811 State Street, Erie, PA 16501
Administrative (814) 453-7117
Box Office (814) 452-4857
The Warner Theatre in Erie, Pennsylvania, is a beautifully restored historic performing arts venue that first opened its doors in 1931. Originally built as a movie palace by Warner Bros., the theatre showcases the opulent Art Deco style of the early 20th century, featuring ornate plasterwork, grand chandeliers, and intricate architectural details that reflect the glamour of Hollywood’s Golden Age. Today, the Warner Theatre serves as a cultural cornerstone for the Erie community, hosting a wide range of performances including concerts, Broadway shows, dance productions, wedding and graduations. After an extensive renovation completed in the 2020s, the theatre combines its historic charm with modern amenities, offering audiences both elegance and comfort in the heart of downtown Erie.
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Parking Garages
Multiple parking garages in close proximity to the Warner Theatre:
Handicap parking is available at the southeast corner of 8th and French streets.
Camera/Video Policy
The Warner Theatre abides by the rules set forth by the artists and their management. Please call the Box Office 814-452-4857 the afternoon of the show for the event’s camera policy.
Bag Policy
Only bags smaller than 6" x 8" x 2". Clear bags 12" x 12" x 6" or smaller permitted. Bags that do not fit these descriptions will not be allowed in the venue. An exception will be made for medically necessary items and diaper bags after proper inspection at the venue entrance. All patrons are subject to a security screening. Metal detectors are used for all ticketed events. Bags & purses are subject to additional screening slowing entry process, so please bring only essential items.
Coat Check
A coat check is located in the Grand Lobby and in the new addition. This is a free service to all patrons.
Children
Every person age 2 and older must have a ticket. Some exceptions exist for certain shows.
Concessions
For most shows, the concession stand sells snacks, sodas, coffee, beer, wine and mixed drinks. Beverages are only permitted in the seating areas with the purchase of a Warner Theatre cup. Contactless or card payments only at concessions stands, no cash accepted.
Dress Code
Although the Warner Theatre has no specific dress code, some events such as the Broadway Series and the Erie Philharmonic Symphony will draw a dressier crowd. Most people enjoy dressing up to go to the theatre, but you will see people wearing everything from casual to Sunday best to formal wear.
Erie Philharmonic Orchestra
The Erie Philharmonic Orchestra sells tickets to their events through its own office:
23 West 10th Street
Erie, Pa. 16501
Phone: 814-455-1375
E-mail: info@eriephil.org
Late Arrivals
Doors open approximately one hour prior to the performance. As a courtesy to the performers and audience, ushers will seat late arrivals during an appropriate pause in the program.
Lost & Found
Lost and found is located in the Manager’s Office. To claim an item after the performance, please call 814-453-7117.
Prohibited Items
Weapons of any kind: In accordance with Pennsylvania’s “concealed carry” law and the right for private entities to ban handguns on their premises, firearms and other weapons of any kind are strictly forbidden on the premises of the Erie Insurance Arena, Warner Theatre, Bayfront Convention Center, UPMC Park and Rebich Investments Amphitheater.
Pepper Spray & Mace
Pocket Knives
Illegal Drugs
Fireworks, Flares or Explosives
Wallet chains, boot chains, studded jewelry, etc.
Drones
Audio/Video recording equipment: The use of audio, video, or digital recording devices is prohibited except for accredited members of the media. * Show personnel reserve the right to change this policy at any time.
Tripods, monopods and selfie sticks
Outside food & beverages
No Smoking
No Re-Entry
Security
Metal detectors are used for all ticketed events. Bags and purses are subject to additional screening, so please bring only essential items.
Smoking
Smoking is prohibited in the theatre. No re-entry.
Tours
To schedule a tour, please contact Barry Copple at 814-480-6009, barry@erieevents.com. Tours are scheduled depending on the theatre’s schedule of events.
Classic Elegance
Host your event in Erie’s only art deco motion picture palace, which brings with it an opulence not seen any where else in the region - the Warner Theatre.
Since 1983, the historic Warner Theatre has provided an elegant atmosphere for weddings, receptions, corporate meetings, luncheons and dances. The Grand Lobby offers a classic ambiance with its majestic setting at surprisingly affordable rates. Add to that the Warner’s flexibility, hospitality and outstanding service, and you can rest assured your event will be a memorable one.
Erie’s most versatile facility adapts easily to any type of function. Our experienced, professional and adept staff will help you coordinate an event where no detail will be overlooked.
Our staff is committed to making your event a success by giving you our expert advice and professional support. You can be assured that every detail will be attended to from beginning to end.
The ambiance of the Warner Theatre’s Grand Lobby offers a majestic setting at unexpected affordable rates. The Warner’s flexibility, hospitality and outstanding service ensure your event will be a success. Erie’s most versatile facility adapts easily to any type of function. The Grand Lobby can easily accommodate up to 250 people for a sit-down dinner or more than 500 for stand-up functions.
With more than 4,000 square feet of programmable event space, the Rehearsal Hall can accommodate small performances, weddings, private and corporate events.
