The Schine’s Ashland Theatre opened on March 27, 1942 with Henry Fonda and Gene Tierney starring in “Rings on Her Fingers”. Seating was provided for 1,250 on the main floor and 250 in the balcony.
In 1976, two more screens were added however dropping total seating to 600 with 200 seats in each auditorium
Unable to complete with the modern multiplex theaters, it closed on for good in 2009.
Following six years sitting vacant, a local organization the Ashland Schine’s Theater Organization took it over in 2017, with plans to renovated the building. Simonson Construction Services Inc. were selected to carry out the renovations, which include the latest recliners seats located in a 326-seat auditorium on the ground floor and two 49-seat auditoriums upstairs. The auditorium can be used as a single auditorium with balcony for live performances, a three screen cinema or partitioned for conference space. Renamed the Ashland Theatre, it reopened on May 5, 2023 screening movies and hosting concerts, theatrical productions, community meetings and private events.
Board of Directors
Rosemarie Donley, President
Tim Baker, Treasurer
Shirley Bonfiglio, Secretary
Robert Archer
Scott Donley
Mayor Matt Miller
Kip Matteson
Karen Myers
Chris Skinner, Executive Director. Ex Officio