Lights, Camera, Action! The rebirth of the Woodlawn Theater is happening this weekend in the heart of Woodlawn. The theater is opening its doors to the public with two extraordinary opening events that are FREE to the public. Keep reading to discover how the theater came back to life and its impact on the community.
Behind the curtain
Opened in 1929 as a cinema, the original Woodlawn Theater has undergone various transformations throughout its history, serving as both a hospital and a church. Throughout its phases, the building has always supported its community. The newly reinvented space goes beyond being just a theater; it is also the home of the Mason Music Foundation. This foundation aims to empower, inspire, and enrich the lives of children in local communities by providing transformative musical experiences. Will Mason, the owner of Mason Music and Woodlawn Theater, has always had a passion for music since he was a kid.
“Starting a music education company has given me a platform to find other ways to create opportunities for young musicians – and any musician. Whether it’s live events, providing educational resources, or even our music festival, having a live performance space has been my long-term dream to help local musicians,” said Will Mason.
Before
The process of renovations began at a challenging time when he acquired the property at the beginning of the pandemic. With a two-year stall, construction finally began in early 2022. The space is divided into two sections, an educational side with classrooms to host music lessons and a theater side that holds up to 250 people for various events. The 1400-square-foot venue has a wide range of amenities and even has a full-service bar.
Rebekah Fox, the Woodlawn Street Market Coordinator and Woodlawn Theater manager has been a musician all her life and has been a part of Woodlawn for years. She believes the theater is filling a much-needed demand for local musicians to host events.
“I want the community to have a space to express themselves in a safe and comfortable environment,” said Rebekah Fox.
After
Not only was the theater made for the community, but it was also made by the community. Multiple small businesses have had a hand in the renovations of the theater. Nmosa Fabrics (their next-door neighbor) sewed curtains for the front windows and black-out curtains for the stage. Red Stone Church provided discounted acoustic panels, projectors, and speakers, and Over Flo Productions set up the sound equipment in the theater. The theater was made possible with the support of local businesses.
Want to check out the space yourself? Luckily, the theater is still offering free tickets. Follow the link below to experience the magic behind the curtain and welcome a new era of the Woodlawn Theater, where you can also enjoy the exceptional service from the talented bartender’s Jess and Gabby.
To learn more about how to book the space, visit woodlawntheater.com
Related News
-
Why your voice on historic preservation is essential
Filed Under: Front Page, Get Involved, Historic Preservation, Residential
President and CEO of REV Birmingham David Fleming writes about the importance of historic preservation and highlights the advocacy efforts that saved the French Quarter in New Orleans and the Forest Park neighborhood in Birmingham. The article concludes with a call to action, urging for new leaders and the implementation of various strategies to protect and celebrate Birmingham’s historic buildings and places.
-
What Stallions cornerback, Brian Allen loves about Birmingham
Filed Under: Downtown Birmingham, Events, Front Page, Yaysayers
Brian Allen, a talented cornerback, has made the remarkable transition from a small town in Texas to the vibrant city of Birmingham. Choosing Birmingham for his football career for two consecutive seasons, Brian’s unwavering dedication and exceptional skills have made him a standout figure in the world of football. To dive deeper into Brian’s journey and discover his genuine appreciation for the city, watch this video with the link below!
-
Preserving Our Past: Celebrating Historic Preservation Month and Saving the Buildings We Love
Filed Under: Developer, Downtown Birmingham, Filling Vacant Spaces, Front Page, Potential-Proving
Many historic buildings, including the John Hand and The Frank, have been successfully redeveloped while preserving their original charm. May is Historic Preservation Month, which aims to raise awareness about the importance of preserving historic buildings. Currently, numerous buildings possess a solid foundation but have been left vacant and require immediate attention for preservation. Find out which treasures are in need of your help today!