Community members rescue, restore, and reinvent the West Shore Theatre

NEW CUMBERLAND, Pa. (WHTM) — Renovations are underway at the West Shore Theatre, an iconic Cumberland County landmark.

Once complete, the theatre will show movies, but will also host live performances, concerts, lectures, open mics, and other community events.

The nonprofit Friends of the West Shore is behind the project. The group formed shortly after the theatre closed in 2018. Community members did not want to see the building sit empty.

A video of what the theatre will look like when renovations are complete was posted on the Friends of the West Shore website. The goal is to keep the original theme of the theatre but give it updates.

The theatre will host seating for 250 people, restaurant-style booths, and a standing lounge area with high top tables. The building is also getting a new HVAC system and electrical work.

The project’s biggest contribution came from the Governor’s Office which awarded the$650,000 in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) funds. The cost to renovate and open the public vunue is approximately $2 million which includes funds for start-up costs and a cash reserve.

The project could be completed by November 2021.

The West Shore Theatre was built in 1939 and opened in 1940. It’s previous owner closed the theatre in 2018 because of slow ticket sales.