The Weis Theater was built in the midst of the post-World War II construction boom. News reports described the facility as "completely fireproof construction."* In addition, the theater held the distinction of having one of the largest movie screens in the South and was the first theater in the Southeast to be built with air conditioning adjustable to the needs of the audience. Owners Mr. and Mrs. Fred G. Weis promised and delivered a "completely new and modern motion picture theater," constructed on the site of a bowling alley that had been damaged by fire. The Weis family theater dynasty also included the Savannah Theater, the Roxy Theater, the East Side Theater, and the Bibb Theater in Macon. On February 14, 1946, the Weis Theater opened its doors with an 11 a.m. showing of Enchanted Forest starring Brenda Joyce and Edmund Lowe. The morning paper's description of the Weis read, "Not only has the management gone to lengths to acquire the most attractive decorations and appointments for the new theater, but will offer the best which can be procured in projection equipment and sound devices." The Weis remained a working theater, presenting live shows as well as films, until 1980, when the emergence of multi-screen suburban cinemas drew audiences away from downtown. The Savannah College of Art and Design purchased the Weis Theater to provide a multi-purpose facility for the emerging media and performing arts department as well as a venue for the annual spring fashion show and for screening student films, videos and computer animations. The theater hosts a variety of performances, concerts and lectures for the college and community. By restoring the theater to its former Art Moderne splendor, and by attracting major performers, the college has contributed to the revival of the Savannah theater district. back to top