Located just a short drive from Orlando attractions and the Kennedy Space Center, this beautifully restored theater is located in the heart of historic downtown Sanford. We are the perfect destination theater offering a schedule of around 70 events annually including: plays; musicals; tribute concerts; ensemble performances such as jazz, big band and choruses; movies; ballet; magicians; comedy shows and more. We're within walking distance of quaint shops and local eateries.

We are currently celebrating our 100th anniversary of providing entertainment toCentral Florida. In 1923, local developers Frank L. Miller and Edward F. Lane began work on what was to become The Milane Theater. It opened to grand fanfare in August 1923 and seated 823 patrons and featured films, Vaudeville acts, and music performances. In 1933, the Milane was sold to Frank and Stella Evans, investors from Lake Mary, Florida, who renamed the building the Ritz Theatre. Their family held the property until the 1990s. However, the Ritz struggled financially in the 1960s and closed in 1978 due to competition from the new multiplex theaters. The building remained vacant until 1984, when it reopened as the Showtime Cantina. The Showtime Cantina closed in 1988 and remained vacant and in decay. In the mid-1990s, Ritz Community Theater Projects, Inc. acquired the property and began rehabilitation in 1998. On May 6, 2000, the theater reopened as the Helen Stairs Theatre in honor of the citizen who led the restoration project. In 2001 the location was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 2008, additional renovations were completed and the theater was renamed the Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center. Revisiting its naming roots and in honor of the theater’s 100 anniversary, the Ritz Theater was added back to its name.

We invite you to browse our website to learn about upcoming performances and contact our excursion coordinator Kitra Weaver who'll be happy to assist you with discount group rate information (10 + and 40+), reservations, and information about historic downtown Sanford. Contact her at groupsales@ritztheatersanford.com or 407-687-0540 and be sure to tell her you saw us at BusTourMagazine.com.