WOODSFIELD — The Monroe Theatre is up and running, and ready to provide the public with live entertainment this year.

The venue held its first live show of the season last weekend with dozens more planned in the near future. The theater’s in-person shows were put on hold last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which led the theater to begin holding live virtual performances in an effort to keep the community connected and entertained. Once entertainment venues were given the green light to reopen, the theater was able to host live shows with limited capacity last summer — 25 percent, or around 100 people per show.

Mick Schumacher, a county commissioner and member of the Monroe Arts Council, said the theater took a break from shows late last year to complete some upgrades to the facility, including installing a new sound system, cameras and more. However, the theater and its supporters are now ready to go and have booked more than 50 shows for the year.

“We’ve got about 55 shows already scheduled for 2021. There are a few movies, some local bands and some are new bands coming to the theater,” he said.

The facility’s first live show of the year was held March 13. The Shortline Junction band performed for around 100 attendees. Schumacher said it was a “fun” show and that all who attended were thrilled to be there, including the band itself.

“Everyone had a really good time. The band hadn’t been able to play for a while, so they had a good time just being up on stage. The audience enjoyed themselves. … It almost felt like things were a little bit back to normal, which is what we need,” he said.

Schumacher said organizers are also planning to hold four country music jamborees at the theater with the first taking place May 15.

“Through research, we found out that they used to hold country music jamborees once a month featuring local performers and members of the audience would join in. They were big hits, so we’ve decided to bring that back,” he said. “We’re excited to see how it goes.”

A complete list of the theater’s upcoming events can be viewed on its Facebook page. Admission to the shows is free. Schumacher said the theater is following the recommended guidelines issued by the Ohio Department of Health.

The theater originally opened in 1939, providing entertainment to residents until its closure in 1977. With the help of the Monroe Arts Council, members of which helped to renovate the historic theater, it reopened its doors to the public in 2019 after being closed for more than 40 years. Schumacher said additional renovations are set to get underway this summer, including the installation of Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant restrooms and a new roof.

“We’re really excited. Every week there’s a little bit more of an improvement,” he said.

Schumacher said the council members are continuing work to have the theater listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In order to do this, the group must prove its historic nature in terms of architecture and history. Members of the arts council have determined that numerous famous entertainers took the stage between 1940 and 1970. A compilation has been created of those performers along with various souvenirs and memorabilia that are now on display inside the theater.

Schumacher said the application is nearly complete and soon will be submitted for consideration. He said he is unsure when the determination will be made.