History
The Virginia Theatre opened December 28, 1921 with a live stage performance of "The Bat". The following night, the silent films Tol'able David and The Boat were shown at the theatre. Since then, it has been presenting movies, live concerts, and plays to the Champaign-Urbana community and has only been closed for short periods of renovation by the Park District. Until recently, the Virginia Theatre was privately owned. From the 1930s to the 1960s, RKO pictures held ownership. Subsequently, George Kerasotes Corporation (GKC Theatres) owned the building until the Champaign Park District purchased it in January 2000.
Read more about this topic: Virginia Theatre (Champaign)