History
The Beginnings
The theatre was built by Albert Sottile, President of the Pastime Amusement Company, with construction commencing in 1922. It was originally named the Gloria Theatre and opened its doors on Aug. 20, 1927 by showing Norma Shearer's "After Midnight." Originally fitted with 2,000 seats, the Sottile Theatre was the largest of its kind in all of South Carolina.
The theatre served as both a vaudeville house and movie theatre and was designed as a smaller example of the great movie palaces of the era. The South Carolina premiere of "Gone with the Wind," which highlighted Charleston's charm and grace, was held at the theatre with most of the orignal cast on site for the occasion.
Until closing its doors in 1975, the Sottile Theatre served primarily as a movie house. The building was subsequently donated to the College of Charleston by the Sottile family and the Pastime Amusement Company.
The Initial Restoration
In 1986, College of Charleston President Dr. Harry M. Lightsey Jr., began refurbishing the theatre. It reopened in February 1990. The renovations preserved many of the unique features of the original facility, and added considerable new space. A modern heating and air conditioning system was added and the stage was expanded by the construction of a 12-foot apron. In addition, the original orchestra pit was enlarged to accommodate more complex musical productions. Finally, a large, two-story wing was added to the building to provide expanded dressing rooms and scenery storage.
The Sottile of Today
Today, the main auditorium still features a shimmering, blue, sky-like dome with twinkling stars created from lights above. Side archways are covered with ornamental ironwork and the original domed ceiling is surrounded by a plaster oculus. The stage is framed by a proscenium trimmed with molding. The lobbies were completely renovated and a new second floor lobby was constructed to serve the balconies. The second floor plaza opens onto a covered porch that overlooks George Street.
Soundboard renovations in early 2011 prompted an unprecedented discovery: hidden beneath the acoustical tiles lay remants of decorative murals painted during the 1920s construction of the theatre. Spanning across both sides of the auditorium, the images emphasize Sottile's fondness for classical art. One mural currently frames the right interior wall while its counterpart was taken down in order to avoid further deterioration, both of which are in dire need of additional restoration. Donations are greatly welcomed and appreciated via the Sottile Theatre Restoration Fund.
The Sottile Theatre hosts a wide variety of events in the performing arts, serving as the site of College of Charleston performances and programs, as well as several community-oriented and privately sponsored events.
