chestnut Street currently consists of the theatre entrance with store fronts on either side and six apartments on the second and third floors. Actor Bill Pullman ("Independence Day", Sleepless in Seattle") rented an apartment on the 3rd flood while attending SUCO!

The large theatre seats 675, has a stage house with full orchestra pit and 60 foot fly space plus three floors of dressing rooms. On the third floor is the original projection booth along with what was called the "cheap seats."