The Varsity Theatre showcases unique events –

Strolling down East Franklin Street, it might feel like you’re stepping back in time. Nestled between the local restaurants and UNC merchandise shops gleams the retro marquee of the Varsity Theatre.

Originally named the Carolina Theatre, the venue opened in 1927 as a single-theater, seating about 500 movie-watchers. Its name later changed to the Village Theatre in the 1940s and the Varsity Theatre in 1952.

The venue’s current owner, Paul Shareshian, said it would show popular films in its early days and, prior to him purchasing it in 2009, artistic independent films. It was when he took over that the space started to be more than your typical movie theater. Rather than just a film space, Shareshian added a stage for live performances. 

While one theater continues to be a traditional viewing room, the other — with the added stage — is equipped with a lighting and sound system, along with a silver screen fit for live performances. Every year, it hosts student theater productions, a cappella groups and other community events.

“The events that you could come there for, one has nothing to do with the other,” Shareshian said. “Even on the same day, we could run events that are back-to-back that are really polar opposites in some ways.”

In October, for example, audiences could see a blockbuster film, a stand-up comedy show and a performance of the cult classic “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” all in the same day, he said. 

“Rocky Horror” has been a way to celebrate Halloween at the Varsity since 1978. Currently, UNC student-led theatre group, Pauper Players, directs and produces the production. It features a shadow cast performance with queer themes and chaotic fun, Madi Ugan, a UNC senior who has directed the show for the past three years, said. 

Ugan said students lined up on campus to purchase tickets as early as 10:30 a.m. last year. It was the longest line they had seen for the event, selling almost 500 tickets across four performances at the historic venue.

“To know that we’re performing for an audience in a venue in the same place that other UNC students and alumni have performed in the past,” Ugan said. “I just think that’s so cool, honestly.”