For our trip around Greensburg, students visited local businesses to learn more about the community and the people who help shape it. One stop on the walk was the historic The Palace Theatre, where staff members shared insight into the theater’s long history, challenges, and success in the entertainment industry.
The theater first opened in September of 1926, and in 2026, it will celebrate 100 years of operation. Since opening its doors nearly a century ago, The Palace Theatre has remained an important part of the Greensburg community, adapting to changing trends in entertainment through every decade. Representatives from the theater explained that the entertainment industry constantly changes depending on what audiences enjoy most at the time. “Sometimes rock is in, or pop is really in, or rap,” they explained, showing how the business must continue responding to the community’s interests and wants.
The Palace Theatre continues to stay involved in the local arts community through events and collaborations. Recently, the theater hosted its annual Art Walk in partnership with the Westmoreland Cultural Trust and Seton Hill University. Events like these help bring people together while supporting local artists and performers.
Although the theater has experienced success, staff members said one of the biggest challenges is the uncertainty of live entertainment. Bringing performers to the venue can cost anywhere from $60,000 to $75,000 for a single show, and ticket sales determine whether the event succeeds financially. If people do not buy tickets or fail to attend, it directly impacts the business and its ability to continue hosting performances.
Over the years, The Palace Theatre has welcomed many major acts to its stage, including the Jonas Brothers, ZZ Top, and the Dollylama. These performances have helped establish the theater as one of the area’s most recognizable entertainment venues.
When asked what it takes to succeed, the owner emphasized the importance of “confidence, persistence, and kindness — not niceness, kindness. They’re different.” They also stressed the value of teamwork, saying success comes from “finding a team that is successful because of each other.” After nearly 100 years in operation, The Palace Theatre continues to prove how community support, adaptability, and dedication can keep a local business thriving.
