Historical
The Royal Theatre first opened its doors in 1948 in St. Petersburg, Florida. It was one of only two movie theaters serving solely African Americans during the era of segregation; the other being the Harlem Theater which has since been demolished. The Royal Theatre has been visited by entertainers like Duke Ellington and James Brown and has been an important part of art, culture and entertainment in St. Petersburg since its opening.

With the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, African Americans were provided judicial relief from discrimination in public places, including theaters. Ironically, the Act may have led to the demise of the Royal Theater and Harlem Theater since neither remained in business after 1967. Soon after, the Royal Theater was reopened as a Boys & Girls Club. Now, after a $1,200,000 renovation as a result of donations from the many generous friends of the Boys and Girls Club, the Royal Theatre is a state-of-the-art performing and cultural art center.

The Arts Academy
The Royal Theatre Arts Academy is dedicated to the following specific goals:
The pursuit of excellence through music movement, visual, media, theatre and literary education.
Development of character by building life and social skills.
Building a sense of belonging through commitment to the organization and the arts.
Building one’s pride in achievement through accomplishment.

After-School Arts Academy
The Royal Theatre Boys & Girls Club Arts Academy hosts an after-school arts academy with daily tutoring & homework help classess for youth ages 5-18; with a complimentary 10-week Summer Arts Camp. With over 450 members annually, youth participate in weekly lessons in Ballet & Creative Dance, Modern, Jazz, Tap, Mime, Hip Hop Dance, recording arts production, graphic arts, poetry/literary arts, drama, choral.

Summer Arts Camp
The Royal Theatre Boys & Girls Club provides a 10 week Summer Arts Camp(SAC) for over 100 youth ages 5-15. The SAC classes consists of ballet/modern & hip hop dance, drama, poetry, recording arts, arts & crafts, visual arts, and journalism. In addition, youth participate in fieldtrips which include: visits to local museums, theater productions, swimming, and other cultural activities. The SAC participants deliver a stellar end of summer performance, which integrates all the arts disciplines. This show is intended to demonstrate the youth increase knowledge and skills in the arts to their parents, families, friends and supporters.