Know Your Neighbor: The Appalachian Theatre of the High Country
Your Downtown Stage Since 1938!
Meet the Appalachian Theatre of the High Country, the Art Deco landmark on West King Street that has been Downtown Boone’s gathering place for generations. Today it’s an independent nonprofit hosting live music, films, theatre, dance, and community events, with something on the marquee nearly every week.
"One of our goals as a nonprofit is to serve as the community's theatre--a space where we can gather not just for films and concerts, but where community events can thrive.” says Suzanne Livesay, Executive Director of the Appalachian Theatre. "We're excited to celebrate the Theatre's 88th birthday as a cultural anchor in Downtown Boone and for the High Country."
A Boone Landmark, Restored
Built in 1938, the Appalachian Theatre was likely the first Art Deco building in Watauga County, billed at the time as “Western Carolina’s Finest Theatre.” Doc Watson, Bill Monroe, and Flatt & Scruggs all played its stage. Over the decades it survived a fire, a flood, and a long stretch boarded up, and in 2011 a group of local business and community leaders began raising funds to save it from demolition.
After years of work, and $10 million raised (96% from private donors), the theatre reopened on October 14, 2019, with its original façade and marquee restored and a modern stage, sound, lighting, and projection inside.
What's Happening at App Theatre
The theatre hosts more than 200 events a year across live concerts, films, rentals, and educational programming. This month alone:
- Nov. 14: The App’s 88th Birthday Celebration, with an interactive screening of The Wizard of Oz
- Nov. 15: Hayde Bluegrass Orchestra, a blend of bluegrass and Nordic folk
- Nov. 17: Watauga Community Band’s 40th Anniversary Concert
- Coming up: Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder Christmas and Warren Miller’s Days Off
Annual favorites include the High Country Songwriter Festival, the High Country Jazz Festival, the Boone Docs Film Festival, and A Christmas Carol by Candlelight.
More Than a Night Out
App Theatre is also a community resource! The Community Room, which holds up to 113 guests, and the main auditorium are available for rentals. Summer musical theatre camps and school field trips bring young people through the doors, and more than 34,000 guests visited in the 2023-24 fiscal year alone.
Plan Your Visit
The Appalachian Theatre is located at 559 West King Street, right in the heart of Downtown Boone, next door to Town Hall. The lobby box office is open Tuesday-Friday, 11 AM-3 PM, and one hour before showtimes. Tickets are also available online 24/7.
Want to be part of the story? The Friends of the APP help present great artists and keep this historic stage thriving, and there are sponsorship, volunteer, and Take-A-Seat opportunities.
Appalachian Theatre of the High Country
559 West King Street, Boone, NC 28607
(828) 865-3000 | office@apptheatre.org