High winds tore into downtown Mount Gilead last Friday, ripping part of the roof off the Capitol Theatre, snapping its chimney, and blowing out a front window. The century-old moviehouse is now sitting under a tarp while its owners hustle to secure the building and keep the show going.
Co-owner Joey Powell said staff and a local roofer spent Saturday tightening the damaged roof. After a full day of rain, they were relieved to find no active leaks. The storm hits at a rough time for the small, locally owned theater, which has already weathered a year of surprise emergency bills.
Damage and immediate response
Speaking with WTTE, Powell said the roof has been “tightened down” and has so far handled the recent rain without leaking. The owners are still waiting on a full inspection from a roofing company and guidance from their insurance provider.
For now, a tarp covers the building while the team works around the damage. Powell told the station they are keeping scheduled shows in place wherever it is safe to do so, with safety for staff and patrons as the top concern.
Fundraiser and immediate needs
To help cover costs, the Capitol has launched an online fundraiser for its insurance deductible and repairs. The theatre's GoFundMe page lists $1,850 raised toward a $3,000 goal.
According to the organizer, the storm hit on Friday, March 13, and damaged original slate roofing, knocked down the chimney, and tore off the roofing over the auditorium. The fundraiser is intended to cover the insurance deductible and any repairs that insurance does not pick up.
History and local ties
The Capitol has long served as a downtown gathering spot. The Morrow County Chamber notes the building’s oldest section dates to 1894 and that Jamie Brucker, Angela, and Joey Powell took over ownership in 2022. Chamber coverage of the ribbon cutting and earlier renovation work highlights how the theater has been woven into Main Street events and has leaned on volunteer support.
That history helps explain why neighbors and regulars quickly offered to pitch in after the storm damage, treating the theatre less like a business and more like a shared community project.
Repair costs and strain
Powell told WTTE that the Capitol has already been hit with roughly $60,000 in unplanned emergency expenses over the past year, including air‑conditioning work and equipment replacements.
He said a projector replacement last winter alone cost about $40,000, a price tag that shows how quickly a small venue’s finances can get shaky. The new roof damage, still awaiting contractor estimates and insurance decisions, threatens to deepen that pressure.
How to help
The owners are asking neighbors to rally around the theater by buying tickets, grabbing concessions, or donating to the fundraiser. The theatre's GoFundMe page urges supporters to “share our story, visit us at the theatre, buy advertising or merchandise, or make a donation” as the fastest ways to help.
Staff says they will keep posting updates on the fundraiser and through the theater’s own channels as repairs move forward.
What’s next
A roofing company still needs to complete a full assessment, and the Capitol is waiting on its insurance carrier to confirm what will be covered before major repair work can begin.
In the meantime, the temporary tarp and patchwork from a local roofer are keeping the building usable. The owners say they will continue to put safety first and will share repair timelines and any changes to show schedules as soon as they have them.
