This week our community spotlight is the historic Craterian Theater in Medford. We are going to explore the rich history and community impact of this iconic venue as has had over the last 100 years.
The Craterian Theater first opened its doors on October 20, 1924, with a seating capacity of 737. It was designed to resemble a Spanish villa with Renaissance touches. The theater quickly became a hub for entertainment in Southern Oregon.
George A. Hunt, the original owner, was determined to make the Craterian as innovative as possible. In 1928, he invested over $20,000 to install Vitaphone and Movietone projectors, making it one of the first theaters in the city to offer “talkies”.
From its inception, the Craterian was deeply intertwined with the local community. Hunt’s promotional strategies were legendary, including:
- A “name the theatre contest” that received over 1,500 submissions, ultimately choosing “Craterian” in honor of Crater Lake
- Offering a $1,000 life insurance policy against anyone frightened to death during a movie showing
- Participating in local events like the Armistice Day parades
The Craterian has weathered many changes over the decades. It survived the Great Depression, changed ownership multiple times, and adapted to the rise of multi-screen theaters and home television. In the late 1980s, a nonprofit volunteer group formed the Craterian Performances Company with a vision to create a modern performing arts center while preserving the theater’s rich history.
Now known as The Craterian Theater at The Collier Center for the Performing Arts, the venue has been beautifully restored and modernized. It hosts a wide range of performances, from Broadway tours to local symphony concerts, and even houses two resident theater companies.
From vaudeville to silent films, from “talkies” to modern Broadway productions, the Craterian Theater has been at the heart of Medford’s cultural life for over a century. Here’s to another 100 years of laughter, tears, music, and applause echoing through its historic walls!