After 30 years, the Ritz Theatre has been restored!

About

For more than 50 years, the Ritz Theatre on West Central Avenue provided entertainment and a sense of community for residents of Winter Haven and surrounding areas. We are proud to say that once again, the Ritz Theatre is a cornerstone of our community, bringing together Polk County residents in a myriad of activities that include everything from the showing of classical films to family reunions.

History

Built in 1925 for vaudeville and silent movies, the theater boasted an orchestra pit, stage, dressing areas, and an organ. Originally known as the Williamson Theatre in the Beymer-Mann building, the theater was a gathering place for civic organizations. It hosted live shows and movies, at first silent and then “talkies.” From 1932, through the 1980’s, the theater was called The Ritz. The effects of age and the coming of multi-screen theaters caused the Ritz to go unused for many years. A group of concerned citizens formed a nonprofit corporation, the Ritz Theatre 100, and purchased the building in 1997. Thanks to over ten years of fundraising and restoration, the Ritz again has become the grand social gathering place it once was.

Meetings and Conventions

This historic vaudeville theater is capable of handling meetings for civic organizations, fundraising events, dance and music productions, movies, weddings, private parties, and a host of other functions.