The Princess Theater served the Ringgold County, Iowa, community of Mt. Ayr for over 70 years before closing its doors in June 1985. The theatre lived on as a plumbing supply store and bar before it was purchased by philanthropist Paul Ramsey of the Ramsey Farm Foundation and donated to a local community group for restoration. The non-profit Princess Theater Troupe ran with the project, raising over $370,000 to significantly renovate and update the theater location. By August 2008, renovations were completed and sold-out audiences watched a locally-produced live performance.

The volunteer-run theater is also equipped for movies, which are shown Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays when no live performances are scheduled. Check out the theater’s official website for current showtimes, and more information on the theater restoration project.