About Us

The Orpheum Theatre opened on Sept. 4, 1922, it was the first atmospheric theatre in the United States. The theatre was conceived as a garden of old Andalusia. It's entire design was that of a Spanish garden or court.
The magnificent proscenium arch is the main feature of the auditorium. The sidewalls of the auditorium were accented by niches with mock tile roofs and grills and wooden lattice work arches across the ceiling to create a courtyard effect.
The Wichita Orpheum was an integral part of the famous "Orpheum Circuit" and in its heyday, virtually every major star of vaudeville graced its stage. During this period, more than 17,000 acts appeared with the playbill changing three times each week.

In 1980 the Orpheum was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 1984 it was gifted to the Orpheum Performing Arts Centre, Ltd., a non profit corporation which is dedicated to the preservation, restoration and ongoing utilization of this important part of our cultural and architectural heritage. Today the 1300 seat theatre host a variety of acts from concerts to movies and plays.