Orpheum Theatre owner Jocelyn Dougherty reflects on 110 years of movie magic at the iconic theatre. 

“It’s exciting for the whole community to reach such a milestone for the movie theatre,” said Dougherty.

The theatre opened on April 6, 1914. When the theatre first came to be, it hosted silent pictures, where pianists and orchestras were hired to provide the music and sound effects. Vaudeville acts, dramas, and plays were all an integral part of the theatre when it began.  

In 1929 the first “talking picture” was shown at the theatre in Estevan, and still has the capability to show 35mm film. 

“I wish the walls could talk because the history and the things the theatre has seen over the years would be amazing to know,” said Dougherty. 

For the 100-year anniversary, they brought in a pianist from Colorado who specializes in silent films. Dougherty said that the high school students were apprehensive of how they would like a film in this format, but were pleasantly surprised, and came back for a second show.  

The Dougherty’s took ownership of the theatre in 1998 and have completed some upgrades to the plumbing and electrical. They also added a second screen to the theatre, in 2014, which marked the centennial anniversary.  

“We’ve been told not to touch anything with the ceiling or the walls because that will change the acoustics in the place.”   

Over the last 26 years, Jocelyn said that they have had a lot of highlights with live performances at the theatre. Some of these include Randy Bachmann, and most recently two sold-out shows for Johnny Reed.  

“We’ve had a lot of classic rock and roll, and live country artists so we’ve enjoyed doing all that as much as we can.”  

Amid the many highs for the theatre, there have also been some difficult times such as when the pandemic hit, and they had to close the doors for six months. Dougherty added that the strike in Hollywood also had an impact as it has limited the number of new movies coming out that they can show.  

Dougherty said that she and her husband are overwhelmed by the ongoing support in the community, and the congratulatory messages they have received.  

“It’s a chance to get away from your life and all the problems that come with it, for two hours you can just zone in on the movie and forget about everything else.” 

She added that a movie theatre is still a great place for a first date or just to hang out with your friends.  

For this year's celebrations, they are showing a variety of films free of charge. Guest number 110 on each day will receive a swag bag featuring promo items from a few different movies, as well as gift certificates to the theatre.