Talladega’s Ritz Theatre (circa 1936) is considered one of the best surviving examples of the Art Deco mainstreet theatres of the 1930’s. Careful restoration of the landmark’s extraordinary facade – comprised exclusively of opaque structural glass, a common construction material used lavishly during the Deco period in buildings like the Rockefeller Center in New York City – was completed in late 1997 with perfectly matched antique vitrolite glass by renowned St. Louis artisan Timothy J. Dunn.
The historic Ritz Theatre reopened on February 16, 1998 as the premiere performing arts center of East Central Alabama with a concert by the National Symphony String Quintet.
Operation of the Ritz is a program service of Talladega First, Inc., a 501c(3) organization.
Mission Statement
The Mission of Talladega First is the economic, cultural, and civic pride revitalization of downtown Talladega’s Historic Courthouse Square. Our ‘signature initiative’ is to spearhead the restoration, renovation and active operation of the City owned Historic Ritz Theatre (c.1937), a nationally recognized Art Deco landmark theatre, and a first-class regional performing art and civic events center serving all of the citizens of Talladega and East Central Alabama. The Historic Ritz Theatre serves as a cultural hub for educating, enriching, entertaining and enlightening the community.
Vision Statement
We see the Historic Ritz Theatre as a welcoming destination for diverse audiences and artists from the region, the state, and the nation, providing memorable experiences, contributing to the economic vitality of the community, and improving the organization’s sustainability.
Values
Integrity, Arts Leadership, Education, Entertainment, Historic Stewardship, Communication, Inclusiveness, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, Quality, Community Engagement, Creativity, Collaboration, Sustainability