Rowland Theater

Opened in 1911, by Richard A. Rowland, the Rowland Theater boasted vaudeville shows, silent pictures, plays and more. The Rowland was one of the first theaters of its kind in Allegheny County and was devoted to "clean and refined popular-priced vaudeville." Fire was likely a concern of theatergoers in that era because the Rowland advertised itself as "absolutely fireproof." Luckily this claim never was put to the test.

The Rowland originally featured vaudeville with movies used only to introduce the complete show. Like many silent movies in the early era of films, each piece was accompanied by a live organist hired by the theater.

Like many large theaters of its kind, the upkeep became too much as attendance dwindled. The theater eventually closed in the 1960s after more than 50 years of operation. The building was eventually demolished and a parking lot occupies the site where it once stood.

View an early program!

More information can be found in our digital archives.