Celestia Theater: Behind the Scenes Tour

Discover the remarkable journey of one of Wadsworth’s most iconic cultural spaces during this immersive behind‑the‑scenes tour of the Celestia Theater—formerly the historic O.J. Work Auditorium. Nestled inside the century‑old red‑brick school building on Main Street, the theater has been a cornerstone of community life for generations.

Guests will explore the theater’s transformation from its origins as Union School (built in 1870) to the 1907 schoolhouse that later became Wadsworth’s high school, junior high, and ultimately Central School. At the heart of the building sits the 900‑seat O.J. Work Auditorium, a performance hall that has hosted everything from class plays and band concerts to civic gatherings for more than 100 years.

Now revitalized and renamed to honor Laura Celestia Spelman Rockefeller, a Wadsworth native whose legacy in education and philanthropy shaped American history, the Celestia Theater is entering a new era as a regional arts destination.