The Casino Theatre

The Casino Theatre

A visual masterpiece, the Casino Theatre served as both a 300-capacity removable seat theatre and as a ballroom for dances. The interior was gold-trimmed ivory with a sky blue ceiling, decorated with golden stars. It was the scene of many artistic performances, both amateur and professional. Dances, recitals, poetic readings, shows and ballets were held for the adults, while children were entertained by vaudeville acts and magical mystifications.

The theatre was utilized by the Newport community through the 1980’s, when structural concerns forced its closure. However, thorough a complete restoration in 2009, the stage is now live once again. A creative partnership between the International Tennis Hall of Fame and Salve Regina University, along with the dedication, vision, and fundraising efforts of a committee of supporters, resulted in successful fundraising the $5.2 million necessary to restore the theatre to its original grandeur. The theatre opened in October 2010 and it now hosts regular events.  The Salve Regina University Department of Performing Arts manages and maintain the facility day-to-day, with the Hall of Fame retaining the venue for special events on select days.  The partnership provides the students with the opportunity to study all aspects of the theatre from acting and directing to set design, lighting, and facility management, and gives life to a beautiful historic theatre once again.