The Flynn

The Flynn Center for the Performing Arts, commonly known as the Flynn, is a renowned cultural institution located in Burlington, Vermont. It was established on November 26, 1930, as Burlington's Wonder Theatre, envisioned by entrepreneur John J. Flynn and his investors from the Queen City Realty Company. The theater was constructed with an investment of $500,000 and quickly became Vermont's premier entertainment venue, offering both vaudeville performances and motion pictures. During World War II, the Flynn served as a community hub, keeping Vermonters informed with newsreels and providing a welcome distraction with Hollywood films. However, as American culture and entertainment preferences evolved in the postwar years, many theaters faced economic challenges, and the Flynn was no exception. By the 1970s, the once-majestic theater had fallen into disrepair. In a turn of fortune, Merrill Jarvis of the Merrill Theater Corporation acquired the Flynn in 1972, and live performances returned to the venue shortly thereafter. The Lyric Theatre Company, founded by Burlington area residents, played a pivotal role in the Flynn's revival. In 1980, the Flynn Theatre for the Performing Arts, Ltd., a non-profit corporation, was established by the Lyric Theatre, initiating a new chapter in the theater's history. The restoration of the Art Deco theater began in 1981, and by the mid-1980s, the Flynn had hosted numerous performances, partnering with local arts organizations such as the Vermont Symphony Orchestra and the Vermont Youth Orchestra. The theater's commitment to presenting a diverse range of theater, jazz, and dance performances helped it gain a national reputation. Following several restoration phases and successful capital campaigns, the Flynn reopened in September 2000 as a comprehensive performing arts center. It now features two performance spaces: the original theater, restored to its Art Deco grandeur, and Flynn Space, a smaller venue that offers a more intimate setting for various performances. Today, the Flynn Center remains at the heart of Vermont's cultural scene, with approximately 200,000 attendees each year enjoying shows on the Main Stage and in Flynn Space. The institution also fosters arts education and community programs, ensuring that the arts are accessible to all. The Flynn continues to support artists by hosting residencies, commissioning new work, and providing space for the development of new projects. Recognized internationally for its artistic, educational, and community endeavors, the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts stands as a testament to the enduring power and significance of live performance.