The Story

The Rodgers Theatre opened on June 1st, 1949, bringing Hollywood glamour to downtown Poplar Bluff. Named after the Rodgers family who built it, the theatre quickly became the social center of the community.

The Art Deco facade, with its iconic marquee and neon lighting, still captures the excitement of the golden age of cinema. Inside, the auditorium features original decorative plasterwork, a starlit ceiling, and seats for over 1,100 patrons.

For decades, the Rodgers was where families came for Saturday matinees, teenagers went on first dates, and the whole community gathered for premieres and special events.

After closing briefly, in the early 2000s, the theatre was saved by a community campaign and lovingly restored. Today it operates as a performing arts center, showing classic films and hosting live performances.