new england's live music guide
RUTLAND
PARAMOUNT THEATRE
ABOUT
The Paramount Theatre is an 830-seat historic performance venue at 30 Center Street in downtown Rutland, Vermont. The Colonial Revival-style theater features orchestra seating, a balcony, and six boxes flanking the proscenium arch. It is a contributing property to the Rutland Downtown Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places.
WHAT TO EXPECT
The Paramount presents touring music acts, comedy, theater, dance, film screenings, and community events. The intimate setting and period restoration create a formal concert hall atmosphere. Past performers include Jackson Browne, Billy F Gibbons, and Arlo Guthrie.
HISTORY
The theater was built in 1913 by George T. Chaffee and opened on January 16, 1914 as "The Playhouse," originally seating 1,000. It was renamed The Paramount in 1931 and shifted to movies. After closing in 1977, a community restoration effort completed by the architectural firm Nimtz-Berryhill-Figiel reopened the venue in March 2000 with a reduced 830-seat configuration meeting modern safety standards.