A group of passionate local investors is coming together to save the nearly 100-year-old Anthony Wayne Theater in Wayne, writes Caroline O’Halloran for Savvy Main Line.

The theater has been closed since it was shut down during the pandemic in March of 2020.

The “Anthony Wayne Theater” (AWT) is a 501©3 nonprofit of local business and arts leaders, including Ishana Night Shyamalan, daughter of the popular filmmaker.

The group is committed to preserving the historic theater and has leased the building. It plans extensive renovations before reopening as a hub for movies, live events and cultural programs.

“We’re excited there’s a plan to reopen the theater and revitalize the classic Art Deco building that’s been an anchor for our downtown,” said Wayne Business Association President Ken Kearns.

The renovations would turn the five screen rooms into three auditoriums—two larger, state-of-the-art screening rooms for first-run films, blockbusters and art films; and a smaller “highly adaptable” auditorium for live shows, including standup comedy, concerts TEDx talks and local arts performances.

The second floor will feature a podcast recording studio and e-gaming venue, according to the group’s plans.

The renovations are expected to be a multi-year, multi-million-dollar project.

Find out more about the Wayne Theater’s history in Savvy Main Line.

A promotion from six years ago to try and save the Anthony Wayne Theater.

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on DELCO Today in February 2025.