No matter how the stock market is performing, DeKalb’s Egyptian Theatre shows everything from live comedy acts to a haunted house.

The theatre’s season starts in September and the schedule is almost finalized, Alex Nerad, the Egyptian Theatre operations director, said. One event, the haunted house, is running eight nights this year and is expected to attract 3,000 patrons, he said.

“We have a very full fall schedule,” he said.

Also in this fall’s line-up, the horror movie week which appeals to the university students will run from Oct. 6 to 8 and end with a showing of “Rocky Horror Picture Show,” Nerad said.

The theatre’s season lasts for 42 weeks and hosts over 100 events, Nerad said. Around 25 community groups participate in theatre activities, he said.

Last season, the Second City Chicago show had around 800 people in attendance, Nerad said.
The Egyptian Theater is a “fully restored, Egyptian Art Deco movie palace, operated and staffed by the volunteer group, P.E.T. Inc. (Preservation of the Egyptian Theatre),” according to EgyptianTheatre.org.

The Egyptian Theatre opened shortly after the 1929 stock market crash and is celebrating its 80th anniversary on Dec. 10, Nerad, said. After eight decades, the theatre is still here and supported, he said.

“I think that’s a testament not only to the arts and entertainment, but in the bold support of the community,” he said. “It’s just amazing to look back at the past 80 years.”

The theatre’s architect designed the theatre around the central theme of Pharaoh Ramses II during an eera when the nation was caught up in the phenomenon around the discovery of King Tut’s tomb, according to EgyptianTheatre.org.

The theatre volunteers often receive compliments about the reasonable concession stand prices and the quality of the popcorn, Nerad said. The concession stands are run by volunteers and all profits go toward the theatre, he said.

Currently, the theatre is engaged in a fundraising campaign to replace the seats in the auditorium.

The seats are actually the original ones from when the theatre was first built, Nerad said.
“Being 80 years old they very much need to be replaced,” he said.

The two month replacement project is expected to begin next summer.

Check out EgyptianTheater.orgfor the full season schedule.

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