Shreveport’s Capri Theatre renovation nears completion

SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – The Capri Theatre in downtown Shreveport is going through a facelift before reopening its doors to the public.

The theatre first opened its doors in the 1910s as the Saenger Theatre, and primarily offered movie showings. After being renamed to the Capri, it was a nightclub in the late ’80s and early ’90s, when Creative Director John Lomax first experienced the space.

“This was the very first building I came into as a young airman. I asked people where I should go out and they recommended this place. And I fell in love with the building immediately,” he shares.

Some of the renovations completed over the last month and a half include new floors, fresh paint on the walls, and restoring the bar. Lomax says the restoration team strived to keep the history of the building intact during the process.

“We kept the pieces that we needed to make it function for what it’s going to be. But really tried not to add anything, and keep it as original as humanly possible,” he explains.

The Capri Theatre will primarily function as a concert and rental venue, with occasional movie showings.

“We’ve gotten so much love from so many different people coming by, visiting, watching the progress, and watching the sign outside. It’s really exciting to see people get energized about the facility coming back online. We’re really excited to show it to people,” Lomax shares.

The first event at the Capri Theatre will be CosKira, a cosplay rave following the tenth annual Geek’d Con on August 23.

The event is from 8 p.m. to 3 a.m. and is open to those aged 17 and older.