When most people hear the word “theater” today, they would probably think of a movie theater. Live theater has become less mainstream and considered more as an intricate art. In the past, live theaters were as common as cinemas of today. One of the oldest remaining live theaters in Los Angeles is the Los Angeles Theatre. This extravagant theater opened in 1931 and is still available for live dances, music, and performances. Contrary to common belief, theaters are not just about plays. In fact, these theaters had once been graced by a wide variety of entertainers such as Charlie Chaplin and Harry Houdini. Live theaters were the epitome of entertainment.

The Los Angeles Theatre is part of the Broadway District in Los Angeles. This district consists of numerous age old theaters, many of which have been closed. Over time, technical advancements and additions have been made to the Los Angeles Theatre to ensure that it’s still up and running, available for usage as a modern stage. Other than the necessary technical improvements, the theater did not change at all. It retained its lavish and Baroque-styled interior. The Los Angeles Theatre is complete with a ballroom, three-tiered audience space, as well as expensively ornate lobby and restrooms. This theater was so richly designed that the theater’s first owner could not sustain the theater past three months. Its construction also faced many difficulties due to over budgeting initially, but was able to open in the end with the help of Charlie Chaplin’s investment.

Currently, the theater is being preserved by the Broadway Theatre Group. The Broadway Theatre Group was established with the mission to maintain large theaters in Downtown Los Angeles. It serves to not only preserve, but also to upgrade the theaters to make them usable for modern theater. Professionals were hired to restore damaged property and to install new lightings, sound systems, and other necessities. The group consists of four different theaters, including the Los Angeles Theatre, and most of these theaters are available for live performances and filming of videos and movies. Needless to say, the Los Angeles Theatre may not have been able to live on without the help of the Broadway Theatre Group.

The Los Angeles Theatre is quite inactive in terms of events currently, with performances available occasionally. However, the theater is still very much available and suitable for visits. Even without the purpose of viewing a show, the Los Angeles Theatre remains a very promising attraction. With its elegant and lavish design, a trip to this venue will be akin to a walk in a historical palace. Be sure to visit this theater in Downtown Los Angeles and appreciate the rare spectacle this amazing venue offers.