Rix has repainted the original wall detail, upgraded theatre and stage lighting, added a disco ball and different types of seating options.
Central Theatre was acquired in December 2020 at the height of the COVID pandemic. The Theatre is a gem in Hot Springs that has been overlooked & underutilized for decades. Hot Springs real estate broker and developer, Chris Rix of Rix Realty, took on the daunting renovation.
Immediate plans began with thoughts of safety and security in the new world climate of uncertainty. Rix started by replacing the HVAC systems and adding technology of air sterilizers to assist in maintaining a healthy environment for the venue that has a surprising capacity of approximately 700 guests! Hosting the public with that type of capacity comes with responsibility. Rix installed a sprinkler system, an airport-compliant metal detector, and has security staff on hand.
In addition to the facelift of the entire building inside and out, Rix has installed state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems. The venue has the equipment to record bands live and in-house mix those recordings for a polished, finished product. Additional modifications include updating concessions to add beer, wine, and a private bar.
Julie Williams has been hands-on with design, consultation, and implementation. Rix & Williams have worked closely on projects for a decade. The buildings together will earmark Arkansas‘s newest entertainment complex and are already advancing the entertainment market in Hot Springs and the Mid-South.
Next-door to the theater is the old Club Café building. Rix acquired this building first and has been working on it as well. The deli and the remainder of the 24,000 square-foot facility are slated to open in 2022.
Central Theatre is prepared to host all types of talent, shows, and events for community betterment. The venue had a soft opening in May 2021 and has had events almost every weekend scheduled around the construction. Shows to date have featured documentary film, full-length film, short film, country, jazz, blues, rap, chorale groups, MLK celebration, RuPaul styled Drag Shows, top-notch Burlesque, and much more. “The space is All-Inclusive,” notes Rix.
Rix invites you to visit the website at www.CentralTheatreHS.com to browse the different shows and find the ones that fit your taste while not judging the others. “What’s good for one may not be good for another. It’s no different than the movies, and we all know what opinions are like!” Check the schedule often because it changes almost daily with newly added events.
Don’t miss the Third Monday open mic Jazz jam sessions. As the venue wraps up construction they will be adding additional weekday events.
2022 will feature the grand reopening of Central Theatre so please stay tuned. Rix also notes that there is ample unrestricted parking on this South end location of downtown Hot Springs. While the purchase was definitely a gamble, it is a good addition to the entertainment complex Rix is masterminding, and to his overall goal of community betterment. Catch them on Facebook and Instagram @CentralTheatreHS, or email CentralTheatreHS@gmail.com.
