Located in the heart of busy, downtown Willimantic, the historic Capitol Theater is a beautifully renovated, former movie and vaudeville theater that today houses both ACT, EASTCONN’s arts magnet high school, and the Capitol Theater Arts Academy (CTAA), a regional arts academy for all ages.

Originally built in 1926, the Capitol Theater eventually closed its doors in 1973. Abandoned for nearly 30 years, the theater returned to life in 2002, when EASTCONN and its state and local partners began a $17-million renovation. The facility reopened in 2004, with the express purpose of housing EASTCONN’s arts magnet high school, Arts at the Capitol Theater (ACT).

The art deco-themed facility now includes two fully equipped theaters, a black box theater, a set shop, audio/video editing suites, classrooms, dance studios, a costume shop, a mask and model-building room, office space, CAD (computer-aided drafting) lab, a café and an art gallery. Unique art deco-style furniture, fixtures and carpet designs in period colors were carefully chosen and installed throughout the building, restoring the facility to its 1920s splendor.

Today, the theater maintains its position as a cultural landmark and focal point in the renaissance of downtown Willimantic through the celebration of arts, education and community.

For more information about holding your next event at the capitol theater, Contact Dan Boisvert at 860-465-5636 X1035 or by email, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it