About
Built in 1914, Rebuilt in 1928, Restored 1990s- Today
Owners Sandijean Fuson, a local Vale attorney, and Mike McLaughlin, the former mayor of Vale, are proud residents of Vale since the 1970s, raising their children in the community.
Way back in 1989 they purchased the Rex theater with the vision to share this great asset with the Western Treasure Valley. Filmmakers from the greater Boise area, and Oregon have seen their films premiered here on the big screen. Local musicians have graced the stage with fabulous concerts, churches have had special screenings, and private events have been held varying from birthday parties to video game competitions. This flexibility within this venue is boundless.
Check out our Rent The Rex page to learn more about our pricing, and how to schedule your own event in this wonderful historic building.
The Historic Rex Theater at 240 A St. W Vale OR was built to serve it’s community in 1914. After after a fire to an adjacent building, parts of the Rex were rebuilt in 1928. It is the oldest working movie theater and performance space in Malheur county.
It sports an art deco style featuring balcony seating, main floor raked seating, a large open orchestra pit area for activities, and a proscenium stage. Listed on the National Register of historic places in Feb. 2022. In 2021-22 a new heating and cooling system and restoration of the original 1930’s marquee was done. It has not stopped entertaining.
The function and use for entertainment and recreation has gone unchanged since 1928. It has served the public for the past 96 years. The Rex Theater retains its integrity to its 1928-1930s era and one can still clearly understand the historical connection to Vale’s Entertainment and Recreation history. Modern community uses of film, concerts, meetings, and performances make this venue a valuable community asset.
Mission
Help preserve, restore, and utilize this wonderful space in our rural Oregon community.
Vision
Partnered with the Drexel Foundation, we aspire to promote and incorporate the arts, (film, performance, crafting, and creating) with the future generation.
Values
- Preservation and Restoration
- Inspire creativity with the youth
- Showcasing this piece of history for all