Robinson Theater Brochure 12.10 Print

THE ROBINSON THEATER
Community Arts Center
is a vital, multi-purpose, non-profit
community center providing a wide
variety
recreational,
"RTCACofis educational,
a multi-purpose
facility
cultural
and
community
services
for
that exists to inspire, enable, and
people of all ages and backgrounds in
restore healthy community life to
Historic Church Hill with a focus on
the residents
North of
Church
Hill
improving
the ofquality
life and
primarilyto through
responding
the changingarts-based
needs of the
.
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ROBINSON THEATER COMMUNITY ARTS CENTER
2903 Q STREET
RICHMOND, VA 23223
BETSY HART, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
[email protected]
804.562.9133
WWW.ROBINSONTHEATER.ORG
A RICH HISTORY IN CHURCH HILL
Built in 1937, the Robinson Theater was a
sophisticated version of Art Deco Moderne
architecture. Commissioned by Hill Entertainment
Group and designed by Richmond architect, Edward
F. Sinnott, the Robinson quickly became the center
of activity for this thriving community. The United
States Department of the Interior lists the historic
Robinson Theater as “the final icon of the
transformation of this section of Church Hill into a
middle class African-American neighborhood.”
Christian also remembered the role of the theater as “a
social institution for the neighborhood. It certainly was a
help to the youngsters in the community.” The Honorable
Douglas Wilder remembered his childhood neighborhood
in Church Hill as one “self-sufficient city”. He was
impressed by the Robinson Theater and the way “people
would go to the theater like they were going to a premier
on Broadway”. In addition to showing films, singers,
dancers, jazz bands, comedians and amateur talent shows
appeared live regularly at the Robinson. The theater was
a hub of social interaction for the community.
Until it closed.
BILL “BOJANGLES” ROBINSON
The theater was named for Bill “Bojangles”
Robinson, a native son of Richmond who grew up to
be “the toast of Broadway, dazzling audiences with
his remarkable footwork”.
To this day, he is
considered by many to be the “World’s Greatest Tap
Dancer”. Former Virginia State Delegate, James
Christian, Jr. doorman and assistant manager of the
Robinson Theater recalled Bill Robinson as “a kind
hearted individual who had a great deal of interest in
the people”.
TURN ON THE LIGHTS
In 2008, the Robinson theater underwent another
reinvention, this time returning to its roots as an “icon of
the transformation of this section of Church Hill”. An
historic renovation has enabled community life to once
again take place within its walls. With a myriad of
opportunities for young and old alike, including lessons
in dance, drama and music, Saturday matinees,
community meetings, receptions and recitals, the
possibilities for neighborhood use are endless.
Throughout the restoration process, neighbors stopped
by, eager to share their personal, fond memories of this
beautiful theater. With a full replica of the Robinson
Theater marquee returned to its rightful place, this
historic monument is once again bringing light to the
Hill.
NEIGHBORHOOD PARTNERS
Robinson Theater Circa 2004
CLOSED
Robinson Theater Circa 1955
Robinson Theater Circa 2009
In the mid 1980’s, after several reinventions of the theater
ranging from disco to bar to restaurant, to pool hall and
night club, any resemblance to its former glory vanished
along with the lighted displays, ticket booth and grand
entrance. The Robinson’s beautiful marquee was removed
and the doors boarded up. The theater was closed, the
lights went out and no longer could the Robinson be
considered a place “of help to the youngsters in the
community”. Crime in Church Hill was on the rise and
many neighborhood landmarks were abandoned and fell
into disrepair.
Support Activity: Sign up on our website to receive
our e-newsletter “Robinson Marquee”.
Support Creativity: Our hope for this 6000 square
foot facility is to inspire creativity through working
with existing Church Hill groups by providing space
for developing talents and celebrating local culture. If
you have an idea or vision for how your organization
may utilize this community center, please contact us.
Support Community: Interested in renting the space
for your event, venue, activity, class, or party? Hourly,
daily and weekly rates are available with bulk rate
discounts for both short and long term arrangements.
Support Financially: Please consider becoming a
Friend of Robinson Theater by making a monthly,
annual, or one time financial contribution to help
underwrite the daily operational cost of this
neighborhood center.