- Cox Capitol Theatre
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The Cox Capitol Theatre is located in downtown Macon, Georgia on 368 Second Street. The Cox Capitol Theatre serves as a movie theatre and live entertainment venue.
Contents
History
Commercial Savings and Loan was the first building located at 368 Second Street.[1] It was built in 1897, but closed shortly after. In the year 1900, Strong Shoe Company purchased the building and resided there for 15 years.[1] According to the Macon Daily Telegraph, the Cox was converted into a movie theater in 1917 and was officially opened to the public." [2] In 1917, The Cox Capitol Theatre became the first public venue to offer air conditioning.[3] However, after 58 years, the Cox Theatre closed in 1975.[4]
The theatre today
A man named Tony Long had a vision for downtown Macon, Georgia. He led a group of people and launched a $1.2 million renovation to restore the Cox Theatre.[4] According to Kap Stann's book called "Moon Georgia," the Cox Capitol Theatre reopened in 2006. The Cox Capitol Theatre is a movie house and live entertainment venue.
- The Theatre now serves as Macon's venue for:
- Concerts
- -From rock bands to first-class musical tours
- Second-run movies
- -Such as vintage and independent films
- Film festivals [5]
The Cox Theatre also serves stone oven-cooked pizza from their store-front, Second Street Pizza Eatery. [6]
The Board of Directors[3]
-
- David Thompson (Chair) - Restoration, Finance, Fundraising Committees
- Tony Long (Vice Chair) - Head of Restorations, Programming Committees
- Mark Driver (Treasurer) - Finance, Fundraising Committees
- Wesley Griffith (Secretary) - Programming, Marketing Committees
- Gene Dunwody, Jr. - Architect, Fundraising Committees
- Brad Evans - Programming, Marketing Committees
- Duke Groover – Legal Counsel, Fundraising Committees
- Larry L. Najera, Jr.- Marketing, Fundraising Committees
- Brad Powell - Programming, Seat Sales, Fundraising Committees
- Morris Purcel - Fundraising Committee
- Teresa Roach – Marketing, Fundraising Committees
- Terrell Sandefur – Marketing, Fundraising Committees
Rentals
The Cox Capitol Theatre also serves as a private rental space for events.
- Events include:
- Receptions
- Parties
- Fundraisers
Future plans
According to the Cox Capitol Theatre website, members of the Board of Directors plan to make more renovations to the Theatre.
- -Some future plans include:[3]
- A multi-use facility unconstrained by fixed seating
- Restaurant and AV facilities for all public and private functions
- Non-smoking, climate controlled atmosphere with seating for over 250 people
- Digital projection and sound technologies for movies and presentations
The Cox Capitol Theatre is also planning to host performing arts programs for the Bibb County School System to provide a venue for young artists.[3]
Timeline
- August 1927: $8,000 permit issued for Capitol repairs
- October 1930: Due to the closing of the Rialto, the Capitol becomes the number one theatre in Macon for first-run movies.
- May 1933: Tickets sold at the Capitol cost 25 cents for matinees and 30 cents for evening movies.
- October 1933: “Last Round Up” is shown on the big screen.
- May 1946: The Capitol gets new renovations which include air conditioning as well as candy and popcorn bars.
- April 2006: Cox Communications donated $300,000 to sponsor a new lighted theatre marquee that replicates the one that was on the building when it first opened in 1916.[7]
References
- ^ a b "Cox Capitol Theatre - Macon, Georgia." Cox Capitol Theatre - Macon, Georgia - Venue for Movies, Music, Events and Meetings. Web. 01 Dec. 2010. <http://www.coxcapitoltheatre.com/history.htm>.
- ^ Morris, Linda S. "Capitol Theatre receives grant for sound system." Macon Telegraph, The (GA) (2006): Newspaper Source. EBSCO. Web. 1 Dec. 2010.
- ^ a b c d "Cox Capitol Theatre - Macon, Georgia." Cox Capitol Theatre - Macon, Georgia - Venue for Movies, Music, Events and Meetings. Web. 01 Dec. 2010. <http://www.coxcapitoltheatre.com/about.htm>.
- ^ a b Manley, Rodney (September 19, 2010). "Cox Capitol Theatre's New Staff Making Big Changes". Macon Telegraph. http://www.macon.com/2010/09/19/1268706/not-the-same-ol-song-and-dance.html. Retrieved December 6, 2010.
- ^ "Cox Capitol Theatre." Cox Capitol Theatre - Macon, Georgia - Venue for Movies, Music, Events and Meetings. Web. 01 Dec. 2010. <http://www.coxcapitoltheatre.com/_pages/about.htm>.
- ^ Stann, Kap. "Heartland Georgia." Moon Georgia. 186+. Google Books. Web. 01 Dec. 2010. <http://books.google.com/books?id=hyREtXrR90IC&pg=PA186&dq=The Cox Capitol Theatre&hl=en&ei=63r2TJDWCMOqlAeh7Z3BBQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=2&ved=0CDAQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=The Cox Capitol Theatre&f=false>.
- ^ Fabian, Liz. "Let it show: Inaugural film festival gets under way in Macon." Macon Telegraph, The (GA) (2006): Newspaper Source. EBSCO. Web. 1 Dec. 2010.
External links
Categories:- Buildings and structures in Macon, Georgia
- Cinemas and movie theaters in Georgia (U.S. state)
- Visitor attractions in Macon, Georgia
- Music venues in Georgia (U.S. state)
- The Theatre now serves as Macon's venue for:
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