The Martin Theatre: A Downtown Landmark For 80 Years

By Val Schoger, Photography by Savannah Jane

On November 23, 1936, the “Ritz Theatre” opened its doors to Panama City movie audiences. The Martin family bought and renovated the building in the 1950s and gave it the name “Martin Theatre.” The building is a landmark and cultural focal point with a selection of movies shown  and presenting a variety of touring road shows, concerts, and local stage productions. Bold letters on the marquee change frequently to announce upcoming events. The property can also be rented for special events.

With 450 seats on a steep incline, the viewing experience and comfort at The Martin can compete with modern movie theaters. The building, with its boldly colored art deco façade, has seen three major renovations in the past decades and is currently undergoing maintenance and a face lift. We asked Barbara McMinnis, Executive Director of the Martin Theatre since 1990, what the  Theatre means to her. “It’s my portfolio,” she says. “It is the sum of the majority of my work as an artist but, more globally, I have to say that it’s been the center of so many people’s lives for 80 years, that it truly has become the heart of our community.”

Visit www.martintheatre.com/ for more information and upcoming events.