The Warner Theatre, Torrington: A Complete Guide

Updated June 2026 · 5 min read

The Warner Theatre is the heart of northwest Connecticut. It's a restored 1931 movie palace on Main Street in Torrington. It runs concerts, comedy, and touring Broadway all year. It has dance and local theater too. For the Litchfield Hills, this is the room for a big night out. You don't have to drive to Hartford or New Haven.

A true Art Deco landmark

The Warner opened on August 19, 1931. It was a Warner Bros. movie palace, built in a rich Art Deco style. Architect Thomas W. Lamb designed it. It's on the National Register of Historic Places. Many call it the best Modernistic theater left in the state. By the early 1980s, it had closed and faced demolition. Locals formed a nonprofit, bought it, and reopened it in 1983. A big restoration came in the early 2000s. It brought back the stenciled ceiling and the star-shaped chandelier. It also restored the deep-orange velvet walls. It updated the lighting, sound, and access for all.

Two stages

• The Oneglia Auditorium is the main stage. It seats 1,772 people across the orchestra and balcony. No seat is more than about 90 feet from the stage. Even the back rows feel close.
• The Nancy Marine Studio Theatre is the smaller second space. It has about 300 seats. It hosts smaller concerts, plays, and local shows.

The Warner is run by a nonprofit. It's called the Northwest Connecticut Association for the Arts. The Warner is now linked with Hartford's Bushnell. That brings more touring shows up into the hills.

What plays there

The lineup is wide by design. The main stage hosts touring rock, folk, jazz, and tribute acts. You'll also find stand-up comedy and Broadway tours. Plus ballet, dance, and classic films. The Warner is also a true local arts center. Its volunteer-run Warner Stage Company puts on full plays. The theater runs arts classes too. That mix of big tours and local roots gives it character.

Getting there & parking

The Warner sits at 68 Main Street in downtown Torrington. Parking is mostly metered, on the street or in nearby lots. Meters are free after 6 PM and on Sundays, which covers most shows. It's a walkable downtown. It's easy to grab dinner before a show.

Around the region

The Warner tops concert venues in Torrington. It's one of the state's great historic theaters. Connecticut has many of them. The Warner pairs well with the wider northwest hills arts scene.

The Warner's full calendar lives in the CT Concert Center app. It sits alongside every other venue in the state. You'll catch hill shows as easily as city shows.