Donna Reed Center for the Performing Arts

DRF Center for the Performing Arts: 1914-2014

Donna Reed Center for the Performing Arts

The Donna Reed Center for the Performing Arts sits on the historic corner of Broadway and Main in Denison, Iowa. The Center houses the Donna Reed Foundation headquarters, a charming turn of the century soda fountain, and the Donna Reed Theatre. A spectacular miniature replica of Bedford Falls, the town from the movie It’s a Wonderful Life, is a seasonal display favorite. Many unpublished photos, personal items, and movie mementos from Donna Reed’s life are also on display as well as gift items for sale. When completed, the Center will include the Donna Reed Museum, a national film reference library, and a state-of-the-art recording studio to provide professionally produced tapes to aspiring artists for auditions and scholarships. The Center will also offer unique workshops and performances year round.

Many celebrities, including Mary Pickford, entertained area residents from the stage of the beautiful Germania Opera House since it opened its doors in 1914. The Opera House was later converted into the Ritz Movie Theater where Donna Reed fell in love with motion pictures. In 1988, the Donna Reed Foundation, with financial support from the community and corporate grants, saved the building. In 1995, the first phase of restoration was completed with the help of thousands of community volunteer hours. The theatre seats 550 and offers films as well as live concerts and theatrical presentations year round. The second phase of renovation included support of the Crawford County Chamber of Commerce (www.cdcia.org).

The building is listed in the National Register of Historical Places (Building – 88003145).

Theatre technical specifications and views found here.