the empire theatre

The Empire Theater is a live music venue for music lovers, theatrical production patrons and film buffs who love the comfort afforded by the small classically renovated 700 seat soft seat theater. It was a labour of love to renovate from an old movie theater to the idyllic venue we all see to day. Any production and its overall enjoyment is multiplied by the ambiance and class of this venue. Music artists rave about the acoustics and amenities; along with its ability to record high quality music videos. The Empire Theater delivers a wide variety of live entertainment that is carefully hand -picked by Mark Rashotte and his team. We worth a visit if you are in Belleville and if you have the time to take in a show.

Considering its proximity to Toronto (a comfortable 2 hour drive to downtown), the names of musical acts that this little theatre manages to pull in, in a city of less than 50,000, continues to astound. The venue is small enough that there is no 'nosebleed' section; no matter where you sit you have that sense of intimacy. This is also the only place in town to see off-beat/indie or international film fare, the multiplex chain (belonging to Samsung Inc.) long ago having given way to the typical action blockbusters, rom-coms and other mindless fare. Let's continue to patronize this little theatre that could, and can.

Have attended many productions at this landmark Belleville Theatre. Staff are friendly and the theatre has been lovingly restored to it's simple elegance, comfy seats and great sound.

My daughters and I attended a show Theatre is small but clean and well maintained Unfortunately temperature was not adjusted we were cold through out the movie Staff are friendly and prompt Did not find anyone to complain to about the lack of heat

We were sitting in the balcony section about half way up and we could see everyone on stage without any difficulty. The seat were comfortable and there was enough room for my long legs. The show was very good and entertaining. We were ther with friends and everyone enjoyed the show!

An absolute gift to our city. Not a bad seat in the house and the outside concerts are fabulous too. Various artists makes it an opportunity for all. Enjoy!!

We went there for the first time to see Derek Edwards who was very funny indeed. The site uses an on-line ticket system that it outsourced to another company, fair enough, the system is efficient and actually has better information about the place that the actual theatre site.For instance:Parking? No mention. I eventually found a brief notice on the ticketing site that there are parking lots and on street parking. Free at weekends btw.Facilities? Well they did say that you could enter the lobby one hour before the show. It said that on the ticket. No where else. No mention of whether they have a lounge/bar/coffee/snacks etc.So we got there and were five minutes early. The doors were locked but the small side room with the ticket desk was open. A few other people were already there to get in from the cold. We joined them. There was, of course, the usual red velvet rope making sure none of escaped the corral until the appointed second. The lady behind the desk glared at us and asked if we wanted to buy tickets, to which everyone replied 'No we already have them.' She then snapped 'You realise you can't get into the theatre until just before the show.'A few minutes (not seconds) after the appointed time they released us into the foyer. There is a coffee/snack bar and pretty well hidden, a lounge/bar. The lady behind that bar is very pleasant, the decor is good and the seating comfortable. The prices are very reasonable. Perhaps if the rest of the staff were a bit more friendly and pointed that out they would make more sales. Most theatres struggle financially, why shoot yourself in the foot?No idea if they have anywhere to hang up coats, certainly if there is something they like to keep it a secret.The theatre itself is beautiful, great architecture, good seating, good lighting, it is fairly small so the view of the stage even from the far side is excellent.Sadly they do allow people to take in snacks to the auditorium, it's a 90 minute show but apparently some people cannot survive that long without a bathtub size bucket of popcorn. To the lady sitting behind us, if you absolutely must stuff your face non-stop at least learn how to eat with your mouth closed.

We went to the Terry Clark show, and did she ever put on a good one. the members of the band all performed by themselves as well as her. They put on something worth watching. The theatre is small, but it was packed and every one enjoyed the show.

A preserved older movie theatre offering live and film entertainment. Check the website and you will be impressed at the variety and quality of offerings. Don't forget to pick up a seat cushion to boost you up a little (short guy) in the very comfortable seats.Also, big name bands and rock concerts are a big hit with big name bands.

This theatre has made a big difference to Belleville. I really enjoy going to the movies that they have and although I haven't been to a lot of the performances, I have really liked the ones that I have seen. The staff are very nice and it is a comfortable,well kept up theatre.

I have enjoyed a few shows in this venue. I really enjoy the size as it allows you to have almost "no bad seat" in the house. It is a smaller venue which is something I enjoy. It is very clean and stylish.

My family and I attended the trailer park boy's here a few years back comfy seats very clean nice staff no complaints :)

Last night we attended at The Empire Theatre to watch& enjoy "Freddy Vette & the Flames". Freddy is a D.J. as well as a fabulous entertainer based in Belleville Ontario. Freddy and his band specialize in "the oldies" and present them the way they were given by the performers of the 50's and 60's. The Empire is a beautiful refurbished older theatre with great acoustics and very comfortable seats. There does not appear to be a bad seat in the house. We have been to numerous concerts at the Empire and always look forward to returning. They have a lounge area where you can enjoy a cocktail or glass of wine before or during the performance. Our 42 year old son and his fiancé were our guests and thoroughly enjoyed the theatre and the performance. We are all looking forward to both in the near future.

Wow what a Concert. The Red Rocker rocked like there was no tomorrow. Simply amazing setlist, Led Zeppelin songs, Van Halen songs and his best songs from Montrose to all his solos stuff. Money well invested, VIP Section, another great road trip from Montreal to see the Red Rocker !!!

Saw Jake Clemons there on July 10th. The theater was totally refurbished ten or twelve years ago and it was done very well. The seats are very comfortable and there doesn't seem to be a bad seat in the building. The sound was very crisp and clear. When there isn't a music show going on they show movies also.