SUMTER, S.C. — The Sumter Opera House has been a staple in the community for 125 years, but many have never seen inside.
More than 500 chairs fill the theatre leading to the main stage, where dozens of artists and performers alike have graced the concert hall throughout the years.
"You can see artists in large 2,000, 3,000 seat venues, or you can see them in intimate spaces like this," Seth Reimer, cultural manager for the city, said.
Shows of culture and comedy, music and electric performances have promoted the arts with the backdrop of a historic monument — Sumter's Opera House.
The original opera house opened in 1872 and included the town hall, city offices, a jail and a market.
It burned down two decades later, but, in less than a year, officials began building a new, larger building that would soon represent a flourishing example of Sumter as a culture and entertainment center.
"When you walk through that second set of wooden doors and you see the glory and grandeur in this kind of hidden treasure, you'll walk away feeling like this was a great experience for you and one that you'll want to duplicate," Reimer said.
A clock tower sits outside as a symbol of Sumter, still standing after decades and showing that, although time changes, the opera house will remain a staple in the city.
For more information on the Sumter Opera House including tickets and showtimes click here.
News 19's Street Squad discovered this story while talking to people in Sumter's community.
If you have a story idea you'd like to share, email StreetSquad@WLTX.com, use the #StreetSquad19, or click here to connect with Street Squad Sumter on Facebook.