BIJOU THEATRE

The Bijou Theatre is a 200-seat performing arts venue located at 275 Fairfield Avenue in downtown Bridgeport, Connecticut. The intimate space includes theater-style rows plus cabaret tables on the sides and mezzanine level, with a full bar available before and after events. It is recognized as the oldest building in America that opened as a movie and live performance space and is still operating.

The Bijou hosts a mix of live music, comedy, film screenings, and private events. Seating is arranged in a cabaret-style format that creates a close connection between performers and audience. In-house A/V services with a tech professional are included, and the venue is available for corporate and private rental with open or cash bar options.

The Bijou Theatre dates to 1909, when Lillian Ashmun commissioned architect Ernest G. Southey to design a movie house with a two-story ballroom. During the silent film era, the venue hosted three or four Vaudeville shows daily at 5 cents for matinees and 10 cents for evening performances. Through the decades it operated under several names including The Rivoli, Downtown Cinema, and Downtown Family Cinema before reclaiming the Bijou name. The theater reopened its box office in 2011 to bring performing arts back to Bridgeport.