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The Kimball Theatre, home to VPT, was built by John D. Rockefeller and his film distribution company, RKO, in 1933. It was opened with two other RKO theaters Rockefeller owned: Radio City Music Hall and The Roxy Theatre in New York City.
Originally named The Williamsburg Theatre, the theatre was air conditioned, which at that time was rare. Mr. and Mrs. Rockefeller often took their guests to the theatre, including Walt Disney who visited many times, and part of the back row was always reserved for them.
Although built to show motion pictures, the theater was also used for community activities including those of the College of William and Mary, local churches and schools.
In the spring of 2000, Bill and Gretchen Kimball of Belvedere, CA, made a generous donation to begin a year-long restoration and renovation of the theater. The newly renovated Kimball Theatre was dedicated on September 28, 2001.
As originally intended by Mr. Rockefeller, the Kimball Theater continues to show new and films and accommodates a number of exciting performing arts companies including Virginia Premiere Theatre.
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| "Virginia Premiere Theatre with its exceptional productions is a major addition to our artistic environment. our region will be greatly enriched" |
| - Jeanne Zeidler, Mayor of Williamsburg |
| "The audience rewarded the production with a deserved standing ovation." |
| - Portfolio Magazine |
| "An extraordinary life, on stage.well done." |
| - David Nicholson, The Daily Press |
| "Peter Moore's direction is just right all the time. Lausanne Davis-Carpenter's sets and Todd Cooke's lighting are most effective. Don't miss this one." |
| - Edgar Loessin, WHRO Public Radio |