About the Wayne
On January 18, 1926, Cols. Carl Loth and James Patterson opened the doors on Waynesboro’s first vaudeville/silent movie theatre. Its neo-classical facade, fashionable interior, and mighty organ were the wonders of the day.
Seeking to take advantage of the post-war boom, the management gutted and expanded the original auditorium in 1949, effectively doubling the seating. Along with a new concession/lounge area and bathrooms the Wayne continued as the entertainment center for the community.
In 1980 a fire began in the concession area and travelled upward into the balcony. The conflagration allowed the owners to remodel the auditorium and divide it into two theatres. Twenty years later the management decided to withdraw from the Waynesboro entertainment market and turned the Wayne Theatre over to the city.
In 2000 Waynesboro City Council created the Wayne Theatre Alliance and empowered the group to oversee the revitalization of the Wayne Theatre and with it downtown Waynesboro. In a few short months, the Wayne Theatre Alliance incorporated as a 501(c)3 non-profit and began the journey of making the Wayne not just a movie house, but a center for entertainment and conferences.
The mission of the Wayne Theatre Alliance is to promote the economic vitality, educational opportunities and cultural life of Waynesboro and the adjacent region through the preservation and operation of the Wayne Theatre as a performing arts/conference center.
In August of 2011, the Wayne Theatre Alliance opened a temporary performance venue, WTA’s Gateway, while the Wayne Theatre is under restoration. Performances are scheduled every weekend and include a range of entertainment including Richard Adam’s Variety Show, Jazz, Mojo Saturday Night Blues, Bluegrass, Comedy, River City Radio Hour, Open Mic Night, Magicians, Puppets, and more.
The Alliance
Clair F. Myers, Ph.D., Executive Director
Dr. Myers comes to the Wayne Theatre Alliance after a career in higher education and professional theatre, including various positions with Ohio Northern, Kalamazoo College and Illinois Wesleyan University. At Elon University he established one of the strongest undergraduate musical theatre programs in higher education. He holds an M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Michigan.
His resume includes stints as Associate Director of Open Stage in Harrisburg, PA, a number of directing assignments in colleges, universities and professional venues, and acting, including regular appearances at the Allenberry Playhouse and in commercial films and videos. His interest in the development of new plays led to the establishment of the Playwrights’ Roundtable and the production of a number of short- and full-length original productions in Pennsylvania and Maryland.
He now lives in Waynesboro with his wife, Dr. Dorcas Lohr. He presently serves as the chair of the Cultural Commission. As a member of the Historic Commission, he was co-editor of the Commission’s History of Basic City and Crown on the Blue Ridge. He also serves on the WDDI’s Restructuring Committee. Dr. Myers is the creator of WTA’s “River City Radio Hour” and “The Children’s Hour”.
Staff
Sandi Henderson, Capital Campaign Coordinator
Julie Scott, Administrative Assistant / Graphic Designer
Gene Walker, Bookkeeper
Board of Directors
Bill Hausrath
Mason Hulen
Gayle Mapstone
Jim Wilson
Bob Barrette
Tom Brown
John B. Curry II
Carolyn Gallon
Sara Howlett
Judy Jones
Thea Jordan
Robert Lunger
Andy Matherly
Paula Rau
J.D. Robb
Tracy Straight
General Inquiries
Physical address: 533 West Main Street, Waynesboro, Virginia 22980
Mailing address: P.O. Box 1821, Waynesboro, Virginia 22980
Phone: (540) 943-9999
Email: assistant@waynetheatre.org
Directions to the Wayne Theatre Alliance
Join the Mailing List
To have your name added to the Wayne Theatre Alliance mailing list, send your name and address by e-mail to assistant@waynetheatre.org.
