top of page

About the Essanee

The History of this Old Theatre

The Essanee Theater opened on November 23, 1937. Owned by Julius Scharff and Elias Elias, the theater took its name from the first two letters of their last names: S & E. Designed in the Art Deco style by Owen Southwell, the state of the art theater featured the latest Super Simplex projectors, and two RCA high fidelity sound machines. The building was “air conditioned for both winter and summer, thermostatically heated, cooled by refrigeration.” The Essanee showed its last feature film, City Limits, on November 28, 1985. In 1992 Hurricane Andrew severely damaged the roof and interior. In 2000, local businessman Freddie DeCourt purchased the Essanee and stabilized the building with the hope of turning it into a museum. At that time, Iberia Performing Arts League (IPAL) was looking for a permanent home. On October 31, 2001, the theater was purchased by IPAL. IPAL continues restoration of  the building even as it presents performances year round. It really is...

 “Broadway on the Bayou.”

Our Team

Each month the IPAL board meets to discuss how to make our little Broadway on the Bayou better with each show.  The following board members volunteer their time and talents to help make IPAL a successful community theater.

Charlie.jpg

Charlie Robertson President

73388574_166641937748525_226060668707536

Katherine Caffery
Treasurer

67807740_10157492015933328_8488317697296171008_o.jpg

Kaleigh Lay
Secretary

Fm6MuUjj-297903555.jpeg

Ian Bonin

18839028_10212463480923437_8825319581875594773_n.jpg

Barbie Delhomme

17424681_10208790029729818_3668391483517

Hollie Guidry

17424681_10208790029729818_3668391483517

Hollie Guidry

12291728_1527847674200176_4739366319487662168_o.jpg

Stephanie Judice

21369358_1625658190840605_131076632612781680_n.jpg

Lanie Marcantel

277438121_10222223773809416_3968967884075400475_n.jpg

Timmie Melancon

601469_10151790204338047_1913226811_n.jp

Mitchell Prudhomme

20228933_10102658826841970_5257107324188776759_n.jpg

Angie Sanford

11130358_10155369233305364_2128702067049853138_o.jpg

Christina Williams

bottom of page