U.S. Naval Station Norfolk, Base Theatre

50sSNIPES on April 27, 2025 at 11:27 am

The original Naval Base Theatre opened its doors on June 29, 1918 with a total capacity of 700 seats in the rear of its administrative building. The auditorium itself featured white walls and quaintly-shaped innumerable windows. There is also an orchestra pit below the stage, and at the rear of the stage featured dressing rooms and other equipment. The films were originally used are for secured purposes through the community motion picture bureau of the War Work Council of the YMCA.

Unfortunately its unknown if that information belongs to that base theater or another theater at the base. If its for that theater then the theater probably operated for many many decades. There is also a possible earlier Naval Base Theatre that only lasted for several months in 1917 and 1918, but that also remains unconfirmed.

TLSLOEWS on May 31, 2010 at 9:48 pm

Any more info Bob?