Historic Boone theater reaches $10M capital campaign goal

A historic theater in Boone has successfully completed a decade-long capital campaign by reaching its $10 million goal.  

The Appalachian Theater of the High Country announced it reached its financial goal thanks to a record number of contributions at the end of 2021. 

The theater first opened in 1938, playing host to live music, plays, and films. It has survived fire, neglect, and now a pandemic to be renovated and reborn as an Art Deco film and performance space.

Executive Director Laura Kratt says the community mourned when the theater closed its doors in 2007.

"Children grew up here, coming to movies — it is a part of their lives, of their childhood memories, it is an integral part of the arts landscapes of this community," says Kratt. 

Renewed interest led to the theater being renovated and reopened in 2019, only to be shut down again when the pandemic hit.

The capital campaign was led by Theater Chair Keith Martin, who says local generosity cemented its success.

"The fact that this was pulled off during the pandemic is remarkable to me," says Martin. "But people stepped up."

The Appalachian Theater is once again open to the public and will continue to operate as what Martin says is the only nonprofit theater in the High Country region.