There is nothing like live theatre for entertainment, and although professional theatre is…read moreconsidered the ultimate in theatre experience, throughout my life I have enjoyed community theatres just as much or even greater. After having been selected as number 4 of Yelp's Top 50 most prolific Elites of 2025, a year when I also was awarded the Yelp Triad Squad Photographer of the Year Award at their Yelpies 2025 Award Ceremony, an event that honored the highest-performing Yelp Elites, and where last year I was awarded the Yelp Triad Squad Yelper of the Year Award, I decided that this year, as an All-Star Yelp Elite, I not only wanted to be the first to discover new restaurants and businesses, and bring them to the attention of the public, but also to uncover those found in hidden paths that for one reason or another have not reached the public in its totality. And Showtimers Community Theatre of Roanoke, Virginia, is a perfect example. This week, I happened to discover this non-profit, volunteer driven venue established in 1951, dedicated to fostering life-long appreciation of the performing arts through non-professional theatre productions. And today, I had the pleasure of visiting the theatre for the very first time and watch the production of "The Shark is Broken." Roanoke's oldest continuously running community theatre, originally performed at Roanoke College, and in 1961 they purchased a former church on McVitty Road, which now houses the intimate 138-seat venue, that produces five mainstage shows annually. I arrived early to be able to explore the theatre's lobby, and ask some questions at their ticket office. The beautiful building is located on top of a small hill with plenty of parking spaces. After parking my Lexus in a space near their entrance, I climbed up some stairs with eight steps and reached the building's nice size porch with a lovely light blue door entrance. I'm not sure if it has another easily accessible entrance but I think it might have because I saw some older guests inside that I'm sure couldn't have climbed all those stairs. I found the entrance front door unlocked and left a little bit opened, like if inviting guests to come in on this dark and cold showtime evening. Inside, the staff there were very friendly and welcoming. When I told them this was my first time there they allowed me to hang out in the lobby, looking at all the pictures and theatrical posters from previous shows. I also shared with them how when I lived in Boston I visited over 45 community theaters from cities and towns all around the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. One was even in a farm and the seats were squared pieces of hay. How the first professional Musical I saw had been a Broadway Show in New York City at the age of 14 and was called Pippin, staring John Rubinstein as Pippin and Ben Vereen as the leading player and directed by Bob Fosse. And how during my college years, I had the opportunity of watching Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the Wang Center in Boston with the main character played by Donny Osmond. And how during my time living in Miami I was an active Board Member of two community theaters. At seven o'clock sharp they opened the doors to the theatre and a volunteer guided me to my seat in Row J, Seat 8. Which happened to be in the center of the front row. It's amazing how in a very short time the theatre got completely full of people coming to watch this show. The three main actors did an excellent job performing and I was able to meet them in person at the end of the show at the porch of the building to congratulate and thank them for a wonderful show. I feel the Performing Arts enrich our lives and for this reason I highly recommend you visit this gem of a community theatre. Go watch a show there. Make a donation of time or money by volunteering and giving them your support. Believe me, you will be getting back a lot more than what you put in.

This is a quaint local theater that you probably never really knew existed. It's right off of…read moreElectric Road across Keagey Village. To me, it looks like an old church. Established in 1959, they have featured several local plays and musicals per year. Many local singers and actors have performed here. I have enjoyed many performances here. I estimate that the seating is just about 150 people. For refreshments, they have candy, chips, cookies and soda/pop/Coke (whatever you call a carbonated drink from where you live) and they're reasonably priced, as are the shows. Considering it is only a half skip and a jump from where I live, I frequently come for an entertaining afternoon. It's a great small local theater with excellent performances. Because of the small venue, there really ain't a bad seat in the house. Parking ain't too bad none either. Check them out, sometime. You won't be disappointed.

Our server Haley was amazing! Tonight was our first time here and she was very informative and…read moreprovided great service to our entire table all night!

As an adult tapper, I cannot be happier about my dance experience. I love being in recitals-…read moreespecially the costumes! After 18 years with Miss Sharon , I can say that If I can dance then, yes, you can dance, too! FYI- I started dance at 57 years young!

I've been with this studio for eleven years and can honestly say it's been such an amazing…read moreexperience. They have the most caring and wonderful teachers. It's such a pleasure to dance with this studio. Would always recommend this studio to anyone who is interested in learning to dance or even just going to have fun!

We love this place. It's such a great throwback to the good old days. My wife and I have gone to…read moremovies, concerts etc. The service is always great and a lot of fun. It beats the mega theaters. We attended the Rocky Horror Picture Show here also. It was a lot of fun. They had a theater group along with the movie. It's a cult classic. It's a can't miss if they have it this fall. The staff upbeat also. Very friendly.