Since its grand opening, the Warner Theatre has established itself as a major cultural center for the region. Millions have passed by the freestanding ticket booth of solid bronze through the doors and stepped into the luxurious gold-gilded Grand Lobby. There they saw the beauty of rich tapestries and French gold-backed mirrors. A regal staircase with exquisite bronze banisters leads them through an archway of marble, gold gilding and draped tapestry to the mezzanine. Czechoslovakian glass and crystal chandeliers create the soft lighting that enhances the grandeur of a structure unmatched in stature, opulence and beauty.
Warner Bros., today one of the world’s largest producers of film and television entertainment, commissioned the building of the Warner Theatre in 1929. The design goal for their luxury movie palaces was to create an environment “twice as rich, three times more fanciful than life.” Designed by architects Rapp & Rapp, the theatre was constructed at a cost of $1.5 million Depression-era dollars. The Chicago architectural firm built some of the nation’s most ornate theatres including New York City’s Times Square Paramount.
Warner Bros. also appointed the world-renowned Rambusch Studios in New York City to decorate the interior. Rambusch created a lavish art deco interior that would invite generations of theatre-goers to a palace of magnificence and fantasy. Considering the quality of the design and cost of the building materials used, the theatre would be virtually impossible to replace today. It was Erie’s first and has remained Erie’s only deluxe downtown picture palace.
When the Warner Theatre opened its doors April 10, 1931, more than 8,000 colored lights illuminated the 10-ton marquee that announced the feature film of the opening evening, “The Millionaire” starring George Arliss with James Cagney. Excitement and wonder of the patrons about the palatial splendor of the breathtaking new showplace filled the atmosphere.
In its early history, the theatre hosted various traveling shows. As well as presenting the pick of the major film releases, the theatre became an important link in the vaudeville circuits of the 1930s. On November 8, 1931, the Warner formally initiated a vaudeville season. Bob Hope made an appearance that November telling stories while sitting downstage on a barrel.
The “Mighty Wurlitzer” organ that once rose out of the floor and into the corner of the orchestra pit, provided music for vaudeville shows and accompanied the early talking motion pictures. Warner Bros. eventually donated the organ to the Western Reserve Chapter of American Theatre Organ Enthusiasts in 1969. The Cleveland Gray’s Armory Museum in Cleveland, Ohio, now houses the organ.
In 1971, Cinemette Corporation of America bought the Warner Theatre from the Stanley Warner Corporation. In 1974, the Erie Philharmonic had its first concert at the theatre. Since then, the philharmonic has continued to perform there. Cinemette operated the Warner until 1976, when the late Erie Mayor Louis J. Tullio heard the chain might want to sell the theatre. The mayor recognized the importance of saving it from planned demolition and had a vision of a civic center complex to provide venues for sports and arts entertainment to the region. With assistance from the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, he negotiated a successful purchase of the building from Cinemette. Critical improvements were then made including installation of a new roof, restoration of lighting fixtures and rewiring of the house front and foyer areas.
In 1977, the Erie Civic Center Authority was formed and given the physical and fiscal management of the Warner Theatre, also referred to as the “Center for the Performing Arts.” With this change, the policy of the theatre once again included the production of live performances.
In 1981, the Broadway Theatre League began to bring in a series of top Broadway musicals performed by New York-based touring companies. Additionally, the Erie Civic Ballet Company began performing on the Warner’s stage. That same year, the Warner was listed on the commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Inventory of Museums and Historical Places, and on April 13, 1982, it was placed on the National Register for Historic Places.
The Warner Theatre’s stage has been host to many world-renowned performers through its years, including:
Tori Amos, Tony Bennett, Milton Berle, Theodore Bikel, Victor Borge, George Carlin, Johnny Cash, Tom Chapin, Chicago, Nat King Cole, Harry Connick Jr., David Copperfield, Sammy Davis Jr., Jimmy Dean, Tommy Dorsey, Jimmy Durante, Bob Dylan, Fabian, Dan Fogelberg, Frank Fontaine, Debbie Gibson, Eydie Gorme, Hal Holbrook, Bob Hope, Marilyn Horne, Irish Rovers, Sammy Kaye, B.B. King, Peter Lawford, Steve Lawrence, Jay Leno, The Lettermen, Guy Lombardo, Howie Mandel, Dave Matthews, Johnny Mathis, Dudley Moore, Lorrie Morgan, Willie Nelson, Wayne Newton, Patti Page, Dick Powell, Vincent Price, Righteous Brothers, Mark Russell, Jerry Seinfeld, Sinbad, Sally Struthers, Paul Whiteman, Andy Williams, George Winston, Trisha Yearwood.
In 1931, the Warner Theatre opened its doors as a movie palace and vaudeville stage. Its glorious art deco interior reflected the glamour of such performers as Jimmy Durante, Bob Hope and Sammy Kaye. The Warner’s environment was perfect for the performances of the ’30s, ’40s, ’50s and ’60s, but as technology has exploded with innovation, so too have performances exploded with creativity. In 2002, the first phase of the restoration and expansion project began. Improvements include: new seats, stage expansion, rehearsal hall, additional restrooms, elevator and new lighting, sound and HVAC equipment. The State Street marquee was also fully reconstructed and was re-lit after more than 40 years. In total, $40 million was spent transforming a 1930’s movie house into a 21st century performing arts facility.
How the Warner Theatre has changed:
Major performance enhancements:
