The Friends of Old Town Theatre project was first organized in 1997 as a community non-profit, dedicated to the restoration and reopening of Huntsville's Old Town Theatre on the downtown square. The building had served in its earliest years as a downtown movie theater. When the organization acquired the building, it was in severe disrepair, and the long and grueling process of rebuilding began.

Friends President Gene Myrick and his board members worked tirelessly with the help of a small band of friends and supporters to gather community donations and arts and foundation grants funding, and construction began. The theater received a generous donation in 2001, one year after opening, from the late LuEllen Gibbs, an early supporter and friend to the project, and the title of J. Philip Gibbs, Jr., Centre for the Performing Arts was added to its name.

Today the theater hosts music performances, dramatic and musical theater, dance, film and community events. It is home to Community Theatre and the Sam Houston Classic Film Series.

We are proud to offer the theatre to the community as a downtown venue for the arts, and we welcome everyone to join us as we continue to provide the families and children of our community with quality entertainment and education in the arts. Thank you for your support!