Paul Finnican purchased and restored the Sylvia about ten years ago. Finnican, a Charlottean, had been in York in 2001 for a business meeting when the building caught his eye. The building was originally built as a hotel in 1904, but was transformed into a theater in 1935 and remained one until 1968. In the years after, the building was put to a variety of uses, including teacher supply store.
Finnican spent more than $200,000 transforming the building back to a 200 seat theater and its main function now is as a singer/songwriter showcase and performance venue. The Sylvia also shows movies and recently started a Performing Arts Academy.
Before the opening of the Sylvia, the closest place to watch movies for York residents was Manchester Cinemas in Rock Hill, a nearly 30 minute drive. The Sylvia shows one movie at a time, with a Thursday-Sunday viewing schedule.
Upcoming Movie Schedule
Winnie the Pooh
- Thursday Sept 22 @ 6PM
- Friday Sept 23 @ 7PM
- Saturday Sept 24 @ 3 & 7PM
- Sunday Sept 25 @ 4PM
- Thursday Sept 29 @ 6PM
The Help
- Friday Sept 30 @ 7PM
- Saturday Oct 1 @ 3 & 7PM
- Sunday Oct 2 @ 4pm
- Thursday Oct 6 @ 6PM
Ticket Prices- $6 adults, $4 17 and younger, $4 65 and older
Thursdays are teacher appreciation days, free ticket with identification.
Thursdays are also ‘Dinner Theater’ Nights. You are welcome to bring your own meal to the movie.
This Thursday (Sept 22) is a special preview night for the upcoming 7th Annual Blues and Jazz Festival taking place in Rock Hill from Sept 29- Oct 1. Doors open at 7:30, cover is $10, and live musical performance by Biscuit Miller and the Mix.
For more information on upcoming performances - Sylvia Theater
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