Detroit Theater Pipe Organs

The silent movies were never actually silent. In any given theatre, there would have been a piano, an orchestra, a pipe organ, or some combination thereof, and their job was to accompany films and stage acts. During that glorious, glamorous Golden Era of the silent film, a time period that roughly spanned from 1911 to 1930, over 130 of the theatres in the Detroit metro area acquired some sort of a pipe organ. What they were, where they were, and what happened to many of them will be soon revealed.

Senate TheaterFebruary 2, 2020Senate Theater

Anna Burch music video filmed at the Senate

Detroit musician Anna Burch directs and stars in “Not So Bad”, shot at the historic Senate Theater in Detroit. The song is taken from Anna Burch's sophomore album, If You're Dreaming, out April 3, 2020.

Community EventsSenate TheaterJanuary 23, 2020Senate TheaterAnna Burch, Music, Community Events, Artists

Showtime at the Senate - A New Podcast on Film

Showtime at the Senate is our new preview show/podcast! Each week we'll discuss the Senate Theater's upcoming show and give you some information about the film, the event surrounding our screening and why we wanted to show it to you all!

Hosted by Senate Theater movie committee member Nick Baldwin. This weeks guests are fellow movie committee member Lindsay Robillard and local tarot card reader Zoe Villegas. We discuss our upcoming celebration of all things Bowie, Stardust at the Senate, and film Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars, directed by D.A. Pennebaker. Recorded at MusicTown in Downtown Detroit.

MoviesSenate TheaterJanuary 7, 2020Senate TheaterMovies, Showtime at the Senate, Podcast

We've come a long way from the Iris Theatre!

The Detroit Theater Organ Club (the original name for the Detroit Theater Organ Society) rented the theater for three years before they out grew the facility.

Senate TheaterJanuary 3, 2020Senate Theater

What ever happened to the original Robert Morton installed in the Senate Theater?

What ever happened to the original Robert Morton installed in the Senate Theater?We all know that our Theater was built in 1926. Some may not know that Our beloved opus 1954 Wurlitzer was not the first to fill the place with Theater organ music.

Senate TheaterDecember 23, 2019Senate Theater

Boiler Replacement Fundraiser: 87% to Goal!

A HUGE thank you to everyone who has already donated to the boiler replacement fund. On Giving Tuesday alone, $795 turned into $1,590. With two weeks to the New Year, we know we can raise the final $3,900. Please consider chipping in $10, $25, or $50, or asking a friend to join what you've already given. Thank you all and we look forward to welcoming to you a warm and energy efficient theater in 2020!

Senate TheaterDecember 20, 2019Senate Theater