Nevada's historic Camelot Theater offers monthly classic films, concerts as renovations continue
The nearly 100-year-old Camelot Theater, an iconic building in downtown Nevada, is being revitalized with a new bistro, rooftop bar as well as upstairs apartments in an effort to accompany the structure's return to its original architecture.
The 95-year-old theater has provided memories for many Nevada and Story County residents.
Proceeds from showings of classic films and monthly concerts will help fund the theater’s overhead while it plans for grander renovations, the Camelot Theater Foundation said.
So far, work on the building includes paint removal from the brick façade, which revealed the original buff color bricks and emerald-green ceramic tile in a crosshatch design.
Waterproofing and window restoration work are two other major parts of the project that have been completed.
Future construction phases, including adding a bistro kitchen, new restrooms and theater lobby renovations, are expected to start in 2024.
When finished, the theater transformation will provide two upper-story apartments, a restaurant, and a venue for cultural, business and social gatherings.
“Until this work begins, the foundation wanted to expand community events in order to get people in to see the theater and create excitement about the theater’s potential,” the Camelot Theater Foundation wrote in a news release.
More: Historic Camelot Theater in Nevada has new owner, plans for renovation including a bistro
Camelot building was built in 1928
The Camelot Theater's nearly century-long existence dates back to the classic revival architectural style of its creation in 1928, opening as the Circle Theater in downtown Nevada. Extensive renovations converted it into the Camelot Theater in 1969.
In 2020, city and community stakeholders identified the need for rehabilitation and preservation, which spawned the Camelot Theater Foundation.
The foundation’s mission is to revitalize and maintain the historic Camelot Theater as a self-sustaining community entertainment and meeting space. They hope their efforts enhance the vitality and landscape of downtown Nevada for the community, county and state.
Jeff Spencer of Story County Home Inspections has volunteered to be the project manager for the upcoming apartment renovations.
“Jeff has an appreciation for historic buildings and architecture, and was excited about the opportunity to become part of the restoration of the Camelot," a news release said. "He has taken responsibility for the apartment demo work prior to receiving contractors’ bids and beginning the makeover.
To initiate the next phase of work and prepare for future renovations, the foundation held a “clean up day” on March 25, removing junk from the upper apartments and basement. Pratt Sanitation donated dumpsters while many community groups assisted with labor, including Rotary, Jaycees, Kiwanis, Masons, Nevada High School’s football team, Nevada High School’s FFA, Main Street Nevada, and other community members.
“At the end of the day, there were three full dumpsters. Every storage space, the projector room, and the apartments had been purged of unnecessary junk and demoed materials, all the theater seats and floors had been wiped down, windows cleaned, and the stage and sound booth had been decluttered and the wiring reconfigured,” the foundation wrote. “It was truly an amazing example of community spirit and determination!”
Current renovations have done little to slow down the action at the Camelot Theatre, which will play host to several events throughout the summer.
Sign up to perform at open mic night
“Open Mic Night at the Camelot” will be held on the last Thursday of the month in June, July and August. All ages and all talent levels are welcome to perform, and the public is invited to watch the local talent. The first show is at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 29, during the weekly Nevada Farmers Market.
Admission is free and concessions will be available for purchase.
Sign-ups can be done through the foundation’s Facebook page or by emailing camelottheaterfoundation@gmail.com to perform.
RAGBRAI documentary ‘Shift’ to host five showings at the Camelot
The film “Shift: The RAGBRAI Documentary” will be screened June 22-25 at the Camelot.
Co-directors Courtney Crowder and Kelsey Kremer from the Des Moines Register teamed up on this documentary, which tells the stories of three cyclists and two community leaders and their experiences with the Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa. The ride celebrates its 50th anniversary this year and includes Story County on its route, including an overnight stay in Ames.
The characters in “Shift” overcome personal hurdles and extreme conditions as they find “peace, redemption and clarity while bicycling across Iowa,” according to the Facebook event.
“Shift” will be shown at 7 p.m. June 22-25 and at 2 p.m. June 25. Tickets are $8, with proceeds supporting the Camelot Theater Foundation and Des Moines Film.
What classic films will be shown at the Camelot Theater?
“Classic Movie Sundays” are held once a month, with two films scheduled in December. Admission is $5.
The lineup is:
July 9 — “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” at 6:30 p.m.
Aug. 20 — “Back to the Future” at 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 10 — “Mamma Mia” at 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 22 — “Psycho” at 6:30 p.m.
Nov. 12 — “Grumpy Old Men” at 6:30 p.m.
Dec. 3 — “It’s a Wonderful Life” at 6:30 p.m.
Dec. 10 — “The Polar Express” at 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
What concerts are scheduled at the Camelot Theater?
Concerts scheduled for the rest of this calendar year include:
July 14 — Joseph Hall, Elvis tribute artist
Sept. 8 — Matt Woods, Iowa homegrown roots and blues
Oct. 7 — The June Bugs, Iowa cover band showcasing women in the music industry
Nov. 18 — Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, 1950s and ‘60s rock ‘n’ roll
Dec. 1 — Joseph Hall, Elvis tribute artist, Christmas show
More: Story County's only popcorn shop, Bricktown Popcorn, opens in Nevada
To stay in touch with the Camelot Theater’s progress and upcoming events, check out the theater’s Facebook page, “Camelot Theater Foundation.”
Ronna Faaborg covers business and the arts for the Ames Tribune. Reach her at rlawless@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: Nevada's Camelot Theatre reveals plans for bistro, rooftop bar
