Located on the second floor of the Tisbury Town Hall, the Katharine Cornell Theater is named for the great 20th-century stage actress who retired to Martha's Vineyard in the 1950s. Many of the performances are of Irish music and this small theater is the perfect intimate setting for these types of shows. There are only a handful of performances held here throughout the year, but each of them gets you in the spirit for the sounds of the Emerald Isle.
In 1932, Alfred Hall purchased the Vineyard Theater and renamed it the Capawock Theater, after the important community hall of the same name that was located just down the street. The theater has recently undergone a massive restoration project that has left it gleaming and installed with top-of-the-line movie equipment. Visitors to the theater can take in a movie and can also catch live performances, depending on what the community is putting on at the time.
This community-based theater, built in 1833, develops, produces and presents extraordinary professional performances for the entire family. A non-profit theater company, The Vineyard Playhouse Company, Inc., makes its home here and puts on stage shows, readings, educational programs and theater for both adults and children year-round. In addition, there are special events and guest appearances, festivals and benefits. See website for schedule and cost.
In the 1800s, religious camps were popular on the island. As popularity increased, this open-air wrought iron structure was built, which is believed to be the largest of its kind in the US. With seating for 3,000 people and exquisite woodworking and stained glass, it is truly a magnificent sight. In 1979, its centennial year, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. The Tabernacle is used today for concerts, Sunday church services, community sing-alongs and special ceremonies.