The Story of This Old Theater in Salem, Illinois Will Give You Chills! By Hannah Smith

It’s likely you’ve heard scary stories about small towns, such as a haunted mansion, or a run-down abandoned cabin. But you probably haven’t heard a spooky tale about a community theater, which is still in business today. In Salem, Illinois, there is a small community theater that is said to have a ghost lurking backstage. Every summer, people try to determine whether this ghost story is true.

Image via Cinema Treasures 

The history of this theater begins in 1937, when a business man named R. C. Cluster bought the theater for the purpose of entertaining. The building was decorated Egyptian style, sporting black, orange, and golden yellow details. It opened to the public on January 2, 1938.  But in 1942, Salem suffered an explosion, which caused the theater to erupt in flames. Fortunately, it survived the disaster. 

Image via Salem IL Theater

To this day, some parts of the original theater design can still be seen, such as the backstage brick wall with smoke damage, or the colorful lobby, as shown above. However, there is one thing that sits backstage, possibly haunting the place. That thing is an old framed picture of a girl who once worked at the theater, and is supposedly a ghost of bad luck. The girl, named Lizzie, is said to have died in the fire. Rumor has it that if anyone touches her portrait during a production, something mysterious happens to the play. Kids have said that when backstage, they feel cold chills along their backs or minor inconveniences occurring with a show in the process.

Image via Salem IL Theater

Every summer, a theater camp for kids from kindergarten to high school is held at the Salem theater. At this time, two directors from a program called Missoula Children’s Theater help the kids to bring together a show that families can attend. Throughout the week-long process, the little actors gossip and share their own stories of the ominous picture and try to decide for themselves if the haunt is real. The teenagers that also take part in the theater camp and have heard the story many times before warn and discourage the kids against it, saying that the tale is fake. 

Image via WJBD

Want to know if this scary story is true? Then come down and see for yourself! There are many other performances and activities taking place at this old theater. Not only are these events exciting and enjoyable, but also fun for the whole family! Year around, people gather there for holiday activities, live music and theater plays, and classic movies. Seating about 400 people and  delicious snacks are just one of the many things the Salem theater has to offer.

Image via Salem IL Theater

This barely scratches the surface of what our town’s theater offers. Think visiting the Salem Community Theater sounds exciting? You can visit Cinema Treasures or salemiltheater.org to find out more about this wonderful place. You can also find when certain events take place at the Salem Community Theater.