The Carol Theatre

Since opening in 1931, the theatre has been the home for movies and live events in Chestertown, New York. Just 20 minutes from Lake George and minutes from the Northway, we're located in the heart of the beautiful Adirondack hamlet of Chestertown - close to businesses, restaurants and the largest wilderness area in the eastern United States.

Currently open during the summer season, we host live events and are working to bring back film!

Our Mission

The Carol Center for the Arts, formed in 2019, as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, our mission is to strengthen the economic livelihood and cultural wealth of Northern Warren County and the greater Adirondack community by:

Revitalizing, updating, and maintaining the historic Carol Theatre in downtown Chestertown;
Bringing theatrical, musical, and performing arts productions to the community at the Carol Theatre, and beyond;
Bringing back film events to the community, and;
Work to foster and maintain an appreciation for film and the performing arts within the community.

A home for the arts and community gathering space helps support local businesses and brings people into town to shop, eat, drink, and enjoy a day or evening out in the community.

Want to help us further our mission? Make a donation today!

History

The Carol Theatre opened its doors in December 1931 as the Chester Theatre and has been the community stage and movie house ever since. The building was designed and built by Cohoes attorney, and Chestertown business owner, Walter "Pop" Wertime. Mr. Wertime, cherished what he built and enjoyed providing entertainment to the community. Upon his death in the 1950's, the new owner rented out the theatre space, renaming it The Carol Theatre after his daughter and built our signature marquee that has lit up the town ever since.

For 80 years, the theatre operated as a cinema and stage. In 2013, the last film was shown, as new movies were no longer available in film prints. The projection systems needed to run as an everyday, first-run movie house were not affordable and the theatre shuttered. With no new movies, the theatre went dark.

Fortunately, a local group of volunteers as part of the Tri-Lakes Business Alliance (now Tri-Lakes Community Alliance), organized and put on several concerts each summer. These shows helped reboot the theatre and bring people into the community for entertainment and education.

In 2019, the theatre building changed ownership and The Carol Center for the Arts was formed to revitalize the theatre continuing the tradition of offering quality, affordable performing arts - and to bring film back to the Carol in the digital era.

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102 Riverside Drive, Chestertown, NY