Our Story · Since 1928

Where the curtain rises on something extraordinary.

For nearly a century, Imperial Theatre has been the beating cultural heart of our region. A gilded room where strangers become an audience, and an audience becomes a community. This is the story of that magic, and the people who tend its flame.

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Our Story

One stage. A thousand transformations.

The Imperial opened her doors in the autumn of 1928, when the city was hungry for spectacle and the world was about to change forever. Three generations of artists, dreamers, and devoted patrons have crossed her threshold since. Leaving every performance changed, and changing every performance in turn.

We were built on a single conviction: that live theatre is not entertainment alone. It is a portal. A place where a velvet seat in row G becomes a front-row pew to grief, to joy, to ideas that rewire the way you walk back into the night air.

Today, we stand as more than a venue. We are the cultural heartbeat of our region. A place that proves you don't have to travel to a major metropolis to be in the same room as world-class artistry. The magic lives here, on Main Street, in our hometown.

"The Imperial doesn't just host performances. It hosts the moments people remember for the rest of their lives."

What we believe

Three principles that shape every season.

Our values aren't framed on a wall. They are the architecture of every choice we make. From the artists we book to the way we greet you in the lobby on a Tuesday night.

01 / Excellence

World-class artistry, honored.

We pursue the highest standards in every aspect of our craft. From the first rehearsal to the final bow. Delivering performance and production that honors both our audience and our art form.

02 / Community

A gathering place for all.

We serve as a meeting ground that brings people together. Fostering connection and belonging across diverse backgrounds, languages, and generations. The lobby is as sacred as the stage.

03 / Transformation

The magic that lingers.

We believe in live theatre's power to change perspectives, touch hearts, and spark imagination in ways that resonate long after the curtain falls and the houselights come up.

Founder's Spotlight

Elena Marchetti

Artistic Director

"I grew up two blocks from this theatre. I snuck in at fourteen to see my first opera and I never really left. When I took the artistic helm in 2017, I made one promise: that the Imperial would never become a museum. It would remain a living, breathing room. Daring, generous, and unmistakably ours."

Elena has curated more than 140 productions across opera, Broadway, contemporary dance, jazz, and original commissions. Under her direction, the Imperial has welcomed Tony-winning casts, Grammy laureates, and the next generation of local talent. Often on the same season bill.

Marcus Hale

Executive Director

Priya Anand

Director of Programming

Jonas Whitfield

Head of Production

Sofia Reyes

Community Engagement Lead
Mission & Vision

To be the cultural heartbeat of our region.

Our Mission

At Imperial Theatre, we bring the transformative power of live performance to our community, creating unforgettable experiences that entertain, inspire, and unite audiences of all ages through exceptional productions and world-class artistry.

Our Vision

To be the place where every performance ignites imagination, every visitor feels the magic of live theatre, and our stage becomes a beacon that draws world-renowned artists and diverse audiences together in celebration of the performing arts.

Join the Story

The next great chapter starts when you arrive.

Become a member, reserve a season seat, or simply drop in for a single unforgettable night. The Imperial is at its most alive when you're in the room.

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