This Historic and Non-profit theatre which opened its doors more than 90 years ago as a local icon…read morein Grandin Village, continues to be the center of attraction of this dynamic neighborhood in the City of Roanoke. Today I decided to go visit and experience first hand the magic behind this theatre that besides showing movies and holding special events, it has and will always be the heart of this community, and as I was able to see and experience for myself offers a unique movie going experience. When I first arrived, I was fascinated with the magnificent restoration of this Historic Art Deco Architectural building. Little did I know that I was about to experience one of the best movie going experiences of a lifetime. For I discovered that a local community movie theatre is more than just a place to go watch a movie and eat popcorn. It is a place to feel the pulse of fervent community in action. At the ticket booth I was greeted by a young lady and asked to go inside to purchase my ticket because her computer was not working as it should. So I proceeded to do so and walked over to the concession stand where a lady greeted me with a warm welcome and not only sold me the ticket but after I asked her about the theatre, she gave me a personal description of key points of its structure as well as other activities that took place here. Among other things she told me about the Art Gallery on the second floor, the different viewing rooms and the two owls located in the main one, and other events and activities that they have year round including the fundraisers. Also, tonight they were having the Rocky Horror Picture Show showcased by the Tolls of Madness Troupe from Virginia Tech. The cast will dress like the ionic characters and encourage audience participation through callback lilines aimed at the screen and throwing various props as called for by the film. Needless to say the two shows for tonight were sold out. What an exciting event here in this community movie theatre in the Star City of Roanoke! One could see the excitement and enthusiasm of all the theatre employees, from the ones behind the concession stand selling the popcorn to the ones finishing putting up some light up the stairs to the second floor as part of the Halloween decorations. Inside the main viewing room I was impressed with natural red brick walls and the two owls. The chairs even though they weren't as reclinable as some of the ones in new modern theatres, they made you feel at home, maybe because they reminded me of the many time I went to my hometown movie theatre before many of them have become extinct due to lack of creative management and competition from the big new modern ones. Last time I went to one of those the room temperature was so hot to the point of being uncomfortable. But here, in this cozy and warm not so little theatre, the air-condition worked just fine and contributed to the excellent movie watching experience. As I was leaving there was a crowd of people outside waiting to come in for the Rocky Horror Picture Show; and I thought to myself: Now I know and have experienced the magic behind the Grandin Theatre and wish everyone who reads my review can do the same.

Art On 1st is a very special art gallery, as you will see from my review. Last Friday was the…read moreOpening Night of their current exhibition "Love in Many Colors: An exhibition of art exploring the many different colors and types of love." I considered it very appropriate to visit it and write a review, today, Friday, on Valentine's Day. This Art Gallery and Studio is owned by and features the paintings of Annie Schultz and the photography of Rick Sheridan. Their Mission is to strive to support, established, emerging, and aspiring artists and photographers through exhibitions, classes, and occasional open Studio time. It is dedicated to showcasing diverse artworks from local emerging artists and fostering a creative community. Through a diversity of workshops, it is also committed to teach and assist new artist how to prepare their artwork for exhibition and sale. The gallery space is also available to rent for photo shoots, art lectures, and other related activities. Located in Downtown, Roanoke, in the heart of some of the best art galleries and restaurants in the area, on the corner of 1st Street SW and Kirt Avenue, it is the ideal location to experience the best of the best of what the City of Roanoke has to offer to its community and visitors as well. The building itself is Historic and very well renovated, maintaining its beautiful, original mosaic and hardwood floors. The corner entrance glass doors and two display windows are perfectly placed to allow the natural light in and to be able to observe all beautiful sunset as well. Besides the art gallery and studio, it also has a fully equipped modern darkroom, for young photographers to be able to learn, through workshops offered, how to take traditional film photography and how to develop and print their own photographs. As I entered through the gallery's front door, I was amazed to see a variety of art media in their current exhibition. There was oil paintings, stained glass hanging windows, sculptures, photography, jewelry, artisctic works in rare and exotic woods such as a beautiful carved wood set to play cards, among others. There was also a square table next to their computer full of brochures, business cards, and other very informative art and photography literature from around the area. Both the owners of this gallery were amazing individuals, very warm and welcoming with wonderful personality and a desire to enjoy their art and assist the newer artists by sharing all their knowledge, experience, and expertise. I highly recommend to all those reading my review and viewing my photographs that accompany it, to definitely give this gallery a visit. You will find some lovely artworks at very reasonable prices that will make beautiful gifts for yourselves, special friends, or loved ones. As you purchase these items, you will be supporting and encouraging young artists, and giving special meaning to their lives.

Great gallery space! Lots of emerging artists and affordable art pieces. Exhibitions and fun art…read moreclasses offered regularly. Could be great for an event or Girl's Day Out!

This place has an amazing ambiance, and makes it feel like you're going to the movies as a kid…read moreagain!

We were there to see one of the newest blockbuster action movies. Check in was easy, popcorn was…read moregreat. Prices were sooooo cheap! Sound quality great and tons of room inside with an incredibly high ceiling in the theater. Very comfortable and felt like we're had plenty of room to ourselves.

Is there anything to dislike about over 75+ pinball machines at one price as long as you like? Had…read morea ball for hours going from machine to machine that looked appealing. The one time admission for adults is $15. They offer senior discounts. The museum is on the second floor wgich is accessed by stairs, or elevator. Restrooms are on the first floor as well as a candy shop. I found all the machines that I played in good working order. Thankfully it was not too busy on a Saturday afternoon and had no wait for anything. I took a photo of everything I played, around fifteen pinball machines in around two hours and had a ball. Unfortunately my childhood machine "Time Warp" was not in their collection. A few favorites were Star Wars, Elton John, Mandalorian and Fun House which pastas there most popular. Easy recommendation and full 5 stars. My wrist got a workout, but was fun!

We had a great time playing pinball. Some of the older machines were better than the newer ones,…read morethough all of them were at least 30 years old. It was a bit surprising that they didn't have any historical information about the machines. The machines were in great working condition.

You wouldn't think that a university known for technology would have a great performing arts…read morecenter, but it does. The Center for the Arts at Virginia Tech is small, but there's a lot of creativity happening in this building. Not just performing arts, either. Although, they do have a wonderful stage and lots of comfortable seats at which to watch performances. This is also a place to view visual arts -- they have rotating art exhibits located throughout the building. It's also a place to hear concerts, and lots of other creative endeavors. It's not just for students, either. Many of these things are open to the public. When I visited, there were some elementary kids on a field trip, learning about the center and doing projects. The Center for the Arts collaborates with local schools to offer programs to students for free, which is pretty neat.