Movietone soundtrack of music and sound effects. Although equipped for live acts, the Capitol operated primarily as a movie house for the next 46 years. Occasional touring groups were accommodated on the stage, however, including Art Kahn's Orchestra, and Paul Whiteman's Rhythm Boys (including Bing Crosby) with the California Ramblers, both in 1929. For a few years in the 1930s, Paramount and RKO unit vaudeville were added to film shows two or three times per week. In the 1940s and 1950s, some big bands toured at the Capitol, including Paul Whiteman and Tommy Dorsey. In 1939, the Capitol received an Art Deco facelift. New lighting fixtures, wall tapestry, carpeting, seating, and painting complemented the original Spanish-Moorish architecture. In addition, a new marquee was erected over the old framework, and the blade sign was removed. Because of changing tastes and competition from television, movie audiences declined. The Capitol closed in 1974; the last film shown first run was The Exorcist. Leased around the same time by Cinema National, Inc., the theater remained shuttered until 1985. At that time it was purchased, renovated and re-opened as the Capitol Civic Center, Inc., a theatre for the performing arts. Capitol Civic Center Among the various live and film shows throughout the year, the theatre hosts an annual silent film and early talkie festival, Capitolfest, which has been held annually since 2003. Films at the Capitol are shown from 35mm prints on the theatre's carbon-arc, variable-speed movie projectors. The theatre seats up to 1,788 people, including the balcony, mezzanine, house, and orchestra areas. Restoration projects Still in place is the theatre's original historic 3-manual, 10-rank Möller theatre organ. Restoration of the organ to working condition started in 2002, when three ranks were added. Since then it has been used on a regular basis, providing dramatic effects when accompanying silent movies. This organ is maintained by the Rome Grand Theatre Organ Society, a chapter of the American Theatre Organ Society. Restoration efforts by the Capitol Theatre are ongoing; the multi-year restoration will begin with an $800,000 marquee and blade installation, with efforts continuing to eventually restore the interior of the Capitol to its appearance in 1939. The newly restored 1939 ticket booth was installed in front of the theatre in December 2009. The theater underwent further renovations in 2021, including installing a marquee. The last marquee was removed in 1977. References External links Home page of