Forum Theatre

115 E. Monroe Avenue,
Jonesboro, AR 72401

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Forum Theatre (Official)

Additional Info

Previously operated by: Malco Theatres Inc., Paramount Pictures Inc., Universal Chain Theatrical Enterprises Inc.

Architects: D.J. Wolpert

Functions: Live Performances

Styles: Neo-Georgian, Spanish Revival

Previous Names: Strand Theatre

Phone Numbers: Box Office: 870.935.2726
Manager: 870.935.2726

Nearby Theaters

Forum Theatre

The 1,262-seat Strand Theatre was opened by Universal Pictures on January 1, 1927 with Laura La Plante in “Butterflies in the Rain” & George J. Lewis in “The Collegians”. It was equipped with a Wangerin organ which was opened by organist Prince Parkhurst. The theatre features a graceful Neo-Georgian style facade, with four pilasters of light stone over red brick. Over the main entrance is a small pediment with two large windows over it, lighting the lobby. The Strand Theatre was the largest theatre in the Jonesboro area for more than 40 years.

It was acquired by the city of Jonesboro in the late-1970’s and restored to its original beauty and today hosts live performances and community events, now called the Forum Theatre.

Like many theatres, the Forum Theatre allegedly has its very own ghost, which has been nicknamed “Charlie”, which has said to have been more mischievous than scary.

Contributed by Bryan

Recent comments (view all 7 comments)

teecee
teecee on March 14, 2005 at 3:38 pm

Small color photo on this link (don’t try to expand without a password:
View link

Ken Roe
Ken Roe on March 14, 2005 at 4:09 pm

The Film Daily Yearbook, 1950 list the seating capacity of the Strand Theatre as 1,147.

It was operated by Paramount Theatres Inc. through a sudsidiary company Malco Theaters Inc. (M.A. Lightman, President and General Manager)

Joe Vogel
Joe Vogel on October 3, 2012 at 5:39 pm

This item from the May 30, 1925, issue of The Reel Journal might have been about the Strand Theatre:

“$100,000 JONESBORO THEATRE.

“D. J. Wolpert, architect. Jonesboro, Ark., has finished plans for the new house for the Jonesboro Amusement Company, of which E. Y. Collins is manager The structure will cost $100,000 and will be two stories high. It will contain a parquet, balcony and gallery. There will also be a full sized stage, ten dressing rooms, two restrooms and two offices. It will be Spanish in type and be of re-inforced concrete brick and terra cotta construction.”

Joe Vogel
Joe Vogel on October 3, 2012 at 5:47 pm

The current official web site is at this link.

Joe Vogel
Joe Vogel on November 24, 2012 at 2:16 pm

The January 11, 1927, issue of The Film Daily said that Universal had opened the Strand at Jonesboro, a $110,000 house seating 1,262.

AlanR1
AlanR1 on August 6, 2017 at 11:45 am

Are there no pictures of the old Strand theatre? I remember a giant lighted overhanging Marquee. It didn’t look like this restored version. I collected bottle caps for the price of admission to Saturday matinees when I was a kid. I loved this place.

bcoop716
bcoop716 on March 2, 2018 at 8:47 pm

Hello, I am part of a school group, and we are going to do a video over the Forum Theater and it’s history. I am wondering if any of you would be interested in sharing some of your experiences. You can e-mail me at

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