Home10 Spots to Explore at the Bilheimer Capitol Theatre

10 Spots to Explore at the Bilheimer Capitol Theatre

Oct 6, 2023

Coming to the Nancy and David Bilheimer Capitol Theatre? Arrive early and take some time to explore the historic theatre with these ten great spots during your next visit! 

The theatre, originally named The Capitol Theatre, opened in March 1921 and quickly became a notable addition to the Clearwater community. While the 103-year-old building was beautifully restored in 2013, there are still many artifacts and original embellishments on display. 

1. Located near the Grand Lobby, the brick Panel of Honor Wall was discovered during renovations which featured a number of Clearwater citizens who had served in World War I. 

2. On display in the Grand Lobby are two of the original theatre chairs from 1921. 

3. A unique feature inside the auditorium on house left includes a double-wide seat named after philanthropist and inventor, Donald Roebling. 

4. Head towards the Hideaway Bar and as you ascend the stairs to the mezzanine, you’ll see a variety of framed black-and-white photos showcasing the early days of Clearwater. 

5. Just outside the Ray & Geri Trautlein Dress Circle Lounge, you’ll find Geri’s dance shoes on display along with sheet music celebrating the couples love of the performing arts! 

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Looking for an Instagram-worthy spot to showcase your evening? Pick from a variety of locations throughout the theatre including: 

6. While at the Hideaway Bar, order up a prohibition-style drink and cheers! 

7. Continue through the mezzanine and you’ll find one of Clearwater’s original, hand-painted murals, featuring The Clearwater Sun Newspaper. 

8. Take the elevator to the 3rd floor and as the doors open, get your camera ready! The Clearwater mural on display was replicated from a vintage Clearwater postcard dated back to the 1920s. 

9. From the elevator lobby, as you head towards Frenchy’s Rooftop Terrace, strike a pose overlooking Downtown Clearwater and the newly imagined Coachman Park! 

10. Prefer the stairs? As you head towards the Ray & Geri Trautlein Dress Circle Lounge located on the 2nd floor, the walls have been adorned with vintage posters of movies previously screened at the theatre during the early years. 

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Now that you’ve arrived and are scoping out the best spots throughout the theatre, don’t miss these additional amenities! 

  • Frenchy’s Rooftop Terrace is the place to be for happy hour before you head inside for the show.* 

  • Inside the lobby, the main bar offers full-service drinks including a variety of liquor and wine, along with local, imported, and craft beers.  

  • Looking for something sweet or savory? An assortment of candy and snacks are also available including fresh popcorn and pretzels! 

  • Inside the auditorium features six private loge boxes that seat up to four guests and include a choice of drinks and snacks. For details on how to reserve a private box for your next visit, visit here. 

  • The luxurious Ray & Geri Trautlein Dress Circle Lounge offers dress circle members a private bar, a select menu of appetizers along with a private balcony overlooking downtown Clearwater and Coachman Park. Become a Dress Circle member today to gain access to the Dress Circle Lounge plus additional benefits offered at Ruth Eckerd Hall venues. 

As you settle into your seat for the show, take a moment to scroll through your camera roll and pick your best shots from the night! Check in on Facebook or Instagram and tag @BilheimerCap before you post. Share your favorite moments from the show and use #BilheimerCap to be featured on the venue’s socials! 

CAPITOL_121422_21_URSO 1440x720.jpg*Frenchy’s Rooftop Terrace is only available to ticket holders, weather permitting.