The Jane Pickens Theater & Event Center is a 190-year-old historic cinema, live performance venue, and community function space in the heart of downtown Newport, RI. Referred to locally as the JPT, we don’t just show films- we create experiences for customers and patrons. We host live music shows, private parties, community events, weddings/post-wedding & engagement functions, conferences, non-profit fundraisers, and any sort of special evening you can picture! We will help you bring the event you envision to great success in our uniquely entertaining theater.
Our lobby feels more like a lounge where you can relax prior to the film. It’s a mix of styles with authentic art Deco chandeliers, wrought iron railings, a real original ticket booth, a cherry “conversation” table, and counters with bar stools. Original posters from The Misfits of Marilyn Monroe and Clark Gable guide you to the ladies and men’s rooms.
We sell what you might expect… popcorn (though ours is popped fresh every show and offered with REAL BUTTER), candy, and soft-drinks. Double wooden counters display our many choices of gourmet and movie-theater staple candy, including locally made offerings. But the real treat is our liquor license which allows us to serve craft cocktails, beer, and wine! Depending on preference for your event our concession bar will be open for sale or can be pre-paid for drink/popcorn packages, open-bar etc. Outside catering of food that we don’t sell can be accommodated, but drinks must be sold in-house.
Inside the auditorium holds 312 seats in the orchestra level and 160 seats on the balcony. The aisles are wide and the lighting intimate, allowing for comfortable mingling amongst guests and attendees. Obviously as a cinema we’re equipped to screen your favorite film (pending film-rights availability) or a combo of film & live components. However- our movie screen flies up, revealing a beautiful stage with an antique brick backdrop, allowing for speakers/performers, ceremonies, or even a DJ & dancing for smaller groups.
Rental prices for the JPT depend on a variety of factors including date, time-of-day, additional tech or staffing needs, film-rights, etc, with average event rentals ranging from a bare-minimum $2500 to $4500+ rental price with pre-paid concession packages or unique circumstance extending the price-spectrum. Rest assured we will work with rental clients to facilitate the best and most cost-efficient way to bring your magical event to life! There’s no place quite so unique as the JPT- a world class center and historic picture-house here though almost two centuries to make your custom event vision a reality.
