A Brief History of The Rose Theater
History shows that in 1904 the Rose building was in operation as a grocery store. When Mr. O.C. Phelps moved to Georgia from Connecticut to treat an asthmatic condition, he bought the building on April 22, 1907 for a large amount of money. Some records suggest $400,000. (A very substantial amount for that era!) Accurate or not, it was an early indication of the importance of this building for the community and region.
In 1911 the first actual entertainment offerings came under the banner of “The Pioneer Picture Show” that showed silent films of Chaplin, Valentino, and others. In the 1940’s, a Georgia/Alabama based entertainment company, The Martin Theater chain, acquired the movie house. The Rose Theater, named for the owner’s wife, Rose Martin, was now in operation. In 1954 the PF Shave Theaters of Georgia assumed ownership.
The introduction of television caused most small-town movie theaters to face a dim future. The Rose movie theater was no exception. People stopped going to movies and The Rose was back up for sale. A series of investors purchased and sold the building. At one time, the building became a bowling alley. In 1980, Dr. Bill and Ann Cummings bought the property and attempted to turn The Rose into an entertainment center. A calamity occurred in 1986 though when the building’s roof caved in, leaving it as a roofless structure.
The creative Cummings named this roofless space The Left Banque and operated an “under the stars entertainment emporium” for several years. Then in 1999 the Cummings family gave the shell of what had once been a glorious community theater/movie house to a budding group of local thespians who in 1995 had named themselves The Backlot Players.
The Rose Theater needed special and dedicated attention to regain its presence in the community as a center offering quality, wholesome entertainment. The Backlot Players were determined to make this happen. Nearly $500,000 was invested for a new structure within the shell of this registered historical building. A new roof was erected on the top of the shell of the building. A stage was built, theatrical seating and sound and lighting systems were added, and heating and air conditioning were installed. Curtains were hung. It was 2004, and it was a BIG year for The Rose Theater and The Backlot Players.
The first event presented to the community was not a play. It was the “Backlot Country Showcase” which saluted talent from Monroe County. July 22, 2004 is now a milestone in the Rose’s history. The show was a resounding success. It marked the beginning of a new era of entertainment for Forsyth, Georgia. It had been a tough journey, but in the hearts of the dedicated people who comprised The Backlot Players and many community members who had helped with the theater’s re-opening, “The Show Must Go On” had a very powerful and new meaning.
For over a hundred years the structure has been in place. Our volunteers have worked to continue to upgrade and improve this historic theater over the years. With generous donations by beloved member Mrs. Paulyne Stokes, stage curtains were added, and a green room was constructed behind the stage. The first marque was installed with assistance from the Monroe County Bank. Our building loan was paid in full with a generous donation by the late Mr. James Pettigrew, a dedicated patron. Recently, new lighting and sound equipment has been installed, the marque was updated to digital messaging, and extra stage curtains added with help from grants and other wonderful donors. The Backlot Players strive to continue improvements on the Rose Theater to keep this amazing building strong for years to come.
In 1911 the first actual entertainment offerings came under the banner of “The Pioneer Picture Show” that showed silent films of Chaplin, Valentino, and others. In the 1940’s, a Georgia/Alabama based entertainment company, The Martin Theater chain, acquired the movie house. The Rose Theater, named for the owner’s wife, Rose Martin, was now in operation. In 1954 the PF Shave Theaters of Georgia assumed ownership.
The introduction of television caused most small-town movie theaters to face a dim future. The Rose movie theater was no exception. People stopped going to movies and The Rose was back up for sale. A series of investors purchased and sold the building. At one time, the building became a bowling alley. In 1980, Dr. Bill and Ann Cummings bought the property and attempted to turn The Rose into an entertainment center. A calamity occurred in 1986 though when the building’s roof caved in, leaving it as a roofless structure.
The creative Cummings named this roofless space The Left Banque and operated an “under the stars entertainment emporium” for several years. Then in 1999 the Cummings family gave the shell of what had once been a glorious community theater/movie house to a budding group of local thespians who in 1995 had named themselves The Backlot Players.
The Rose Theater needed special and dedicated attention to regain its presence in the community as a center offering quality, wholesome entertainment. The Backlot Players were determined to make this happen. Nearly $500,000 was invested for a new structure within the shell of this registered historical building. A new roof was erected on the top of the shell of the building. A stage was built, theatrical seating and sound and lighting systems were added, and heating and air conditioning were installed. Curtains were hung. It was 2004, and it was a BIG year for The Rose Theater and The Backlot Players.
The first event presented to the community was not a play. It was the “Backlot Country Showcase” which saluted talent from Monroe County. July 22, 2004 is now a milestone in the Rose’s history. The show was a resounding success. It marked the beginning of a new era of entertainment for Forsyth, Georgia. It had been a tough journey, but in the hearts of the dedicated people who comprised The Backlot Players and many community members who had helped with the theater’s re-opening, “The Show Must Go On” had a very powerful and new meaning.
For over a hundred years the structure has been in place. Our volunteers have worked to continue to upgrade and improve this historic theater over the years. With generous donations by beloved member Mrs. Paulyne Stokes, stage curtains were added, and a green room was constructed behind the stage. The first marque was installed with assistance from the Monroe County Bank. Our building loan was paid in full with a generous donation by the late Mr. James Pettigrew, a dedicated patron. Recently, new lighting and sound equipment has been installed, the marque was updated to digital messaging, and extra stage curtains added with help from grants and other wonderful donors. The Backlot Players strive to continue improvements on the Rose Theater to keep this amazing building strong for years to come.