The Sunrise Theater is now booking a private loft for your next party of 20-25 guests — including a 20-foot big screen surrounded by comfy couches and a dining room and concessions area with the option to add fresh popcorn, adult beverages, soda and candy.
With prices starting at $200 for 2 hours, you can enjoy the big screen for those family movies that would be thaaat much greater 20-feet wide, opt for a karaoke night with their microphones and sound system or bring in your gaming system for a tournament royale. Extra bonus? Guests who rent this space get their special message on the marquee for half off.
How Did the Space Come to Be?
“We started renovating this space in January or February of this year,” says MaryBeth Poplyk, Executive Director of The Sunrise Theater. “The community really came together for us. The couches were donated by Furniture of the Pines/DAHR, and she helped with the layout too. Some other community members donated furniture as well. And we had a wonderful donation from Tom Denza who refurbished the floors — being sure to keep the personality so they could last another 50 years.”
You may not realize that the theater is the oldest brick building in Southern Pines. Built in 1898, the downstairs was a hardware store and the upstairs was home to Odd Fellows Lodge and Meeting Place. It wasn’t until 1941 that a new company came in, blew out the back of the space and turned it into a theater that sat 800 people. (Which is pretty cray to think, since the Sunrise seats around 300 guests now).
What the Renovations Included
Some of the renovations included exposing some of that gorgeous aged brick in the dining room. If those walls could talk! You can also see the bolts that hold up the marquee from the inside. Historic charm at its finest.
Renovations of the space included fresh paint, new furniture, some handmade tables in the dining space, and restoring the floors. The loft has already been used for birthday parties, VIP Sponsor events, private dinners and board meetings.
The team is working on pricing for teams and book clubs to enjoy the space in the future. Outside food is welcome with an additional cleaning fee. To rent the space or find out more information, email to MaryBeth@sunrisetheater.com.
