Seattle Theatre Group history

The Neptune's Interior, 1929 - Courtesy of Museum of History and Industry

In March 1930 the Seattle Theatre was renamed the "Paramount" to conform to the Publix Theatre chain's policy of bestowing that name on the grandest venue it operated in each city.

When the Paramount fully re-opened in late 1932, the age of vaudeville had largely passed, and the elaborate stage shows of former years no longer found a place at the theater.

The auditorium contained the largest Kimball Theater Pipe Organ on the Pacific Coast (removed in 1943) along with the most modern film projection equipment, heating, ventilation and lighting.

The Neptune's Marquee, 1946 - Courtesy of Museum of History and Industry

1947), a former Microsoft executive with a love of theater and theaters and a purse deep enough to make a difference.

The low ebb may have been in 1967, when only 13 people showed up for a screening of the Hollywood classic Gone With the Wind.

But when he got serious about a book, he and Marian met with David Allen, the longtime chief operating officer for the Seattle Theatre Group, who had started working at the Paramount, as a stagehand, in 1979.

In late 1980 Volotin realized he was headed towards bankruptcy.

In October 1981 its doors opened once again, and this time it featured a much wider selection of entertainment, including Broadway musicals, performers ranging from Frank Sinatra to The Krasnayarsh Siberian Dancers, more rock 'n' roll, comedians, inspirational speakers, even a Star Trek convention.

On February 8, 1993, Cole purchased the Paramount and under the auspices of the non-profit Seattle Landmark Association set about devising a plan to save and improve the venerable venue.

Paramount Theater following restoration (NBBJ, 1994), Seattle

A noted architectural firm, NBBJ, did the design, and Sellen Construction carried out the work, which was extensive and detailed. It took 10 months, but on March 16, 1995, the Paramount Theatre reopened to the public with a lavish production of the Broadway hit, Miss Saigon.

In 2002, Ida Cole transferred ownership of The Paramount to the non-profit Seattle Theatre Group® (STG), the new name for the Seattle Landmark Association.

After more than a year of doing general volunteer work at the Paramount, the couple in 2003 was asked by STG's education department to develop a regular student-tour program for the theater.

The library project received some financial assistance from STG during its earliest stage, but this funding ended before 2011 was out.

In July 2013, Seattle Theatre Group® began a 2-month renovation of the theatre.