A Cinematic City Centerpiece: History of the Tift Theatre

Published 4:43 pm Thursday, January 5, 2023

TIFTON — Ask any Tifton resident about the hot spots in town, and there’s no doubt the Tift Theatre will be on many of the lists.

The building has served as the shining jewel of Downtown Tifton’s Main Street for nearly a hundred years, and while it may not show movies as much as it did in its heyday, it still remains a prominent part of the city.

Opened in 1937 by way of the Martin Theatre Company, the theatre premiered its first film, “Pennies from Heaven,” that February to the delight of the community. The movie would quickly become inextricably tied to the theater, as much a part of its identity as its vintage interior and iconic sign.

The theatre would provide the city with films for another 50 years, operating through multiple local and world events and giving Tifton residents fond memories of countless entertaining evenings.

“I’ve heard a bunch of people say that when they were younger, (the theatre) is where they went and saw movies,” Alex Joyner, interim theater manager, said.

While the theatre would close its doors in 1987, the impact it left on Tifton would not be forgotten, nor would the community leave it behind.

When the Tift Theatre was given to the Downtown Development Authority in 1989, Tifton residents banded together to preserve and restore what had become a cherished part of their city.

Through the years of traffic, the theatre had become worn down and in need of repairs, but through the efforts of the city and its people, funds were raised to renovate and rejuvenate the building.

“The community rallied to support the effort to refurbish the Tift Theatre,” Emily Beeman, acting city manager, said. “Many were nostalgic for it, others realized the significance the arts could play in the community, but no matter the reason, they were a strong impetus in mobilizing this effort.”

The DDA continued to operate the theatre following its reopening, putting on various shows with help of organizations and performers in the community, but would ultimately hand the reins over to the city in 2013. The city continues to manage it.

While the theatre no longer regularly shows films, it retains its role as a hub of entertainment to this day.

Indeed, it has even expanded its catalog of entertainment and production to plays, comedy shows, conferences and some dabbling as an event space to privately rent for gatherings or weddings.

And from time to time, a cinematic experience may make its way back through the “Magic Eye” doors. Whether it’s in a showing of “Pennies from Heaven,” a premiere of a movie filmed in Tifton or a film for the season, each movie brings those old cherished memories back to the people of Tifton.

Funding from the Fox Theatre Institute will ensure the Tift Theatre marquee is restored to its former glory.

Tifton City Council unanimously accepted a FTI grant Nov. 7, for tackling issues with the theatre’s marquee.

“The theatre is a lovely place, a historic place – in Tifton, one of the most historic,” Joyner said. “I love that theatre so much and I want everyone to know how much I love it and how much it means to Tifton.”