Misson & History

The Sun Theatre of Gothenburg has a long and proud history as a cultural cornerstone in this charming central Nebraska community of approximately 3,900 residents. Originally built in 1909 as an opera house, the building served live performances until 1926, when it was converted into a movie theatre by Glen VanWey.

​

By 1927, children could enjoy a silent movie accompanied by a live orchestra for just 10 cents, while adults paid 20 cents. The 1930s brought sound, Technicolor, and even a bit of controversy—when Gothenburg residents narrowly voted to allow movies to be shown on Sundays. During the Great Depression, when money was scarce, the theatre offered creative promotions like “Egg Night,” where a dozen eggs (valued at six cents) served as admission. Glen’s son, Ernie VanWey, continued the family tradition, operating the Sun as a full-time cinema until 1981.

​

In 1983, the Gothenburg Community Playhouse—a nonprofit organization formed in 1968—purchased the theatre after a successful community-wide campaign to “Save The Sun.” That pivotal moment preserved the theatre as a public gathering place and ensured its future as both a movie house and a live performance venue.

Since then, The Sun Theatre has thrived in its unique dual role, offering first-run movies nearly every weekend alongside live theatre productions, concerts, talent shows, and special events. This “split-personality” has allowed the theatre to serve audiences of all ages and interests while keeping entertainment affordable and accessible for the entire region.

​

Over the years, the Gothenburg Community Playhouse has continually reinvested in the theatre’s future. Major renovations and improvements have included new dressing rooms, stage curtains, acoustic and sound enhancements, exterior neon lighting, and numerous audience-comfort upgrades. Between 2012 and 2015, the theatre added digital projection, an ultra-bright screen, new auditorium seating, refinished wood floors, upgraded carpeting, insulation, improved heating and cooling, and additional restrooms for performers and guests.

In 2019, The Sun completed one of its most significant interior transformations with a full lobby remodel. This project included a brand-new concession area and the addition of two new modern restrooms, greatly improving both accessibility and the overall guest experience.

​

The modernization of The Sun has continued into the present day. In May 2023, the theatre installed a new Dolby sound processor and a new Barco digital projector, delivering sharper images and richer, more immersive sound for every movie and performance. In July 2024, the exterior of the historic building received a fresh new paint job, made possible through extensive fundraising efforts tied to the community-favorite Dancing with the Stars event—another shining example of Gothenburg coming together to support its theatre.

​

Today, The Sun Theatre remains fully self-supporting through memberships, donations, volunteer efforts, grants, and income from movies, concessions, and live entertainment. We do not receive tax or government funding; every dollar raised is reinvested back into the theatre. Our continued success and longevity are made possible by the dedication, generosity, and passion of our community—past, present, and future—who ensure that The Sun will keep shining for generations to come.​