The Chateau Theatre is located on 217 Tecumseh Av. in Wauneta Nebraska. It was built by Dr. Frank Rider and his wife Maryan in 1937.  The grand opening ad in the June 30, 1937 issue of the Wauneta Breeze Newspaper read, “Undoubtedly the Midwest’s Finest Theatre!” The Chateau Theatre was considered one of the finest in Midwest Nebraska because it was complete with: RCA high fidelity sound, luxurious upholstered seats, beautiful indirect neon lighting, up to date stage effects and a wonderful cooling system. The Riders operated the Chateau Theatre until the late 1960s, as television became more popular it diminished the entertainment role of theaters and forced many theatres including the Chateau to close down.

As years passed by the Chateau's elegance and charm began to fade away and it was no longer seen as a luxurious theatre. People saw it as just another run-down building in a small town. The Chateau took a turn for the better in 1971 when the Wauneta Commercial Club (Chamber) purchased the building. Thanks to help from community volunteers the Chamber was able to raise enough money to purchase the building and pay for some necessary upgrades on equipment, which included fixing the roof. The Chateau Theatre began struggling financially again in the 1980s, closing and reopening several times until finally closing for what everyone thought was the last time in 1989.

In early 1993 music teacher Mike Kitt and speech teacher LuAnn Kaiser believed the old theatre would benefit the community and decided to renovate it. Several people agreed with them that the theatre could be a benefit to the community because it could be used for many public services such as: concerts, plays, and hosting school activities. By the following April a "Member Renovation Committee" was formed, it consisted of 6 people. Funds needed to renovate the Chateau were estimated at $75,000. The Committee shared their plans to reopen the Chateau with Mrs. Rider who approved of the plan and donated $25,000. The donation was enough to get the effort off the ground, a new heating and cooling system was installed and repairs were done to the back portion of the roof. The following school year the building hosted events by the speech department and also junior high and high school musicals.

One major problem that still existed was how will ongoing expenses such as insurance and utilities be paid for? Mrs. Rider and her family solved this problem by creating The Dr. Frank E. Rider and Village of Wauneta Theatre and Community Improvement Foundation. In memory of Mrs. Rider’s husband Dr. Frank E. Rider the family also donated $100,000 to be used only for maintenance of the Chateau Theatre.

In September 1994 the Committee contacted a booking agent and begin offering movies in the Theatre. The movie that played over the weekend was Disney’s “The Lion King”, and it was a huge success! The committee decided to reopen the Theatre full time and began raising money for the renovation project that was set to be completed on July 28, 1995 just in time for the towns annual Wauneta Harvest Festival. Throughout the months the community came together and helped raise money for the renovation project with fundraisers and donations. The restoration included purchasing brand new seats and restoring the art-deco stencilling. New stencils were cut to reproduce the original designs. The renovation was completed on schedule with help from 85 volunteer workers ranging from ages 6 to 80.

Chateau Theatre Renovation Project Goal Statement- The goals of the Chateau Theatre renovation project include restoring and preserving a piece of the community’s heritage and local landmark, continue to make improvements to the facility, and provide entertainment opportunities for the young and old alike.

The renovation continues to be an ongoing process today. Since 1994 another roof has been replaced along with the projection equipment. Every weekend workers volunteer to take tickets and sell concessions at the Theatre. The Chateau Theatre is a huge benefit to the community. It is also a great example of hometown pride it shows how much people can accomplish when they work together.

Pudge Hamilton manages the movie theatre in town today and has been there for over 20 years.  Admissions are only $5.00 per person. There is a wide variety of snacks including popcorn and soda offered at the concession stand. You are guaranteed to have a great time and wonderful experience at the Chateau Theatre every time you visit!