History
Built by C.A. Spath, cashier of the Farmers and Merchants Bank; Dr. C.M. Cline, physician and S.K. Mittry, contractor: the Colonial Theater opened on November 10, 1919, at a cost of just over $175,000. It boasted one of the largest stages in the Intermountain West, a modern ramp (in lieu of stairs) to the balcony, a ventilation system, which circulated fresh air every five minutes and superb acoustics. In 1929, it was renamed the Paramount Theater and began showing moving pictures. Sadly, it fell into disrepair in the late 1980's and was closed. In 1994, Dick Clayton, Sr. and his son Steve donated the theater to the Idaho Falls Arts Council (IFAC), a private nonprofit organization. Today the 988 seat Colonial Theater is one of three large theaters of historical significance which still remain in Idaho.
Specialties
The Colonial Theater originally opened on November 10, 1919. It boasted one of the largest stages in the Intermountain West, enjoyed superb acoustics, and featured traveling vaudeville acts, minstrels, and musical groups. Today the 988 seat Colonial Theater is owned and operated by the Idaho Falls Arts Council and plays host to over 25,000 patrons every year.